Category: Uncategorized

The Paskwayak Business Development Corporation (also known as Business Enterprises) would like to acknowledge the 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference for recognizing Opaskwayak Cree Nation’s continuing efforts to grow, build, share, and promote our community, our land, and our customs to the world. PBDC and OCN have been awarded the “Leading the Way in Business Development Award” for 2023 at the IITC Gala.

The Kikiwak Inn’s own Assistant Manager, Jade Richards, was also nominated in the Outstanding Staff Person Award. PBDC would like to commend Jade on her commitment to the hotel, our community, and our membership by welcoming visitors to our area with warmth & excellence. We look forward to seeing her being recognized more and more at future events.

The International Indigenous Tourism Conference was held at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 8th to the 10th, 2023 and was hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

 

 

On behalf of the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation Board, management & staff, we send our deepest condolences to the family & friends of our dear colleague and friend William ‘Bill’ Kadachuk.

We acknowledge Bill’s contributions as an integral part of the success of the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation. In his 29 years with PBDC, Bill shared his business knowledge, experience, local history and friendship with his colleagues and friends alike.

May the Creator comfort his family through this difficult time.

###

After 31 years of service, Warren Hicks – pharmacist at Super Thrifty Drug Mart in the Otineka Mall – officially retired today, September 23rd, 2022.

“We would like to give our thanks to Warren for serving my family, our friends, and our nation for these past 31 years,” said Ginger Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation, “your retirement is well deserved and congratulations.”

“I would like to thank everyone in the Opaskwayak and the tri-communities. I have had the honour to serve not only you, but your parents and parents’ parents. Thank you for this,” said Hicks, adding, “but just because I’m retiring does not mean I’ll come back and visit this beautiful area and its lakes. Thank you.”

Hicks was presented with several gifts from the Otineka Development Corporation Manager, Gloria Asmus, along with cake for the patrons.

On behalf the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation, we would like to extend our well-wishes to Warren Hicks and wish him all the best in his retirement.

###

Opaskwayak, MB – Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation recognizes the availability of development-ready commercial sites on Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) lands has not kept pace with continued growth in the region. The ON Commercial Strip Development along Highway 10 North has been a goal for many years which is now becoming a reality as the vision of Opaskwayak Cree Nation is carried forward.

This project involves a multi-year, multi-stage plan which will culminate in approximately 200 acres of developed commercial lots to be leased. Preferred tenants for leasing would include a manufacturing operation, light and heavy commercial businesses. Additional real estate would be leased to developers who are committed to building property suitable for retail space and office space. This land development is a one-to-five-year development for the first phase.

We welcome business ventures, retailers, warehouses, manufacturers that are looking for space to develop on First Nation Land that has Prime Highway Frontage. As well, we are developing an Industrial Park north of the weigh scales on Highway 10 as this is an important growing industry for our economy. Non-binding Letters of Interest will help project planning and determine future needs.

“This is an exciting time for our First Nation and our region. This development will create jobs, support business growth and provide diverse revenue streams and opportunities for our Fist Nation. This is not ‘just’ a land development project but this a significant investment for OCN, our people and our future generations. We’re proud to be moving forward as a Progressive and Independent First Nation,” Ginger Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Paskwayak Business Development Corporation Ltd.

 

For further information please contact Darryl Bauer, Economic Development Officer at PBDC 204-627-7200 or email at dbauer@pbdcltd.com.

###

Winner of the door prizes for the 2021 PBDC Job Fair are:

1. Lisa Lathlin – $250 Gift Certificate from Northland Leisure
2. Philip Bignell – $150 in Otineka Mall Bucks
3. Melissa Bignell – $100 in Otineka Mall Bucks

Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who came out.

Watch out for future job fairs in our community.

If you would like more information on employment opportunities, please call the PBDC Office at (204) 627-7200 and ask for Human Resources or our Retail Manager.

Ekosi/Thank you

Paskwayak Business Development Corporation will be holding a Job Fair at the Kikiwak Inn on November 10, 2021, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The job fair will be held in the Bignell Room and all participants are encouraged to bring their resumes. Interview questions will be shared and discuss your future with PBDC. Meet managers one-on-one and explore new career opportunities.  Companies on hand to hear from you include the Otineka Development Corporation, OCN Shell Gas Bar, PBDC Administration and the Kikiwak Inn. There will be door prizes to be won for those who show up.

COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

For more information, please call Pam Monias or Chasity Brass at (204) 627-7200.

Congratulations to Richard Partridge Sr. on establishing his own contracting business.

Recognizing there was opportunity in the forestry industry and on his traditional trapline, Richard Partridge took the initiative to become a “qualified contractor” with Canadian Kraft Paper Industry (CKPI). A lot of persistence and patience has lead to a contract for the 5-year Bignell cut logging operation north of Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

There were many challenges along the way for Partridge, such as developing a safety plan, registering his business, obtaining proper insurance requirements, equipment and staff training. Partridge will be working on the land for beaver controls, road testing and brush maintenance.

We wish Richard much success and happiness in the future, keep up the great work!

On September 30, 2021, the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation will close its administrative offices and businesses in recognition and respect of the first annual Truth & Reconciliation Day. We ask all those who are reading to take this time to learn, grow and reflect on the issues affecting Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island – from clean water to Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls, to Indian Residential Schools. This is not only Indigenous History, it is Canadian History. It is World History. We are all affected and we can all make a change for the better.

Starting in 1996, the Kikiwak Inn has been the destination for high-quality service with at-home appeal for travellers far and wide. Translated from the Swampy Cree dialect the Kikiwak means “your home away from home” and that is what we have promised for 25 years and counting. We thank each and everyone of you who uses our services to stay and visit our community to those who frequent our restaurant – 315 Dining – and those that use our banquet rooms for their gatherings, big and small. Thank you for 25 years of support and we look forward to serving you and our area 25 years and beyond. Tapwe kiche!

Please be advised that the Paskwayak Business Development Corporation GRAVEL OPERATIONS will be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Any questions or concerns, please contact (204) 627-7200.