Wasaya Group, Lac Seul to team for economic development

Citing a willingness to learn from one another, Wasaya Group Inc. and Lac Seul First Nation have signed an agreement to explore joint venture partnerships and economic activity in the region.
While no specific ventures have been discussed yet, Wasaya Group president and CEO Tom Kamenawatamin said one area of great interest to his organization is learning more about tourism and tourist camps which Lac Seul has operated for decades.
“We want to learn their knowledge (about tourist camps) to pass on to our tourism operators,” Kamenawatamin said. “Lac Seul has experience in this sector. That’s what we’re expecting from this partnership, we give and take and teach each other.”
The agreement was announced Sept. 12 and had been in the works for about a year through discussion between Lac Seul Chief Clifford Bull and Kamenawatamin.
Sam Manitowabi, general manager of economic development for Lac Seul is excited about the prospect of working with Wasaya.
“Our community will benefit from the additional opportunities open to us as a result of this willingness to work together,” Manitowabi said. “Wasaya is a major corporation and service provider to northwestern Ontario, specifically the Sioux Lookout and Red Lake areas. Lac Seul wants to position itself to realize the opportunities available to us within our traditional territory and community.”
Opportunities abound thanks to the agreement, Manitowabi said.
“I think many synergies will be created,” he said. “I think we can provide Wasaya a place to operate out of and if that happens Lac Seul First Nation will have added to its economic base leading to further opportunities within the community.”
Bull and Kamenawatamin said other sectors where partnerships could be possible are transportation, training, forestry, distribution systems and fuel.
Kamenawatamin is confident the alliance between Lac Seul and Wasaya will lead to major economic benefits to both partners.
During its 21 years in business, he said Wasaya has created partnerships and business relationships that not only demonstrate its resolve, but respect and care towards its neighbours in the north and the south.
“These relationships have resulted in having a major impact on the lives of First Nations and others who have benefited and utilized our companies and non-profit services over the years,” Kamenawatamin said.
Bull said the agreement will open Lac Seul to additional markets.
“This will result in increased employment and training opportunities and economic development benefits for my community and we are looking for this kind of partnership,” Bull said.