Pelican Lake First Nation, Witchekan Lake First Nation, and Tolko Industries Ltd. announced the launch of Kitaskinaw Enterprises Ltd., which enhances the ability for Pelican Lake and Witchekan Lake First Nations to further their expertise as a logging contractor and develop future business opportunities in sustainable forestry. Kitaskinaw, meaning “our land” in Cree, affirms the importance of the tie to the land of the Pelican Lake and Witchekan Lake First Nations.
Kitaskinaw will initially focus on the development of a logging company with long-term growth in harvesting, biomass, and silviculture. This includes training for Indigenous youth and women, both on-reserve and off-reserve, in both forestry and mill positions as well as other future business opportunities such as trucking. The Limited Partnership corporation is co-owned by Pelican Lake First Nation, by Witchekan Lake First Nation and by Tolko.
Tolko is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of forest products for customers around the world, including lumber, plywood and veneer-oriented strand board co-products, biomass power, and a growing number of specialty wood products.
