“He (Kevin Danchuk) was a guy that saw something in me, he brought me along.

In Northern Saskatchewan, where mining camps and exploration sites dot the landscape, Ray Edwards has had quite a remarkable career journey powered by his determination, hard work and the opportunities provided by Athabasca Catering Limited Partnership (ACLP).

Edwards, now the Director of Northern Operations at ACLP, began his journey with the company in 1992 as a young cook. Little did he know that this entry-level position would be the first step in a career spanning over three decades, filled with growth, challenges and wins.

“I was eager to learn,” Edwards recalls, reflecting on his early days with the company. Recognizing his potential, ACLP’s leadership invested in his development, providing on-the-job training and sending him to various courses to hone his skills in administration, bookkeeping and professional communication.

Under the guidance of mentors like Alan Cole and Kevin Danchuk, Edwards quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning from Cook to Lodge Manager, overseeing camps and ensuring the smooth operation of ACLP’s services. His ability to adapt to change and embrace new challenges caught the attention of his superiors, who promoted him to the position of all-site manager in the early 2000s.

Edwards’s journey with ACLP is intricately tied to the company’s growth. He remembers being part of the team that serviced the McArthur River exploration camp from its humble beginnings as a 10-capsule camp to its eventual expansion into a thriving 750-person operation. “Being a part of that and seeing it grow from the very grassroots of exploration to building a mine, it was really exciting for me,” Edwards shared.

Throughout his career, Edwards has witnessed firsthand the impact ACLP has had on the lives of countless individuals from the north. “It’s great to see all the northern folks that I kind of grew up with getting a good shot at supporting their families and being a part of the community,” he remarks, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for growth and development to the region’s workforce.

Today, as the Director of Northern Operations, Edwards oversees a diverse range of responsibilities, from managing exploration camps to ensuring the smooth operation of logging camps and SaskPower sites. His days are filled with coordinating logistics, addressing client needs and tackling the ever-changing challenges that come with managing a large-scale operation in the north.

When asked about the advice he would give to someone considering a similar career path within Kitsaki’s Group of Companies, Edwards highlights the importance of being open to change.

“Things change on a daily basis. The people around you, I’ve seen people come and go all the time. You have to be open to change. That’s the biggest piece of advice I would give somebody,” he says, underscoring the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.

Ray Edwards’ inspiring journey from Cook to Director at Athabasca Catering shows the opportunities for growth and advancement that exist within Kitsaki’s Group of Companies.

As ACLP continues to grow and expand its operations, it remains committed to providing opportunities for individuals from the north to build meaningful careers and contribute to the economic well-being of their communities.