Kitsaki Management donates $250,000 to new Prince Albert Ronald McDonald House

"Group photo of Kitsaki Management staff presenting a large ceremonial check for $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan. The check is dated March 13, 2025, signed by Ron Hyggen (CEO), and shows 'Kitsaki Group of Companies' as the donor. The presentation takes place in an indoor setting with a wooden spiral staircase in the background. The group consists of approximately 13 people in business attire, with some standing in the back row and others seated in the front row holding the oversized check."
Kitsaki Management presents a generous $250,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan on March 13, 2025.

Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership is proud to announce a gift of $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, contributing to the Miles to Go capital campaign. This campaign aims to construct two new Ronald McDonald Houses in Prince Albert and Regina, benefiting families from Northern and Southern Saskatchewan.

“At Kitsaki, we value community and family and have seen firsthand Prince Albert’s important role as a gateway and essential service provider for northern families,” said Ron Hyggen, CEO of Kitsaki Management. We’re honoured to support Ronald McDonald House Charities in their mission to provide comfort and care for families during challenging times.”

Together, AGI Envirotank, Athabasca Catering, Canada North Environmental Services, First Nations Insurance Services, Kitsaki Management, Kitsaki Vegetation Services, La Roche McDonald Insurance, Northern Resource Trucking, Optek Solutions, and Plato donated $250,000 to support capital costs and operational expenses at the new Prince Albert House.

The new Prince Albert House will offer 12 rooms, convenient and comforting accommodations that will ease the emotional and financial burdens of families undergoing medical treatments.

Once construction is complete, a guest room at the Prince Albert House will be named after Kitsaki and its group of companies.

For additional details about Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan and the Miles to Go campaign, please visit: milestogosk.com.

NRT Partners with Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada to combat human trafficking

NRT has partnered with the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC) to help raise awareness about a growing problem in Canada: human trafficking.

In the media, human trafficking is often portrayed as something that happens abroad—something to be wary of when travelling in Europe, Asia, or South America. We hear about it in dramatic Hollywood thrillers and urban legends about waking up in a bathtub with a missing kidney.

However, the reality of human trafficking is far worse than these sensationalized stories suggest. Unlike fiction, human trafficking is brutally, horrifyingly real—and it happens much closer to home than many of us realize.

Joeline Magill, co-founder of Hope Restored Canada, a Saskatoon-based organization supporting survivors of human trafficking, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the crime in a 2023 interview with The StarPhoenix.

“Human trafficking is a large umbrella term that covers four different forms of the crime,” Magill explained. While sexual exploitation (or sex trafficking) is the most commonly recognized form, she noted that labour trafficking, domestic trafficking, and even organ removal are also prevalent.

Yes, even in Canada. Even in Saskatchewan. In fact, Saskatchewan has one of the highest incidences of human trafficking in the country.

The Role of Trucking in Combatting Human Trafficking

Shelley Walker, CEO of WTFC in Ontario, has been passionate about educating the public on human trafficking for years. Her commitment to the cause began after attending a presentation that revealed horrifying details, including cases where victims were as young as two months old.

“Mainstream media in Canada is terrible,” Walker said. “They only want to talk about human trafficking one day a year, on February 22—National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada. But if we want to make a difference, we have to do better than that.”

Truck drivers are in a unique position to help—both in raising awareness and in identifying signs of human trafficking. They frequent highways and truck stops where victims of sex trafficking are often picked up or forced to work. Additionally, some unscrupulous trucking companies exploit the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, making labour trafficking a serious issue within the industry.

More importantly, semi-trucks are large, visible, and have the potential to serve as rolling billboards to raise awareness about human trafficking.

The Birth of the ‘Rolling Billboard’ Initiative

Walker first pitched the idea of a semi-trailer wrapped with a human trafficking awareness message at a government roundtable discussion in 2017. Unfortunately, officials dismissed the concept. Determined to take action, she personally funded the first wrapped trailer, organizing an event that brought together the public, local news, and law enforcement.

Out of this initiative, Know Human Trafficking was born—a non-profit organization dedicated to wrapping more trailers, hosting events, and spreading awareness. Today, Know Human Trafficking has wrapped 31 semi-trailers that help bring attention to the hidden crimes unfolding in our own communities.

NRT’s Commitment to Awareness in Saskatchewan

Sherry Mossman, Chief Operating Officer at NRT and a board member of WTFC, was aware of Walker’s initiative and reached out about participating in the program to increase awareness in northern Saskatchewan, where many at-risk individuals reside.

Because Indigenous people are disproportionately victimized by human trafficking, NRT ensured that the awareness messaging on their trailers was translated into both English and Cree.

“Given that Saskatchewan is a hotbed for human trafficking and that Indigenous women are significant targets,” Mossman said, “NRT wishes to act to protect our owners’ families and communities.”

Working in partnership with Jenn Thoma at Kitsaki Management Corporation, Mossman designed a customized trailer wrap tailored for local Indigenous groups, incorporating Cree translations. A second trailer, intended for use in Manitoba and featuring n-dialect translations, is planned for later this year.

Education and Future Plans

“If more truck drivers knew what to look for, more [human trafficking crimes] would be reported,” Walker explained. “There is an online training course for drivers on the Know Human Trafficking website that all drivers should take. In Ontario, five or six training schools already include it as part of their mandatory curriculum, and we are pushing to make it a requirement for all drivers.”

Once Know Human Trafficking gains charity status in June 2025, Walker plans to introduce a mobile trailer unit that will travel to different communities to provide education and awareness. This trailer will feature a mini-classroom where educators, in collaboration with Crime Stoppers and local law enforcement, will share specific, localized data on human trafficking.

The survivor-led training course designed specifically for truck drivers is available for free on www.knowhumantrafficking.com. While the course is designed for truck drivers, it benefits anyone who wishes to learn how to identify trafficking crimes and report suspected activity to authorities.

With increased awareness and vigilance on our roads and communities, we can make a difference.

R8dius Set to Widen the Circle of Opportunities in Professional Services with Indigenous Majority-Owned Business Model

  • 24 Oct 2024
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R8dius to deliver technology and managed services solutions with Indigenous-led workforce

R8dius, an Indigenous professional services, technology implementation and managed services business, launches today. R8dius’ founding investor and partner is Kitsaki Management, one of Canada’s leading First Nation economic development corporations and the economic development arm of Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan.

“R8dius represents a groundbreaking initiative that builds on our history of success in economic development,” said Ron Hyggen CEO of Kitsaki Management and member, R8dius board of directors. “Together with Deloitte, we have thoughtfully designed R8dius to be a platform for inclusion—a purposeful business venture that creates lasting impact by providing opportunities that directly support First Nations communities and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Supported by Deloitte Canada, R8dius will widen the circle of opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and Nations to lead in the professional services space and engage in sustainable partnerships across Canada.

“This year marks four years since Deloitte Canada released its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the first of its kind in corporate Canada. We remain focused on advancing inclusion, education, employment, and economic empowerment,” says Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada. “This two-year collaboration to design R8dius with Indigenous communities and leaders represents another crucial and thoughtful step on our journey toward advancing reconciliation, setting a new standard and forging a new path forward together. Guided by our shared purpose, we are redefining how we deliver value to benefit all peoples and communities to accelerate productivity and economic growth in Canada.”

As an independent business, R8dius will operate with an Indigenous-majority board to deliver innovative and impactful Indigenous technology services in Canada, in response to the growing market need. R8dius includes a national network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, fusing unique perspectives and capabilities to deliver world-class solutions and technologies to clients across the economy to address Canada’s most complex challenges. As R8dius grows, it will continue to engage Indigenous economic development groups to invest in the business and drive economic diversification within their communities.

“We are driven by our purpose to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and Nations, creating Indigenous-led opportunities that support capacity building—this is where R8dius comes to life. We are excited to be building this business with experienced Indigenous leaders,” said Roland Labuhn, managing partner, R8dius and partner, Deloitte Canada. “This is only the beginning. We have set a high standard for what we need to see in the market and look forward to embarking on this incredible journey to deliver meaningful Indigenous business diversification and STEM- related career opportunities, driven by our clients’ business and technology led needs, and supported by Deloitte’s 175+ years of advisory service experience.”

Certified as an Indigenous Business by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Council of Indigenous Business (CCIB), the ‘8’ in R8dius is representative of the Eighth Fire Prophecy – a First Nation’s prophecy related to creating a better future through aligning values of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. With a growing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) economy and workforce, economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development for FNMI communities will be at the center of the business to help boost Canada’s productivity and create new opportunities in professional services.

As sectors across Canada continue to seek new ways to innovate and improve productivity through technological transformations and talent shifts, R8dius will create economic diversification through a wider range of employment opportunities, training, and mentorship programs for the next generation of Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs that would not have otherwise existed. The hope is the skills can be used in corporate environments to fill in-demand talent gaps and invest in FNMI communities to thrive in a technology-driven future.

R8dius will provide innovative and culturally appropriate technology solutions that benefit clients and Indigenous communities. The business is dedicated to making a positive impact, and empowering organizations, FNMI communities, and Canadians to thrive in the digital age while upholding Indigenous values and contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous Canada.

Visit www.r8dius.ca to learn more about R8dius and how it can help your business.

Kitsaki Management expands footprint in downtown Saskatoon, buys former HSBC building

"A group of six people stands in front of a modern building with reflective windows under a clear sky. The building is located at 321-21st Street East. The group appears to be posing for a photo, dressed in a mix of casual and business attire, and the setting suggests a professional or corporate environment. Autumn leaves are visible on a tree in the foreground.

Oct. 2, 2024

SASKATOON, Sask.—Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership (KMLP), the economic development arm of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), has purchased the former HSBC building at 321 21st Street East in downtown Saskatoon, further solidifying its presence in the city.

The purchase represents a significant investment in the economic future of the LLRIB and underscores Kitsaki’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in key urban centres, while also supporting the growth and importance of downtown Saskatoon.

“Kitsaki’s purchase of the HSBC Building aligns with our vision of prioritizing investments that provide long-term value and growth opportunities,” said Ron Hyggen, CEO of Kitsaki Management. “Its proximity to several of Kitsaki’s group of companies offers exciting possibilities for investing in our infrastructure that supports the significant growth we’ve experienced over the last three years, including adding 1,000 people to our workforce, mainly in Saskatchewan.”

Kitsaki purchased the property for $6.5 million, and already owns the land being set aside for Kitsaki’s first Saskatoon urban reserve, located in the Marquis Industrial area through Canada North Environmental Services.

“Building on our success with the City of Saskatoon and the transition of the Kitsaki-owned CanNorth building to an urban reserve, this investment in the downtown area opens opportunities to be vested partners in Saskatoon,” said Hyggen. “It is also a chance to showcase the potential for successful partnerships between Indigenous businesses, especially with our downtown neighbours Yellow Quill Holdings Inc and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and municipal governments in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.”

“It is important to create a space for LLRIB band members to work in Saskatoon and provide our community with opportunities for economic development, while also creating numerous employment opportunities through Kitsaki’s Group of Companies,” said Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Tammy Cook-Searson. “The purchase of an additional building in Saskatoon is an important milestone for Kitsaki and for the economic future of LLRIB.”

The property will become the new home of Kitsaki Management once the Additions to Reserve process is complete with Indigenous Services Canada. Commercial real estate leasing opportunities will be available in the near term as Kitsaki finalizes the design of the property and markets the property to organizations looking for on-reserve commercial property.

For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Director of Marketing and Communications
jennifer.thoma@kitsaki.com
306-270-4513

Ray Edwards’s Journey at Athabasca Catering

The image shows a person assembling sandwiches in a kitchen setting. Several slices of bread are lined up on a long counter, with different condiments already spread on each slice. The individual is placing ingredients, such as meats or vegetables, on one of the sandwiches. Various condiment bottles and food containers are visible in the background, indicating a busy food preparation area, likely in a restaurant or deli

“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.

Glen Ertell reflects on a 25-year career at NRT

“And I think it’s a testament that we [NRT] must be doing something right to have drivers who have been with NRT for 37 years.”

Glen Ertell, who’s been a staple at Northern Resource Trucking for 25 years, is retiring. 

Ertell’s journey in the trucking industry began 50 years ago when, at the age of 18, he obtained his chauffeur’s license. “The only criteria to get it was it had to be in a vehicle that had a standard transmission,” he laughs. “I had a 1967 Mustang with a standard transmission, and in Tisdale, it wasn’t really all that hard.

From those beginnings, Ertell’s career took him through various roles, including Gravel Truck Driver, Concrete Plant Operator, and Truck Owner Operator. However, it was in 1998 that a chance encounter with a friend led him to Northern Resource Trucking (NRT). 

“He said, ‘You should come over to where I am and have coffee. This is really pretty unique place,” referring to NRT’s Indigenous ownership group. and hauling into the northern mines.

Starting as a dispatcher, Ertell witnessed first hand the company’s growth and evolution. “I think when I started, there might have been 50 trucks. A few months after I got there, Cameco slowed down big time, and we had to lay off a lot trucks to get right sized. “

Despite the challenges, Ertell remained dedicated to NRT, working his way up to Operations Manager, Branch Manager, and eventually, Vice President.

When asked about the future of trucking, he said, “Canada’s trucking and logistics industry is growing, and it is hard to explain how important it is to Saskatchewan and Canada’s economy. There are careers outside of driving, so I remind young people that there are roles for Mechanics and Dispatchers and that the industry offers lots of opportunities for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding career.

Ertell is a strong advocate on getting an education, he was fortunate to have great mentors and by taking available courses to help his career grow including completing post secondary Business Admin at The University of Saskatchewan when he was 53.

NRT is committed to training and developing skilled professionals, so really, there has never been a better time to consider joining the trucking and logistics industry.”

“Trucking is never the same,” he says. “I told Dave (McIlmoyl) lots of times, ‘There’s probably only a couple of days in my career that I wished I would have phoned in sick.’ But it’s always that crazy curiosity that makes you want to come back the next day to see what happened overnight.”

Prosperous Partnerships

*This story was originally published in the 40th-anniversary issue of CCAB’s Aboriginal Business Report.

By Nikita Weiss Day
Insights on how to build successful business partnerships that will stand the test of time.

Many factors go into creating a successful partnership, whether it’s between individuals,
businesses, organizations, or Nations. When a partnership is founded on genuine collaboration, the mutual benefits to both parties grow exponentially.

For Indigenous peoples in Canada, the business marketplace has provided fertile ground for the development of outstanding partnerships that deliver a range of benefits: economic reconciliation, self-determination, capacity building and wealth transfer, to name a few.

Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership, which manages economic development for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, is one example of an Indigenous business that has prospered thanks to strategic partnerships. As is often the case, its biggest partnership, with energy giant SaskPower, began with an opportunity.

“They were working on a transmission line from one of their hydro projects to the main grid. And they needed cutting along that transmission line to be completed. They were really looking to engage First Nations in that area, which was us,” Kitsaki CEO Ron Hyggen says.

While work initially began in partnership with Valard Construction, Kitsaki was able to build enough capacity throughout the project to take it over.

“We took it in bite-sized pieces, and that was by design, to make sure that we were able to succeed and reduce risk,” says Hyggen. “That really became the beginning of a long-term relationship.

This part of Kitsaki is now called Kitsaki Vegetation, and it completes all integrated vegetation management for SaskPower, ensuring the stability of the provincial power grid.

For Hyggen, collaborating with clients isn’t just a matter of fulfilling a contract. It’s about working to make sure both sides know what is really needed from the partnership.

“It’s not just the job for us,” Hyggen says. “We’re trying to fulfil more than that. We have different mandates as a First Nation, on employment, on training – and really on economic development in our Nation and our partner First Nations.”

For many First Nations, says Hyggen, development often starts in the Nation’s own backyard. “A lot of First Nations will build a gas station. And that’s the first real business opportunity to start with. From there, they add on, and they take on more and more companies and different types of operations.”

Over the years, Kitsaki has built a large portfolio of investments across multiple sectors, including transportation, catering, underground mining, engineering, insurance and forestry. When it comes to maintaining a strong partnership, Hyggen believes having a seat at the table is key, along with a mutual understanding of what the long-term goals are.

“The way I look at it is we have 12,000 First Nation members in our band, one of the largest in the country, and that’s all my family,” he says. “Whatever we do for profits actually goes back to them…. So, I always say I have 12,000 bosses.”

On the other side of Kitsaki’s partnership is Rhea Brown, executive vice president of customer experience and procurement for SaskPower. In working with Kitsaki, says Brown, SaskPower understands that the value truly flows back to the people.

“When we think about the prosperous relationships that we’ve had with Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, a consistent theme is the prioritization of meaningful contribution to capacity building, skills growth, and sustainable economic impacts for the workforce and the communities that they represent. And I think through this lens, Kitsaki is the definition of a good partner,” Brown says.

Brown feels proud to see the positive growth SaskPower and their Indigenous supply partners have experienced, meeting and even exceeding targets every year for contracting with Indigenous suppliers. “It’s important that our supply chain is committed to creating direct impacts for and with Indigenous communities. For SaskPower, a big lesson has been that we have to continue to evolve and continue to raise the bar,” she notes.

For Brown, SaskPower’s biggest success comes in the form of Indigenous ingenuity and capacity growth. “It makes us very proud when we are able to help an Indigenous business get their foot in the door, get work experience, grow capacity and skills and then compete on other work in our province and outside of our province – and knowing that we had even a small role in helping that supplier gain that experience that helps their success.”

You can read the full article on the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) website. Click here to read more about building resilient partnerships.

From Aquatic Biologist to Division Manager: Kelly Wells’ journey at CanNorth 

Joining Canada North Environmental Services (CanNorth) as an Aquatic Biologist was the dream job for Kelly Wells post-university, offering her summers in the field in Northern Saskatchewan.  

 Now, fast forward 22 years, Kelly stands as CanNorth’s Environment Division Manager, where she finds joy mentoring budding biologists. Moreover, she is pivotal in CanNorth’s operations and management teams. 

Even as a child, Wells had a clear vision: a career in the environmental field. Her summers were often spent at the family cottage, where she developed a love for fish biology and the tranquil waters. For Wells, the allure of a new adventure triumphs a desk job any day. 

During her early years, guidance came from a senior fisheries biologist, a colleague of her father. “I talked to her about consulting and the kind of work she did. She really inspired me to delve into consulting. I love the pace, the diversity, the blend of field and office work, and the applied science aspect,” she recalls. 

CanNorth emerged as the perfect fit for Wells. Beginning as a modest venture, the company grew conservatively. With only four employees when Wells joined in 2001, the scope of work was broad. “I learned quickly. From the start, I dove into cost estimates, project management, and client relations. But I also found myself mending fish nets and conducting fish surveys,” she recounts. It’s this diverse environment that sustained Wells’ interest in consulting over the years. 

Now, CanNorth boasts a family of 90 employees, with many women occupying senior positions, and their operations and management teams are predominantly women. “I’m surrounded by competent, amazing women,” she beams. While Wells acknowledges the persisting challenges for women in the workplace, she’s found an egalitarian atmosphere at CanNorth. 

Being part of the Kitsaki group of companies significantly contributes to CanNorth’s triumphs, according to Wells, and garners various advantages. The entity’s Indigenous ownership attracts individuals keen on being part of such a unique establishment.  

“Kitsaki and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band are hugely supportive, with Chief Tammy Cook-Searson serving as a global role model for women,” she said. 

For Wells, the job has been a source of fantastic “moments”, especially her time spent in the north, around Lake Athabasca and Uranium City area. “I learned immensely from the locals, both on personal and professional fronts… I fell in love with Northern Saskatchewan, the lake, and the remoteness,” she reminisces. 

Looking back, what captivated her as a child hinted at her destined path. She opted for a boutique company like CanNorth with robust leadership, sustainable hiring practices, room for growth, and a varied workload. And she has never looked back since.