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.
The spring of 2023 was the start of a new chapter for Prudence McKenzie when she stepped into the room where PLATO Testing was launching its software tester training program in Prince Albert.
“At the kick-off, PLATO co-founder Denis Carignan. was introducing me to some of the PLATO staff, and I heard more about the training, said McKenzie. “I was impressed by how PLATO was answering the Call to Action 92 from the Truth and Reconciliation by ensuring Indigenous people have access to jobs, training and education.”
After a few months of reflection, Prudence made a pivotal choice. She left her longstanding position with the Federal Government to join forces with PLATO, driven by a mission that resonated deeply with her: “Changing our world by building a stronger, more inclusive technology workforce.”
Walking away from the security of her federal role to embrace the unknown at PLATO was challenging for McKenzie, but the transition also marked her best decision. “The best decision I made was to accept this new and exciting position with Plato, I had the opportunity to leave the workforce completely but decided to stay and see how this role can benefit PLATO and my own personal career growth.”
In her journey, Prudence has confronted and navigated many barriers that women in leadership face, however, she’s stood firm in the belief that women are essential to steering us through adversity. “I was told that women are the ones to lead us out of difficult times and we are seeing that,” said McKenzie.
When asked if there was a greatest moment in her career serving as an RCMP officer or during the past 27 years with Indigenous Services Canada, she noted, “There isn’t a defining moment but more of a realization that all my life experiences have made me the person I am today, and these lessons and skills that I have gained can be used to help others.”
Now, as the Indigenous Resource Advisor with PLATO, she takes pride in every chance to guide students and interns through their transitions into the classroom and workplace. Whether offering advice, lending a listening ear, or providing resources, she thrives on the variety each day brings.
The excitement she holds for her position at PLATO is evident. “It’s not just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, to be the support they need in times of transition, and to embrace the uniqueness of each new day. “
Our 2023 Annual Impact Report is here, showcasing how Kitsaki and its group of companies are creating opportunities through sustainable growth.
This document is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit that has driven Kitsaki through a remarkable journey of growth and community impact.
You can find the entire report below.
September 14, 2022, Prince Albert, SK. — Optek Solutions LP (Optek), an IT Services company that is owned by Athabasca Basin Development, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, and Kitsaki Management as well as Aebig Investments, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd (PAP).
PAP is a full-service IT solutions business and long-standing Ricoh Canada dealer serving the central and northern Saskatchewan market and is considered the market share leader in the area. PAP collaborates with customers of all sizes and complexities to help determine their physical and digital infrastructure requirements to optimize their operations and simplify the management of their IT systems.
Optek provides IT services, support and solutions to organizations of all sizes across Saskatchewan. Optek was started by Athabasca Basin Development, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies and Kevin Aebig, the company’s CEO, in 2021. Kitsaki joined ownership of Optek in June 2022 as part of the deal to acquire PAP. “As a group, we are very excited to work together to acquire PAP and build on the excellent foundation established nearly 30 years ago by Dan Fenton and Carolyn Fenton,” said Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development and a representative of the ownership group. “As investors, when we looked at PAP, we all saw a successful, established business and we look forward to supporting the company as it continues to provide excellent service to their customers.”
Dan Fenton will stay on during the company’s transition. “Athabasca Basin Development, Kitsaki Management, and Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies are three very successful Indigenous-owned investment groups based here in Saskatchewan that collectively own over 35 businesses, including an IT Services company whose leader has decades of experience in IT,” said Dan. “Carolyn and I felt this was the right group to take good care of the company and help take it to the next level.”
PAP has 16 employees and will be headed by Kevin Aebig, the CEO of Optek, once the transition is complete. “This is a very exciting opportunity for everyone,” said Kevin. “PAP is a solid, established business with a strong track record of providing service to a huge geographical area. PAP is a growing company in a growing sector and the focus for all of us is in taking care of customers and employees and continuing the spirit of the legacy that was established. I look forward to working with Dan and the employees to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.”