Mikisew Group Gives Back: Supporting the Edmonton Food Bank

At Mikisew Group, we believe in the power of community and wahkohtowin—the Cree value of kinship, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. Wahkohtowin reminds us that success is not just measured by business growth but by the strength of the relationships we build and the impact we make in the communities we serve. When individuals and organizations work together, we create lasting change.

This belief guided us as we recently volunteered at the Edmonton Food Bank, where our team spent the afternoon sorting and packing food for families facing food insecurity. With 40,000 people depending on the Food Bank each month, it felt great to pitch in and support their important work.

Food insecurity affects many families, including members of Indigenous communities, where access to affordable and nutritious food remains a challenge. Organizations like the Edmonton Food Bank play a critical role in ensuring that no one is left behind.

A Hands-On Commitment to Community

Volunteering is more than just giving our time—it is an act of reciprocity, giving back to the land and the people who sustain us. Our team spent the afternoon at the Edmonton Food Bank warehouse, rolling up our sleeves to sort and pack food for families in need. It was a humbling and rewarding experience, reinforcing the power of working together for the well-being of all.

From organizing donations to preparing food hampers, every effort helped ensure that families had access to the nourishment they need. Seeing the dedication of the Food Bank’s staff and volunteers was inspiring, reminding us that collective action creates the biggest impact.

Living Our We Care Values

At Mikisew Group, we are guided by our core values, including We Care—a reflection of the Indigenous way of life, where community and responsibility go hand in hand. We recognize the importance of taking action and supporting organizations that uphold the principles of sharing, generosity, and kinship.

A heartfelt kinanâskomitin (thank you) to our employees who dedicated their time and energy to this cause. Your efforts make a real difference, and we are proud to have a team that embodies the spirit of wahkohtowin in everything we do. Together, we can build stronger communities and a better future for all.

To learn more about how you can support the Edmonton Food Bank and make a difference in our community, visit their website here. Every contribution—whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness—helps ensure that no one goes hungry.

Mikisew Group and Bureau Veritas Form Joint Venture Supporting Indigenous Economic Growth

January 2025 – Mikisew Group of Companies, a leading Indigenous-owned business in Canada, is proud to announce a strategic joint venture with Bureau Veritas Canada, a division of the global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC). This partnership is a significant step in fostering Indigenous economic participation and creating opportunities within the energy industry.

The collaboration brings together Mikisew Group’s strong local Indigenous expertise and connections with Bureau Veritas’ technical capabilities and global network. Together, we will deliver end-to-end TIC services tailored to meet the needs of traditional and emerging energy projects while advancing Indigenous involvement in these critical sectors.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

  • Testing and Certification Services: Delivering industry-leading laboratory testing, quality assurance, and certification solutions across a range of energy projects, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability.
  • Environmental and Safety Compliance: Offering environmental assessments, safety audits, and regulatory compliance support to ensure projects align with both local and international standards.
  • Indigenous Community Support: Empowering Indigenous enterprises by equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to thrive in the energy sector, fostering skills development and economic growth.

Bureau Veritas’ Commitment to Indigenous Communities:
“We are proud to join forces with The Mikisew Group in this impactful joint venture. Our mission is to provide world-class TIC services while advancing Indigenous participation in the energy industry,” said Mark Harder, VP & COO, Upstream & Onsite Labs, Bureau Veritas Fuels. “This partnership underscores our commitment to driving sustainable, long-term economic growth for Indigenous communities, while supporting operational excellence across energy projects.”

Strengthening Indigenous Enterprises:

Through this collaboration, Mikisew Group will benefit from Bureau Veritas’ global expertise and access to cutting-edge technologies, enabling Indigenous businesses to meet and exceed industry standards. The partnership will also contribute to employment opportunities, capacity building, and enhanced Indigenous participation in the fuels and energy industries.

This partnership is more than just a business relationship; it’s an opportunity to build pathways for Indigenous success in the energy industry and beyond,” said Jeff Epp, CEO of Mikisew Group of Companies. “By combining our local expertise and cultural knowledge with Bureau Veritas’ world-class capabilities, we are creating a model for meaningful economic participation and growth that benefits our communities today and for generations to come.”

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has 75,000 employees located in more than 1,600 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com, and follow Bureau Veritas on Twitter (@bureauveritas) and LinkedIn.

About Mikisew Group of Companies

Mikisew Group of Companies is a wholly owned entity of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Since its inception, Mikisew Group has been committed to driving economic growth and creating opportunities for its members and communities. With a strong foundation in diverse industries, Mikisew Group continues to expand its reach, delivering innovative solutions and services that reflect the values and aspirations of the Mikisew Cree First Nation.

For detailed information about the Mikisew Bureau Veritas Limited Partnership, please visit www.mikisewgroup.com/company/bureauveritas or contact us directly at communications@mikisewgroup.com.

5th Annual Mikisew Charity Golf Tournament

What an unforgettable day at the 5th Annual Mikisew Charity Golf Tournament! Despite the wet and windy weather, our partners, clients, and friends came together to show their unwavering support for a cause close to our hearts.

This year’s tournament was a tremendous success, raising an incredible $100,000 to benefit Elders and Youth Programs in Fort Chipewyan. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and generosity of everyone who participated.

Celebrating Community Spirit

The spirit of the day was truly inspiring. The weather may have been challenging, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or camaraderie of those on the course. Seeing our community come together with such energy and purpose is a reminder of what makes this event so special.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who joined us—your support and commitment made all the difference. A special acknowledgment to our Golden Eagle Sponsor, North American Construction Group, for their generous contribution and steadfast partnership. Your support plays an essential role in the success of this tournament and the positive impact it creates for Fort Chipewyan.

Looking Ahead

The Mikisew Charity Golf Tournament continues to grow, not just as a fundraising event, but as a celebration of community and collaboration. Together, we’re making meaningful strides to support Elders and Youth Programs in Mikisew Cree First Nation, ensuring their lasting benefit for the community.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament, where we’ll continue this tradition of generosity, connection, and impact. Thank you once again to all who participated, contributed, and supported this year’s event—we couldn’t do it without you.

Here’s to seeing you all at the 6th Annual Mikisew Charity Golf Tournament in 2025!

Honouring Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

Every year on September 30th, Canadians reflect on the history and impact of residential schools during Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a time to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors who lived through those experiences, and the generations of Indigenous Peoples affected by this history.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day, which began with Phyllis Webstad’s story. As a young girl, Phyllis wore an orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, on her first day of residential school. That shirt was taken from her, symbolizing the loss and erasure many children experienced. Today, the orange shirt represents the ongoing conversation about the lasting effects of residential schools and the commitment to reconciliation.

At Mikisew Group, this day carries a special weight. As the business entity of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Orange Shirt Day is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s personal. We recognize the profound and lasting impact residential schools have had on Indigenous communities, including our own. Every Child Matters—those we’ve lost, the survivors who carry their stories, and the future generations who deserve a brighter path forward.

This year, our team proudly wore orange shirts in solidarity. While wearing orange may seem like a small act, it represents something much bigger: a commitment to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation. It’s also a reminder that this work isn’t limited to one day—it’s something we must carry forward year-round.

We invite our partners, friends, and community to join us. Take the time to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools. Reflect on how we can all contribute to healing and reconciliation. Start by wearing orange and visiting OrangeShirtDay.org to learn more about the movement and how you can make an impact.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure that Every Child Matters becomes more than a message—it becomes a shared commitment to a better future.

Steps for Life Charity Walk

At Mikisew Group of Companies, our commitment to safety and community extends beyond the workplace. This year, we proudly participated in the Steps for Life Charity Walk, raising an extraordinary $9,551 to support families impacted by workplace tragedies.

This annual event, organized by Threads for Life, brings communities together to raise awareness, funds, and hope for families and individuals who have experienced life-altering workplace injuries or fatalities.

Why Steps for Life Matters

The reality is stark: every day, three workers in Canada lose their lives due to workplace incidents or illnesses. In Alberta alone, 165 workers were lost in 2023 to workplace hazards. These numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the critical need for safer work environments and stronger support for those left behind.

Threads for Life is a Canadian charity dedicated to addressing this need. Their mission is twofold: to provide support to workers and families affected by workplace tragedies and to advocate for improved workplace health and safety across the country. The Steps for Life Charity Walk is a cornerstone of their efforts, and Mikisew Group was honored to contribute as a community sponsor this year.

Mikisew Group’s Impact

As sponsors of the Edmonton and Fort McMurray Steps for Life events, Mikisew Group employees went above and beyond, forming fundraising teams in both cities and delivering exceptional results:

  • Edmonton Team
    Our Edmonton team, comprising 17 employees, family members, and friends, raised an impressive $2,135. This placed them among the top five fundraising teams in the city.
  • Fort McMurray Team
    The Fort McMurray team, with 36 employees, family members, and friends, achieved an outstanding total of $7,416, making them the top fundraising team in Fort McMurray. Their contributions accounted for over 25% of all funds raised in the community.

In total, Mikisew Group raised $9,551, a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to making a difference.

Thank You to Our Team

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s success. Whether through fundraising efforts, participation in the May 4th walk, donations, or raising awareness about Threads for Life and Steps for Life, your support has made a meaningful impact.

A Shared Commitment to Safety

The Steps for Life Charity Walk is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a call to action to prioritize safety, support affected families, and work toward a future where every worker returns home safely. At Mikisew Group, we are proud to stand alongside Threads for Life in this mission and remain committed to fostering safer workplaces.

Thank you for your dedication and generosity. Together, we are taking important steps toward a stronger, safer future.

To learn more about Threads for Life and how you can contribute, visit www.threadsoflife.ca.