Mikisew Group of Companies receives 2021 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation award

Mikisew Group of Companies receives 2021 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation award

Toronto, ON –July15, 2021 –Today, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Rio Tinto reveal Mikisew Group of Companies as the recipient of the 2021 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation award.

Mikisew Group of Companies,based in Alberta, strives to transcend economic prosperity and self-reliance in the Mikisew Cree First Nations. Their goal to work towards economic and community development is exhibited in their tagline “Pride of a Nation” meaning to drive innovation, corporate performance, and pride of operation among their community’sbusinesses.

“On behalf of the entire Mikisew Group team, the Mikisew Group Board of Directors, and the Mikisew Cree First Nation leadership I’d like to thank the CCAB for this award. It is truly an honorto be the 2021 recipients of the AEDC awardand recognized among the outstanding group of past winners. This award is the result of the unwavering dedication and commitment from the Mikisew Cree First Nation leadership,and our team at the Mikisew Group,to having economic development serve as the beacon of purpose,” says Dan Gallagher, Interim CEO at Mikisew Group.

Mikisew Cree First Nation members reside in northeastern Alberta’s Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park. Mikisewhasover 3,000 memberswith two designated entities to ensure long-term, sustainable economic progress,Mikisew Group and Mikisew Government and Industry Relations. With the decline of Mikisew’s traditional economy commercial fishery andfur trade, in 1991 they pivoted to the oil and gas sector within their traditional territory. Now balancing environmental concerns while providing economic benefits to their members, Mikisew Group of Companies has 13 operating entities. They develop capacity among their employees, employ members from the community, and generate sustainable returns. In addition, Mikisew Cree First Nation has majority interestin two hotels in two Fort McMurray hotels along with ownership in a major remotesolar farm in Fort Chipewyan.

“The Mikisew Cree First Nation is extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Group of Companies.Through the creation of meaningful careers and fiscal distributions we are collectively working towards ensuring our Nation is prosperous for generations to come,” says Chief Peter Powder of the Mikisew Cree First Nation.

The AEDC award recognizescompanies who facilitate economic development in their communities and exhibit strong leadership, skill,and innovation. Mikisew Group of Companies has gone above and beyond to help their community members, and Nation, to become equipped with sustainable profits while also being an integral part in their community. Over the years, their company has diversified their revenues, and added new products and services resulting in tremendousgrowth.

The award will be presented on September 22nd at CCAB’s Business Recovery Forum, a live virtual conference and unique experience to discover innovative ways to network, collaborate,and exchange ideas to rebuild business and strengthen the path toward a healthy and prosperous Indigenous economy.

“It is our sincere pleasure to announce Mikisew Group of Companies as this year’s AEDC award recipient,” said Tabatha Bull, president and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. “Among their nearly 30 years of experience and many accomplishments, Mikisew proudly boasts ownership in the largest remote solar farm in Canada, 3NE, another project that not only expands revenue but allows Mikisew, a proven leader in Indigenous employment, to create more opportunities for Indigenous people. We are excited to celebrate this well-deserved award with Mikisew and to highlight the exemplarygrowth of their corporation.”

“Rio Tinto is very pleased to collaborate again this year with the CCAB as the sponsor of the 2021 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation award and to recognize the remarkable work accomplished by Mikisew Group of Companies to deliver long-term economic benefits for the Mikisew Cree First Nations,” said Geneviève Latour, chief advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Rio Tinto Aluminium. “With its forward-looking approach to community development, Mikisew not only supportedwealth and job creation locally, but it also set a great example for other Indigenous businesses across Canada. Congratulations.”

About Rio Tinto in Canada

Rio Tinto is the largest mining and metals business operating in Canada today, with more than 15,000 people working at over 35 sites and operations across the country. The company produces iron ore for steel, aluminum for cars and smart phones, titanium for household products, and diamonds that set the standard for responsible. Rio Tinto’s Montreal hub, the headquarters of its industry-leading aluminium business, supports the Rio Tinto Group’s global operations.

About Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. A national, non-partisan association, with a mission to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness.CCAB offers knowledge, resources and programs to its members to foster economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information visit www.ccab.com.

-30-

For media enquiries, contact:
Lynda Keith
Director of Marketing
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
lkeith@ccab.com| 416.961.8663 ext. 224

Simon Letendre
Director, Media Relations –Canada and US
Rio Tinto
simon.letendre@riotinto.com| 514.796.4973

NT5