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New Joint Venture Formed by Northwestel and Fort Nelson First Nation
A new northern communications company has been formed to serve the Horn River Basin in northern British Columbia. Waterways Communications Limited Partnership (LP) is the result of a new partnership between Northwestel and the Fort Nelson First Nation.
The joint venture was formed to provide a wide variety of reliable and cost-efficient communications products and services for resource companies operating within the Horn River Basin. This includes the provision of voice, Internet and data solutions using both satellite and microwave technology.
“We are confident this partnership will have benefits for all those involved,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “Northwestel is uniquely positioned to provide the infrastructure and experienced staff that can deliver and support a comprehensive suite of communications products and services. The formation of Waterways Communications LP will promote the full participation of the Fort Nelson First Nation in the provision of the services needed to develop the Horn River Basin.”
“We are very pleased to partner with Northwestel to form this new communications company,” said Kathy Dickie, Chief of Fort Nelson First Nation. “The presence of Waterways Communications LP in the northern marketplace will ensure that a fair share of the economic benefits from natural resource industries remain in the region and benefit the people who have lived here for generations. Our primary goal is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our community and protect the land for our people.”
An event will be held to celebrate the formation of the new company on Thursday January 28th at the Chalo School in Fort Nelson. Residents of the area are invited to attend between 5 and 7 p.m. that day. There will be a short program, with participation from both the Fort Nelson First Nation and Northwestel, followed by a community feast.
Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.
Fort Nelson First Nation is a Dene community whose traditional lands include those of the Horn River Basin.
