[IPSM] Federal funding helps Samson Cree Nation

[shelly]

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 10:00 AM
Federal funding helps Samson Cree Nation take historic first step into...
Canada NewsWire 

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
       
Federal funding helps Samson Cree Nation take historic first step into oil and gas drilling business

    CALGARY, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada today announced
$1.76 million in federal funding to assist the Samson Cree Nation in taking
a historic first step into the oil and gas drilling business through the
acquisition of a 50 per cent interest in two oil and gas drilling rigs. The
announcement was made by the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament
for Edmonton Centre and the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs
and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status
Indians.
    Samson Cree Nation and Western Lakota Energy Services Inc. are launching
a historic joint venture that will bring jobs, training and expanded business
expertise to the Samson Cree Nation. Samson will benefit financially through
a 50/50 partnership affiliation with Western Lakota in this $13.9 million
project. EnCana Corporation and High Point Resources have contracted with the
partnership to guarantee 195 drilling days for the rigs over the next two
years and then on a best-efforts basis thereafter. These rigs will be used in
northern Alberta and northeast British Columbia. In addition, Apache Canada
has provided a letter of intent to use the rigs on a best-efforts basis.
    "It is gratifying to see private industry like Western Lakota Energy
Services, EnCana Corporation and High Point Resources willing to partner in
economic development projects with First Nations," said Minister McLellan.
"This is truly a win-win scenario not only for the parties involved, but for
all Canadians."
    "There is strong public support for government investment to help First
Nations become self-reliant," said Minister Scott. "Canadians, like First
Nations, want to see improvements in the lives of First Nations' people and
believe increased and sustained economic development is key to leading to
greater First Nations' autonomy."
    In addition to the direct benefits to the community derived from the
purchase of these two rigs, it is also anticipated that many other businesses
will be created indirectly through this venture, including businesses that
specialize in site preparation, seismic and surveying activities, back hoe
operations, water and fuel hauling, equipment rental and servicing, work camp
and catering operations and other businesses directly related to serving the
oil patch.
    By the end of the first five years of operation, this project is expected
to create a total of 20 direct and 77 indirect jobs for Samson community
members. The training received by members will provide transferable job skills
in the drilling industry beyond this present partnership.

    This release is also available on the Internet at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca.

For further information: Glenn Luff, Director, Communications, 
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Alberta Region, (780) 495-6638, 
(780) 940-9880 (Cell)/

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