Service and supply sector urged to embrace Aboriginal partnerships – Oilweek Magazine
Joint ventures with First Nations are becoming increasingly important for service and supply companies looking to attract the attention of project owners, according to an Aboriginal affairs expert working at an Edmonton-based crane and heavy haul company.
“We believe it’s the way of the future. We believe that resource companies are going to focus more and more on who has the joint ventures with Aboriginal groups,” said Andy Popko, vice-president, Aboriginal affairs, NCSG Crane and Heavy Haul Services. “I think that those that don’t do joint ventures with aboriginal groups are going to be left behind.”
Popko joined NCSG just 18-19 months ago, but the company has already done 18 joint ventures (JVs) with First Nations in that time frame, he said during a panel discussion at the Canadian Energy Supply Chain Forum in Calgary on Wednesday. Another six deals are pending approval, he added.
