Bird partners with Marten Falls First Nation to advance infrastructure projects

Key Takeaways:

• The majority Indigenous-owned partnership will lead the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects within Marten Falls Traditional Territory.
• Bird Construction will issue 20,000 common shares to the community development group to support the long-term cooperative framework.
• The partnership integrates local capacity building through workforce development and subcontracting opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

The Whole Story:

Bird Construction is teaming up with an Indigenous group to boost infrastructure.

The contractor announced it has entered into a strategic agreement with Marten Falls First Nation to form a majority Indigenous-owned partnership to lead infrastructure development in the region. The joint venture will focus on the planning and delivery of community-defined infrastructure projects within the Marten Falls Traditional Territory.

“At Bird, we believe lasting partnerships start early, by listening, building trust, and investing in people,” said Teri McKibbon, President and CEO of Bird Construction Inc. “We value the opportunity to partner with Marten Falls First Nation on an important step for the community and its future. This partnership is about working collaboratively on community infrastructure while supporting readiness initiatives that build skills, experience, and local capacity, creating clear pathways for Marten Falls members and businesses to participate meaningfully over the long term.”

The entity, Piinahzii Limited Partnership, establishes a framework for near-term and long-term construction projects intended to support community development. The partnership includes a specific mandate for capacity building, focusing on local workforce training and creating subcontracting pathways for Indigenous-owned businesses as infrastructure projects progress.

In connection with the formation of the partnership, Bird has agreed to issue approximately 20,000 common shares to Ozhiitaah LP, the development group for Marten Falls First Nation. The share issuance remains subject to approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

“This partnership supports our commitment to building community infrastructure while advancing community readiness priorities that help our community prepare for the opportunities ahead,” said Bruce Achneepineskum, chief of Marten Falls First Nation.