New Indigenous-Owned Environmental Consulting Company

 

April 6, 2022 – Saskatoon, SK / Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis – Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) and Trace Associates Inc. (Trace) have partnered to launch Airea Consulting LP (Airea), a new Indigenous-owned consulting business. Airea provides environmental science and engineering, sustainability, health and safety, and Indigenous business advisory to communities and clients wanting to work with an Indigenous-owned business.

MLTC Tribal Chief Richard Ben is excited for the business and economic development opportunities that will come with this partnership. “Airea Consulting LP aspires to be a leader in environmental sciences and engineering advisory services and will be focused on developing positive, long-term relationships with clients throughout Canada and North America.”

Airea will invest a portion of its profits into MLTC’s nine First Nations to help them build their economies. That means investment in vital social infrastructure, such as existing on-reserve education, healthcare, youth and Elder programs, and housing. In time, Airea will strengthen capacity and provide training and job creation for members of MLTC’s First Nations.

For the partners, this new venture represents an act of economic reconciliation – MLTC and Trace look forward to continuing to work together to advance a common goal of creating economic benefits for MLTC’s First Nations. Trace is committed to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92, with a pledge to support Indigenous Peoples’ pursuits of self-governance, fair representation, land rights, and employment. This commitment is expressed through a focus on building respectful relationships.

“We are a unique consulting firm in that we listen and ensure collaboration between all to find a win-win for everyone and work for both industry and Indigenous communities. One of our founding goals is to build sustainable and meaningful employment capacity within Indigenous communities,” says Darrell Haight, Co-Founder and CEO of Trace.

Rhonda Smith, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Trace says, “We’d like to thank the nine First Nations of the MLTC for their friendship and trust as we work together to grow this unique business. We are proud to provide potential clients with an Indigenous majority-owned service provider in the environmental science and engineering consultancy field.”

MLTC Tribal Chief Ben wishes to recognize Trace, as well as the contribution and commitment from MLTC’s First Nations’ Chiefs, Elders, and membership, saying “This new company represents the future for our children.”