Skookum Jim Award For Aboriginal Achievement In The Mineral Industry

Recipients of this award will have demonstrated exceptional achievement in an aboriginal-run service business for the Canadian mining industry or a Canadian aboriginal exploration or mining company, or have made a significant individual contribution to the mining industry.

Willie Keatainak is the recipient of this year’s Skookum Jim Award. Keatainak is president of Nuvumiut Developments Inc., a company formed in 1996 by Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, the two Inuit communities closest to the Raglan mine in the Nunavik territory of Quebec. The company aims to secure economic development opportunities at the mine and is fully owned and operated by the Inuit Landholding Corporations of the two communities. It began with an investment of $160,000 and now has assets in excess of $15 million. Keatainak has been involved with the mining industry since the early 1960s. He was a key negotiator to the Raglan Agreement in 1995, a landmark agreement that is seen as a model for subsequent agreements. He has since worked to encourage members of the two Inuit communities to take advantage of the opportunities that the mine offers. Keatainak has been involved with Nuvumiut Developments since its formation, serving as its president for the past five years. The formation of joint ventures with companies such as Kiewitt, Bradley Brothers, Redpath and Jacques Whitford has added to its success.