Revenue Sharing North Star Air, Sachigo Lake and Muskrat Dam
THUNDER BAY – ANISHINABEK – North Star Air Ltd. (North Star Air), one of the leading Northern Ontario air service providers has announced a ceremonial event with Muskrat Dam First Nation (Muskrat Dam) and Sachigo Lake First Nation (Sachigo Lake). In June 19, 2014, Muskrat Dam and Sachigo Lake First Nation signed a strategic business partnership with North Star Air to increase air transportation services to their communities.
Included in this agreement is a revenue sharing program whereby a percent of the North Star Air revenues generated from this partnership will be paid back to the community for future investments into economic development.
North Star Air state, “This is the first of many revenue sharing payments resulting from these strategic business partnerships”.
In addition to benefiting the community at large, this agreement also benefits community members directly as they now have more choices and options for air passenger services and thereby lessening the challenges that many northern communities face when it comes to air transportation services.
Additionally, starting on November 15th, North Star Air is increasing their flex flights services to seven days a week fromfrom Sioux Lookout, to Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake and Weagamow ( Round Lake ).
Flex flight services from Thunder Bay to these destinations are now four days a week.
“Collectively as a community, we needed to find new investment models to sustain our economic development goals and create more opportunities and benefits to give back to our community and this is what are we were able to accomplish when we partnered with North Star Air and Cargo North. As of today, we are a group of five First Nations communities who partnered with North Star Air and Cargo North and we are anticipating additional communities to join us”, stated Chief Gordon Beardy, from Muskrat Dam First Nation.
“Today is one of the examples of how doing business and establishing collaborative partnerships works. Working together to advance our communities is a model for success. We will continue to find ways to create more local economic wealth and explore other meaningful investment and partnerships that works for the north” says Chief Alvin Beardy, Sachigo Lake First Nation.
“We are proud of the remarkable support we have received from Muskrat Dam and Sachigo Lake. Today we are here to celebrate this milestone as it is a testament to the success of our strong and growing business relationships and how our partners’ communities can truly benefit both economically and socially from this relationship”.
About Muskrat Dam
Muskrat Dam has a registered population of 435 people. The First Nation is part of Independent First Nation Alliance with its primary affiliation to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. The community is located approximately 371 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout. Access to Muskrat Dam is provided by a year round airport which is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Regular air service is available to the regional centers of Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. Muskrat Dam airport is located approximately 3.7 kilometers to the main community. Road access between the airport and Muskrat Dam is by one gravel, winter road.
About Sachigo Lake
Sachigo Lake has a registered population of 879 people. The First Nation is part of Windigo First Nation Council with it primary affiliation to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. The community is located approximately 425 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout. Access to Sachigo Lake is provided by a year round airport which is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Regular air service is available to the regional centers of Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. Sachigo Lake airport is located approximately 2.8 kilometers to the main community. Road access between the airport and Sachigo Lake is by one gravel, winter road.
About North Star Air
Beginning in 1997 as a floatplane service North Star Air has steadily evolved its service capabilities and transformed its fleet. In 2012, new ownership was acquired, today, North Star Air is one of the leading Northern Ontario full-service airlines. As a leading provider of charter, passenger and freight/cargo services they make it their passion and commitment to safety, affordability and reliability. Their mission is to connect Northern Ontario communities and their vision is to provide the best possible customer experience throughout their entire journey. Integrity is at the cornerstone of their core values as they continue to drive for excellence.
