2. In this Issue:
P.3 Marketing / Projects: Willy Metat
P.4 Joint Ventures
P.5 JV: Spotlight Profile of the Month
P.6 Northern Skies Air Services &
Northern Airborne Maintenance
P.7 Mushkegowuk Annual Assembly
P.8 Employee Profile: Jordan Lysak
P.9 Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre
P.10 Education Matters
P.11 CreeWest First Nation Education
Award
P.12 Community First
P.13 Community Success
P.14 Rosary Spence sings the National
Anthem
P.15 Board of Directors
3. Willy Metat joined our crew as a
casual employee on April 2,
2014 as Assistant / Projects. He
was then was promoted as Mar-
keting / Projects on a full time
basis on January 26, 2015.
He has over 3 years experience
in organizing events within the
Timmins area. His skills include
marketing, projects coordination,
business development and numb
chucks.
If you would like to contribute a
story or news article to our news-
letter, please email Willy Metat
@ willy.metat@creewest.ca
Wacheya. I would like to take this
time to introduce myself and thank
you for reading our Newsletter.
My name is Willy Metat from an iso-
lated community called Fort Albany
First Nation. The community is lo-
cated on Sinclair and Anderson’s
Island on the Albany River. It can
be accessible via water and air trav-
el during the summer months and
has a winter road connecting to
Moosonee and other near by com-
munities during the winter months.
I currently reside in Timmins ON
which is approximately 404 km
south of Albany. There, I work as
Marketing / Projects for CreeWest
GP Inc. where I work on their news-
letter and other marketing material.
I started working for CreeWest in
April 2014 as a casual employee.
Most of my time was spent at home
with my newborn, Ember Metat
(She is now a one year old who
makes more of a mess than her
mother). I stayed at home on EI for
a good 8 memorable months before
getting back into the work force.
As of January 26, 2015, I am a full
time employee for CreeWest.
Since my start date with CreeWest,
I have learnt so much about the avi-
ation industry. CreeWest has seen
so much growth in the past two
years alone. We have come a long
way from our one office in Timmins
with two employees. We now have
a newly acquired hanger in Sioux
Lookout with two new air crafts. We
have also acquired the shares and
assets to both Northern Skies Air
Services and Northern Airborne
Maintenance. Both companies are
now a division of CreeWest LP.
CreeWest still has a lot of room for
growth in the future. We have our
aim set for success and will contin-
ue to move forward. We take pride
in serving our clients and share
holders. I would like to thank our
community ownerships Weenusk
FN, Kashechewan FN, Fort Albany
FN and Attawapiskat FN. And thank
you for taking the time to review our
newsletter.
Willy Metat
P.3
Marketing / Projects: Willy Metat
4. CreeWest along with our present Joint Venture with Air Creebec that is now going into its 7th
year, CreeWest has diversified and expanded into “Joint Venture” agreements with Logikal
Code, Winmar Restorations Timmins, McCabe Promotional products and WiskAir Helicop-
ters, recognizing the potential for business opportunities for all parties.
With our JV partners being specialists in their field of work, they also realise to grow their
business and open up doors for more opportunities, joint venturing with a First Nations Re-
gional Organization would certainly assist this opportunity along.
CreeWest recognizes that these joint ventures will have its share of benefits as well for the
Limited Partnership communities consisting of Peawanuck (Weenusk), Attawapiskat, Fort
Albany and Kashechewan in agreement on sales promoted and obtained due to the Joint
Venture. CreeWest has diversified and expanded into these “Joint Venture” agreements
recognizing the potential for business opportunities for all parties.
Joint Ventures
P.4
CREEWEST
5. P.7
Joint Venture Partner:
Spotlight Profile of the Month!
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
Wisk Air is fully
equipped with a varie-
ty of rotary wing air-
craft that can operate
anywhere in Canada.
With thousands of
hours of flying and
over 33 years of expe-
rience within Northern
Ontario, Wisk Air is
known for profession-
alism and dedication
by providing premiere
quality services to in-
dustrial clients within
the region and
throughout Canada.
Visit their website at:
www.wiskair.com
Wisk Air Helicopters has joined CreeWest in a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and
joint venture to provide rotary services to north-
ern First Nations, including CreeWest’s four
ownership First Nation communities along the
James Bay and Hudson’s Bay Coast.
President of Wisk Air, Mark Wiskmann, under-
stands that this partnership will not only help
their company grow, but will also help
CreeWest’s ownership communities become
more self sufficient.
“We seek to engage and support these First
Nations in order to bring prosperity to these
communities,” Wiskmann says.
They are fully equipped with a variety of rotary
wing aircrafts that can operate anywhere in
Canada. Their helicopters include Bell 206LR,
Bell 206L3 and a Bell 407.
Services include:
P.5
General Charters Forestry Services
Aerial Tour
VIP Transportation
Forest Fires
Heli-Torch
Aerial Construction Specialty Services
Hydro Lines
Drill Moves
Remote Exploration
Heli-Claw
Aerial Photography
“We strive to deliver re-
spectful, transparent
services to First Na-
tions, and realize they
are a vital component
to the management
and development of all
projects in their region.”
Mark Wiskemann
President, Wisk Air
Photo: wiskair.com
6. In the Last year, CreeWest final-
ized the acquisitions of Northern
Skies Air Service and Northern
Airborne Maintenance. Both now
“Divisions” of CreeWest.
CreeWest with NSAS & NAM
employ approx. 13 staff at our
Sioux Lookout Base of opera-
tions. December 6th the Staff
Christmas Party was held for
both companies at Dick & Nellies
Restaurant in Sioux Lookout.
The picture shows our staff of
Aircraft engineers, Pilots, and
Administration along with guests
enjoying the Festivities.
P.6 CREEWEST
C-GCTH & C-GMOB (Sister &
Brother) up in Red Lake No-
vember 27 on Tikinagan Child
& Family Services Charters
Northern Skies Air Services &
Northern Air Borne Maintenance
Introducing: Northern Airborne Maintenance new logo
The new logo was created and designed by Logikal Code (a Joint Venture Partner) with the guidance
of CreeWest. This logo was created to look very similar to the Northern Skies logo to provide a con-
sistency among both companies. The two companies are both owned and operated by CreeWest LP.
Before After
7. Mamowihitowin of the
Omushkego
The Mushkegowuk Council held its 29th
Mamowihitowin of the Omushkego
(Annual General Assembly) in Kasheche-
wan First Nation from January 26-28,
2015. The event was held to collectively
address issues relating to the communi-
ties within Mushkegowuk territory such as
health, education, housing,
and economic development.
It was also a place for the
Mushkegowuk and other
companies and organiza-
tions to quickly report their
activities. CreeWest was
honoured to be invited to
attend this great event.
CreeWest had the oppor-
tunity to present the Mush-
kegowuk Council of its busi-
ness activities on January
28. Ron Basaraba, along
with Mike Metatawabin, Hosea Wesley
and Willy Metat sat on the panel to repre-
sent CreeWest and its group of compa-
nies.
“October 16, 2013 saw the deals closed
and finalized with the acquisitions of
Sioux Lookout Hangar, Chieftain Navajo
PA-31 350 aircraft and the shares of
Northern Skies Air Service which is now a
Division of CreeWest LP.” says Ron
Basaraba as he speaks at the AGA.
“Hangar Renovations Started in Novem-
ber 2013 and completed Introducing a
new passenger lobby and crew accom-
modations mid- April 2014.”
“As well August 1, 2014 saw the deal
close on the purchase of Northern Air-
borne Maintenance which is now another
division of CreeWest”
Ron continues saying, “Mid-April 2014
Northern Skies Air Service (a
division of CreeWest) started
flight operations in Charter and
Cargo work. At this time we also
started generating revenue with
rental tenants in the hangar
from the Sioux Lookout base.”
“November 2014 Northern
Skies Air Service (a division of
CreeWest) added a second
Navajo aircraft to its fleet to ac-
commodate the increased work
load and demand for air charter
services out of the Sioux Look-
out base of operations.”
“CreeWest and its two division companies
employ 15 staff. 1 year ago we only had
two staff. We are now officially an airline
with our own Transport Canada Operating
Certificate presently operating 2 Navajo
PA-31 aircraft. We run a fully operational
aircraft maintenance base for fixed wing
wheeled aircraft as well as float opera-
tions aircraft and are licensed and
equipped for aircraft structural repair.”
P.7
Photo: Kashechewan
First Nation
“CreeWest and
its two division
companies em-
ploy 15 staff. 1
year ago we only
had two staff”
Ron Basaraba
8. Jordan Lysak: Captain
“My career allows me to see places and people that not everyone
gets to witness or even be educated about”
Employee Profile: Jordan Lysak
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
“I love the outdoors and Sioux
Lookout is the perfect venue for
that. Hunting, fishing, camping,
boating, hiking, most sports; it's all
available here.”
- Jordan Lysak
Jordan Lysak is a pilot for
Northern Skies Air Services
based out of Sioux Lookout
ON. He started in August of
2014.
“I chose CreeWest because a
few friends in the industry had
told me about this new up-and
-coming company (Northern
Skies) that would be a great
opportunity to advance my ca-
reer” Jordan says in our inter-
view.
“When I was younger, I was
very fortunate to be taken on
many trips with my parents
that required air travel.”
Jordan went to school at Con-
federation College in Thunder
Bay and graduated from the
Aviation Flight Management
Program in 2011.
He continues to say “My par-
ents got me a framed certifi-
cate from the first airline flight I
took when I was four years
old. Fifteen years later to the
day I received my commercial
pilots licence.”
I asked Jordan what is the
best thing about his career, he
responded by saying “I'm a
people person and love to
meet new people everyday.
My career allows me to see
places and people that not
everyone gets to witness or
even be educated about. Be-
yond that some perks are of-
fered in the industry to travel
at discounted rates, allowing
me to see the world”
P.8
CREEWEST
9. Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre:
Our Culture, Our Traditions, Our Language Shall Survive
Historical Notes on Weenusk
WWW.OCCC.CA
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Cen-
tre is a non-profit organization that
was established in 1975 under the
direction of Grand Council Treaty #9,
now known as the Nishnawbe Aski
Nation (NAN). The Centre is funded
through Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada (INAC) Cultural Education
Centres program. The Centre is man-
aged by a board of directors who rep-
resent each Tribal Council area of the
NAN territory.
Contact Details
150 Brousseau Avenue, Unit B
Timmins, ON
P4N 5Y4
Tel:(705) 267-7911
Fax:(705)267-4988
In 1986, the community was
forced to move from Winisk
(mouth of Winisk River) near
Hudson due to
ice and flood-
ing that de-
stroyed the
whole commu-
nity. Hudson
Bay Co. trad-
ing post and
Roman Catho-
lic Church (RC
mission) Mis-
sionary out-
posts where
the first hous-
ing accommodations to be build
in the area during the fur trading
days. Peawanuck (AKA
Weeusk) is the additional re-
serve land and its separate from
the WN Reserve #90 located at
Asheweig junction. Like Pea-
wanuck, Asheweig is a name of
a place, not a name of a river.
Peawanuck
and Asheweig
existed before
European
contact. The
former com-
munity of
Winisk was
located 32 km
downstream
on a flood
zone. The re-
location of
Peawanuck
took place after another major
flood at Winisk on May 16, 1986.
P.9
About the OCCC
10. Great Study Habits
don’t come Easily
Some people believe that suc-
cessful students are just born
that way. That they get good
grades and know exactly how to
do things in class. That is not the
case at all. We all have that abil-
ity to be completely focused on
a single task. The assignment is
going to be done only when you
choose it to be done. The hard-
est part is getting into the mo-
tion of studying is actually sitting
down and telling yourself “now
is the time”. Once you get that
out of the way, you then have to
develop work habits for school
and studying. Here are two
items to becoming a better stu-
dent.
Choose the right Environment:
When it comes to studying or
working on that big project
that’s worth 25% of your final
grade, one of the most im-
portant things for you to do is
focus. This means getting rid of
all distractions. One of the first
things to do is to find a place to
study. Some people enjoy music
while studying, but I personally
hate it. I like to find a nice quiet
place where I can focus on the
reading at hand. That means
going to the library, locking
yourself into a room, going to
one of the college’s study rooms
or even locking yourself into a
car! By all means, find that area.
Another thing to consider is to
only have what you really need
to study. Are you going to be
checking your phone every five
minutes to see if your photo got
two more ‘likes’? Maybe you
want to tweet “studying really
hard today.
#okforsurethisismylasttweet”.
Get rid of the phone if it’s not
needed. Only bring what is really
needed. For example, when I
had to study accounting, the
only items I brought with me
was my accounting book, a note-
pad and a pen. That is all. Laptop
closed, phone is off.
Right state of mind:
This means becoming passionate
about what you do. Finding that
love for work. Once you love
what you do, it won’t seem like
work at all. It will not feel like a
task but rather an enjoyment.
Become a fanatic about what
you’re studying. Let the joy of
learning become the spark that
really gets the juices flowing.
Allow yourself to become what
you study. This is for you or
whoever you’re doing it for.
Also, always have your goal in
mind. Write it down on a piece
of paper and read it every time
you get the chance. Read it once
when you wake, a couple of
times during the day, and once
before you go to sleep. This goal
can be written down on any
piece of paper. What should you
write on that paper? Write what
your heart wants. For example,
write “I’m in school to make
more money for my future”, or
“My dream is to become the
best at my field.” or even “I’m
going to get this degree so that
my children can have a better
life than I had at their age.”
Write down your goal. Remind
yourself constantly and always
believe you can achieve it. Your
goal is to finish school, but the
fuel to get there comes from
your belief system.
In conclusion, I’d like you to fol-
low Nike’s advice and “Just Do
It”. Don’t take your time for last
minute studying. Make it hap-
pen now. Work on that assign-
ment. Get your reading out of
the way right now. Make it ur-
gent! Set your own deadlines
and follow them. Become a fa-
natic in your area and every-
thing you want will come knock-
ing at your door.
Happy studies.
Education Matters
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin
CreeWest First Na-
tion Education award
Priscilla Nakoochee was selected
from our CreeWest bursary award
committee as the winner of a $500
bursary in September 2014.
Each year, four students are
picked (one student from
Weenusk, Kashechewan, Fort Al-
bany and Attawapiskat) to receive
this award. The bursary can be
used towards tuition, textbooks,
supplies and living expenses.
Don’t miss out on this great oppor-
tunity.
Call Tanya Smalls at 705-268-
2733 for more information.
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
P.10
“Someone is sitting in
the shade today be-
cause someone plant-
ed a tree a long time
ago.”
Warren Buffett
CREEWEST
11. Attawapiskat • Fort Albany • Kashechewan • Peawanuck
Attawapiskat • Fort Albany • Kashechewan • Peawanuck
CreeWest
First Nation
Education
Award
CreeWest is commit-
ted to supporting
First
Nation post-
secondary educa-
tion. To this end, we
have created the
CreeWest First Na-
tion Education
Award.
Eligible First Nation
students entering or
currently undertaking
their post-secondary
education can apply
for one of four edu-
cation awards.
www.creewest.ca
CreeWest First Nation
Education Award
Dear Student,
The CreeWest First Nation Education Award was launched to assist First Nation students
to complete post-secondary education, and provide an opportunity for CreeWest to
strengthen its relationship with our shareholder communities. Selected students are
awarded up to $500 to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses.
We award four scholarships annually for students majoring in disciplines related to Busi-
ness Administration, Marketing, Accounting, Commerce, and Aviation. One scholarship is
awarded to each of our four First Nation shareholder communities (Attawapiskat, Fort
Albany, Kashechewan, and Peawanuck) on an annual basis.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible to apply to the CreeWest First Nation Education Award Program if you
meet these criteria:
You are a member of the Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, or Weenusk First
Nations
You have been accepted to or are currently attending an accredited post-secondary
institution in Canada
You maintain a full course load that leads to a recognized degree, certificate or diplo-
ma
You require financial assistance to pursue your education
If you are already receiving partial funding from other sources, you may still apply to the
CreeWest First Nation Education Award to cover additional educational expenses.
How to apply
Please send your completed application by August 15th for the Fall Semester and Janu-
ary 9th for the Winter Semester to the address below. Do not submit more than one
application per year.
Postal Mail Fax
CreeWest GP Inc. You may fax your application to (705) 268-2737.
P.O. Box 248 Faxed applications must be followed up with an
Moose Factory, ON original by postal mail.
P0L 1W0
E-mail
Applicants may submit their application by e-mail. However, it is incumbent upon the
applicant to ensure receipt of their application.
Applications can be addressed to: tanya.small@creewest.ca
If you think this program is for you, we welcome your application.
For more information, please contact Tanya Small at:
(705) 658-2110 or tanya.small@creewest.ca
12. Community First
Santa Claus makes a quick visit to Weenusk First Nation on
December 19, 2014.
Santa Claus landing in Weenusk
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
Upper Photo:
After handing out gifts, Santa
takes a group photo
Lower Photo:
Willy and his daughter, Ember, sit
together as he hands her a gift.
She had no idea who he was.
Santa Claus visited Weenusk
First Nation this past holiday
season. He went to the local
Ma-Tah-Ha-Mao school to
hand out gifts to the children
of Weenusk.
The children all cheered as
Santa Claus entered the gym
holding his bag of gifts and
jingle bells.
Micheline Hunter, Healthy Ba-
bies Healthy Children worker
in Weenusk First Nation, co-
ordinated and hosted this
great event with donations
from Weenusk First Nation
and partial donations from
Evelyn Turner.
As she called out the names
of the children, you can see
the smiles on their faces.
“The smiles alone made this
trip worth while” says Santa.
Before leaving Weenusk,
Santa made another stop at
their community hall to hand
out another bag of gifts.
“Although this audience was
a little older, they still had an
amazing time.” says Mr.
Claus.
Overall, it was great to have
Santa Claus visit the children
of Weenusk First Nation.
“It was amazing to see the
excited smiles and faces of
joy as I entered the school
gym. You could hear the chil-
dren quite down as I started
ringing the jingle bells and
slowly making my way to the
gym. It was the highlight of
my visit to Weenusk.” says
Santa AKA Willy Metat
P.12
13. Community Success
“I accepted the past and never looked back just kept moving forward because there’s
nothing there for me anymore. Today I am at peace with myself.” Bernice Scott
P.13
Bernice Scott, a community member of
Fort Albany First Nation, has come a long
way in her own personal development.
She has, like many people in reserves,
been dealing with an alcohol problem that
has not only affected herself, but has also
affected her family and friends. She has
been through both physical and mental
abuse as a result of her addiction. Dealing
with alcohol in her twenties became un-
manageable, and at times, overwhelming.
“I was so lost and confused” Bernice says.
“but something, someone was watching
over me and showed me that I have a
purpose on this earth today and that it’s to
help people who are going through what
I’ve gone through.”
A mother of four children and one grand-
child, she had decided to change this for
the better. Seeking treatment was one of
her first options but it didn’t work at times
saying that she felt that she wasn’t ready.
She goes on to say that one of her siblings
and his friend had both encouraged her to
live a healthier life style. They invited her
to join them in a sweat lodge and she ac-
cepted. Although she still had a drinking
problem following the initial sweat lodge,
she stayed committed to change. Bernice
continued to pursue ceremonies such as
sweat lodges, fasting, and the yearly sun-
dance.
“I saw them living a good life and being
happy” Bernice says, “I was so grateful
that my bro and friend introduced me to
these ceremonies. They were there for me
by being supportive. And I also started go-
ing for long walks to have that peace of
mind because quitting my addiction was
very hard because it stayed with me for a
long time. That’s all I knew. That awful un-
healthy life I lived was hell. And today I am
happy. I am healthy. I have learned to let
go and let god. I have learned to forgive
those people that did me wrong.”
“Today, I can say that my life is great and
I am happy and grateful for everything
that I have accomplished.” Bernice has
been sober for 27 months. Lost 45
pounds. Started her fitness journey two
years ago. She eats healthier and drinks
6 to 8 glasses of water a day. She has
been 3 months smoke free. And lastly,
she is now taking academic upgrading to
go to college and become a social work-
er.
She continues to say, “I did this for my
children and grandson. They are my life.
They are very proud of me today. They
see me as a role model. They are following
in my footsteps. They want to eat healthier
and exercise.”
“I am a whole different person today. I am
understanding, forgiving, caring, kind, hon-
est and a better mom and grandma. I am
still growing and learning every single day!
I still have my bad days and good days. No
one is perfect. We’re human. Just trying to
be better than I was before. I am grateful
to still have my life and children today.”
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
14. Rosary Spence sings the National Anthem
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business held its 17th
Annual Toronto Gala at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
CCAB’s 17th Annual Toronto Gala
On February 3, 2015, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
(CCAB) hosted their 17th Annual Toronto Gala honouring their 2015
Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
Upper Photo:
Rosary Spence sings her heart
out to the National Anthem.
Lower Photo:
Rosary Spence and Kendal Net-
maker pose for the cameras dur-
ing the VIP networking sesson.
Kendal Netmaker, founder and
CEO of Neechie Gear, received the
National Youth Entrepreneur Award
for his business excellence.
CCAB posted via Facebook “We
are proud to celebrate Kendal’s en-
trepreneurial spirit, his tremendous
success, and his inspiring story.”
They also posted a video promoting
the award and showcasing Neechie
Gear and its social considerations.
“Neechie Gear gives back every
quarter of the year. Every quarter
we evaluate our sales and our prof-
its and then we take 5% of our net
profit and give either to a local char-
ity or to people who have applied
through us and so on. So we distrib-
ute it based on that.”
To read Kendal’s inspiring story, go
to http://www.neechiegear.com/
pages/our-story
Rosary Spence, from Fort Albany
First Nation, was also in attendance
at the Gala.
She sang our National Anthem in a
room full of quiet listeners. You can
hear the room become silent as her
voice started to echo throughout the
gala. She did an amazing job.
Rosary is a well recognized Indige-
nous singer. She has performed at
public events such as the
ImagineNative Film Festival, Planet
IndigenUS, and World Pride, as an
opening act for various events and
conferences, and has also per-
formed as a special guest at private
functions.
Her most recent album was a col-
laboration album with various artists
titled “Woman’s Voices for Atta-
wapiskat”
View Rosary’s full bio:
http://www.rosaryspence.com/
P.14
Photo: CCAB’s Facebook page
15. CREEWEST
Limited Partnership
Northern Skies Air Service
&
Northern Airborne Maintenance
Board of Directors:
Chair - Michael Fox (Weenusk)
Vice Chair - Ignace Gull (Attawapiskat)
Director - Hosea Wesley (Kashechewan)
Director - Michael Knapaysweet (Fort Albany)
Secretary Treasure - Tanya Small
(office and Finance Manager)
Board Advisor - Mike Metatawabin
Board Advisor - Pat Chilton
Chief Executive Officer - Ron Basaraba
Contact Us
CreeWest Limited Part-
nership
P.O. Box 248
Moose Factory, ON.
P0L 1W0
PHONE:
(705) 658-2110
TOLL-FREE:
(888) 658-2110
TIMMINS OFFICE:
(705) 268-2733
FAX:
(705) 268-2737
WWW.CREEWEST.CA
CREEWEST
P.15
16. Limited Partnership
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook
/CreeWest GP Inc.
Advertise with CreeWest!
Take advantage of this great opportunity to advertise your
company or organization with our ever growing audience!
Help us help you reach your target market with our news-
letter and together, we can change the world!
Email willy.metat@creewest.ca for details on our highly
competitive rates and to book advertising space. Don’t miss
out on this huge opportunity to get noticed and contact us
today!
