CREEWEST Attawapiskat Fort Albany Kashechewan Peawanuck Volume 2 June 2014 Chief Executive Officer Report Ron Basaraba In This Issue

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1 CREEWEST Attawapiskat Fort Albany Kashechewan Peawanuck Volume 2 June 2014 Chief Executive Officer Report Ron Basaraba Wacheyea, Since our last Winter edition back in September of 2013, many things have transpired in a progressive manner taking CreeWest to it s next level of its goals and visions in the aviation sector. From our finalization s of our Sioux Lookout acquisitions back in October of 2013 we have started up of operations with Northern Skies Air Service (a division of CreeWest). The Piper Navajo Aircraft PA (C-GCTH) has completed all of its maintenance and new paint scheme along with interior refurbishing. It has completed test flights and all snags worked out. The aircraft has been inspected by Transport Canada and approved. Flight Operations started Mid April and has kicked off with a good start seeing approx.. 52 flight hours and over 9000 stat miles flown from Mid April June 2014 ending. Mr. Phil Cook joined the CreeWest (Northern Skies Air Service) team prior to Christmas as our Director of Flight Operations/Chief Pilot and has been approved by Transport Canada in this position. We are very fortunate to have Phil on board with his extensive back ground not only as a pilot, but with his extensive expertise in the operations and his relations with Transport Canada. Further into this addition you can read up on Phil s Bio. Hanger renovations have been completed in March as well. The Newly renovated passenger lobby and crew accommodations will certainly enhance our Customer/ Clientele Services as well as reflect positively on out business. CreeWest is officially an airline with its Division of Northern Skies Air Services. From this, the foundation of expansion into the Timmins and James Bay Coastal Communities is closer to reality as we roll up our sleeves working hard to making this happen. CreeWest has come along way in the past two years and will go even further growing and expanding it s First Nations Regional Organization into new heights and areas of business...meegwetch Ron.basaraba@creewest.ca In This Issue Northern Skies: Phil Cook Newly elected Board of Director Ignace Gull Sioux Lookout update Joint Ventures JV: Spotlight of the Month Wisk Air Helicopters Nova Awards Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club CreeWest First Nation Education Award Board of Directors

2 Previously to Phil joining the CreeWest team, he held the position of Director of Operations/Chief Pilot for Air Bravo in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His role and responsibilities were, but not limited to the guidance of pilots and direct supervision daily and oversee the training with-in the organization. Phil s qualifications include, but are not limited to, management, ownership, flight training, PRM (person responsible for maintenance), Chief pilot 702,703,704, chief flight instructor and current Transport Canada designated check pilot along with experience in having been directly involved in marketing, route expansions, operational cost analysis and budgeting. Prior to Air Bravo Phil was employed at Swanberg Air as Director of Flight Operations. Phil re-organized the company at which time was shut down and regained the AOC (Air Operating Certificate) back and restarted the company from scratch. He hired and trained 15 pilots and was fully operational within 3 months of his hire date. Under Phil s direction, Swanberg Air went from only 2 scheduled points to over 8 within 8 months. He had increased market share and increased company fleet size. Phil Cook: Director Flight Operations/ Chief Pilot To add to Phil s accomplishments, his service at Airborne Energy Solutions was a two year contract and during that time he expanded the operation from 703 to 704. Phil held the positions of Chief Pilot 702/703 and the Operations Manager (704) and the CCP (Company Check Pilot) as well. Phil was greatly involved in implementing the SMS (Safety Management System) program, training programs within the fixed-wing department and directed up to 15 pilots with the company itself having over 200 Staff and one 704 chief pilot under his direction. Phil has held Captains PPCs (Pilot Proficiency Checks) on the King Air 350,King Air 100, Grand Caravan 208B, Jet Stream 31 and Navajo PA31 type aircrafts and is presently current on the King Air Beach 200 and PC12. Extensive experience with off strip operations and gravel strips, as well as floats and wheel skis and has accumulated several IFR (Instrument Flight Rating) hours in low and high-density areas. In Nakina, Ontario, Phil was a training captain on Caravans and also responsible for measuring performance and insuring objectives were met within the training department. At North American Charters he held the position of senior pilot as well as base manager at their Sioux Lookout, ON operations as well as Company Safety Officer. Phil had ownership experience with operating a small 702/703 operation and flying schools in Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on which he gained knowledge of the full operating spectrum of aviation starting this company from scratch and developed the Operations, Maintenance and On-Condition programs and manuals. Carried the responsibility of Chief Pilot, Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager. Phil believes in having strong communication between leaders and the employees to enforce the SMS programs and as well to help develop employee retention programs which in turn reduce training costs and increase employee morale. With challenging times within our markets today we have to be more versatile and strongly monitor operational expenditures to maintain a competitive edge and always be looking at new alternative business within the scope of the operation and maintain the niche that gives the company the advantage over the competition. In past years Phil has been involved in the Wawa Chamber of Commerce as a board member and President, and has servved on the Tourism Commission and Community Economic Committee and also a past Rotary member. 25 years in aviation and 10 years within management roles, Phil is a valuable asset for Northern Skies Air Service (a division of CreeWest). His experience as an Operations Manager, Chief pilot for 702,703,704 operations along with his leadership experience and the drive to meet and exceed goals will certainly assist moving CreeWest forward in the aviation sector. 2

3 Attawapiskat First Nations Selects Board of Director to CreeWest January 28, 2014, Attawapiskat First Nations Chief and Council approved and selected Mr. Ignace Gull to represent their Interests as Board Director on CreeWest. Chief & Council notifies and Congratulates Mr. Ignace Gull of his appointment to serve as member on the Board of CreeWest GP Inc. CreeWest is very excited to have Mr. Gull on the Board representing our Introducing Partner Attawapiskat. We look forward on working with Ignace as we move forward and know that his wide range of experience and expertise will assist on guiding us in the right direction as we move forward in our endeavours. Ignace brings to the table a strong voice from his past & present positions and life experiences...welcome on Board Ignace! Currently, Ignace sits on the Board with Ka-Na-Chi-Hih (KNCH) in Thunder Bay with 7 other BOD representing each Tribal Council in the NAN territory. He served as Chair/President of the board for the last 17 years now. Kattawapiskak Development Corporation President/Chair for 8 years. Band Manager with AFN for 24 years altogether Ignace holds a vast interest on business and growth so the First Nations future generation can have something to look forward to. As Founder, he was successful on accomplishing the construction moving forward on a transmission line that was a $53M project to power up Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany FN. Such accomplishments cannot be achieved without a good team to make a dream come to a reality There are two interpretations of the word Atttawapiskat (Ka-tawak-piskak) The first story goes that when Cree Indians first arrived by canoe, they saw the Attawapiskat River from James Bay. At mouth of the river there were two big rocks which appeared not to leave enough room for a canoe to pass in between. The Cree people who saw the rocks exclaimed katawak-piskak, meaning there is no room to pass between the rocks. The other interpretation is that about sixty miles up the Attawapiskat River from James Bay, there are high rocks on each side of the river. This makes it impossible for canoeists to go ashore for many miles. This is where the Hookimaw family had their home before moving to the village. Today the names on the crosses in a cemetery are the silent witnesses of this family s presence at this place. This box has been brought to you by the Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre. Visit their new location at 150 Brousseau Ave, Timmins, ON. Ignace was also Chief of Attawapiskat for 10 years from 1991/2001 Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk 2002/23 3

4 On October 16, 2013 CreeWest GP Inc. Through its Limited Partnership of CreeWest LP (ownership communities of Weenusk, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Kashechewan First Nations) closed the deal on the assist purchase of a Piper Navajo Chieftain PA and the Shares of Northern Skies Air Service now known as Northern Skies Air Service (a division of CreeWest LP), based out of Sioux Lookout Airport. Along with this we maintained the rights to the OC (Operating Certificate) on file with Transport Canada. The purchase of the aircraft came with a 1000 hour maintenance inspection, however CreeWest invested extra dollars into this aircraft to ensure that it was in tip top shape mechanically when it was completed. In addition the aircraft was retrofitted with a separate crew door allowing the cabin to be 100% cargo capable from the cockpit back allowing crew to enter through a separate entrance. The interior was refurbished along with a new paint scheme representing the CreeWest colors and decals, new tires, brakes, Interior finishing and flooring added to the overall look and representation to the aircraft for customers. The aircraft seats 8 passengers but can also go Combi configuration as well Passengers & Cargo. Pending day of travel, alternates etc. It can carry a max payload from 1400 Lbs to 1800 Lbs depending on destination and fuel stop requirements as well. The aircraft is a twin engine piston aircraft that can be single or dual piloted. The aircraft is rated for Day/Night IFR, Leather Interior, weather radar equipped, Auto pilot, and GPS equipped. Its purpose will be to enter into the Air Charter Market for passengers & Cargo based out of Sioux Lookout and targeting clientele such as the communities themselves, Health Canada, MNR, private sector & various other companies and organizations requiring services to the remote communities. There are still a few loose ends to clean up with Transport Canada and the CTA (Canadian Transport Agency) before start up of operations. Our target date is April 01, 2o14 to be fully operational and producing revenue generated charters. For more information, please contact Ron Basaraba - CEO - CreeWest/Northern Skies Air Service ron.basaraba@creewest.ca 4

5 Before! After! 5

6 Sioux Lookout Hangar As well the Sioux Lookout hangar Acquisition closed in October of CreeWest has made the commitment on upgrades to the hangar in form of a newly constructed Passenger Lobby that will see a passenger friendly reception and waiting area along with a 3 bedroom fully furnished crew accommodations built above the lobby. 6

7 Renovations Complete! That s one small step for men and one huge step for CREEWEST! CREEWEST has been committed on upgrades to the hanger since it was first acquired. This newly renovated passenger hanger located in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, has three fully finished bedrooms located above the hanger. This housing unit is presently occupied by two tenants with room for 2 more. The building with the tenants pay for itself. 7

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9 Joint Ventures CreeWest Along with our present Joint Venture with Air Creebec that is now going into its 7 th year, CreeWest has diversified and expanded into Joint Venture agreements with Logikal Code, Winmar Restorations Timmins, McCabe Promotional products and Northern Airborne Maintenance, 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 Regional Organization would certainly assist this opportunity along. CreeWest recognizes that these joint venture 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. 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 Regional Organization would certainly assist this opportunity along. Joint Venture Partners 9 Timmins Branch

10 Joint Venture Partner Spot Light Profile Of The Month Making a Difference If you have been the victim of fire or water damage to your property, look to Winmar for property restoration services that will have your home back in order in a prompt manner. We specialize in remediation of all sorts and are sure to provide the service that you need most. Our IICRC certified professionals will help you reverse damage to your home, documents and media, as well as focus on mould remediation and asbestos abatement. We understand how devastating being the victim of fire and water damage can be. We re dedicated to providing you with property restoration services that will help your house become a home once again. Call Winmar at (705) to see what solutions we have to offer you. Emergency Response At Winmar, we understand the emergency response needs of Risk Management, Property Management, Physical Plant Departments, Public Entities and others. The need for prompt, experienced and professional help with the proper equipment can result in substantial savings and reduction in business interruption. Coast to Coast Fire, weather, frozen, broken pipes, etc will have a greater impact on large institutions such as hospitals, school boards, factories, shopping malls, apartment buildings, etc. At Winmar, we understand that your needs are different. We will work with you to understand your special needs to bring your facility back to its normal operating condition as quickly as possible. Specialized Equipment We offer a full line of equipment which is available to all Winmar locations across the Country. This list includes mobile pumps & water extraction, temporary climate control, temporary heat, temporary generation, commercial desiccant dehumidifies, low grain dehumidifies, wall cavity drying units, air management, portable freezers, air movers, hepa Disaster Planning But why wait for the disaster to strike? Let our experienced team at Winmar work with you to develop a catastrophe plan best suited for your individual needs. We can work with you and your staff to prepare for the unexpected. Feel free to contact the Winmar Regional Vice President in your area to learn more about the Winmar Catastrophe Plan. 10

11 Wisk Air Helicopters Wisk Air Helicopters has joined CreeWest GP Inc. in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and joint venture to provide rotary services to northern 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, understands 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. Wisk Air strives to provide its clients with high quality services such as aerial tours, VIP transportations, remote exploration support and aerial photography to name a few. 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. With thousands of hours of flying and over 33 years of experience within Northwestern Ontario, Wisk Air is known for professionalism and dedication by providing premiere quality services to industrial clients within the region, and throughout Canada. Wisk Air has established numerous agreements with First Nations communities in the Ring of Fire and Lake Nipigon area including a joint venture with CreeWest. Visit their website today at 11

12 CreeWest GP Inc. wins Debeers Canada Aboriginal Partnership Award at the 2014 Timmins Chamber Nova Awaards The Nova Awards are the Chamber s flagship event, celebrating the very best that Timmins businesses have to offer. This lavish gala event puts the spotlight on the many entrepreneurs, companies and organizations that help to make Timmins a vibrant, memorable place to do business. This spirit of celebration combines with a significant networking component featuring some of the biggest names in local business. Over the last decade, this has allowed the popularity of this event to flourish: attendance has grown by more than 250 over the last several years, with 600 attending the 2013 Nova Awards. This Years Timmins Chamber Nova Awards were held again at the Macintyre Arena on May 22, This Prestige and Gala event saw 600 plus in attendance. One of the largest if not the largest Chamber Awards night in Northern Ontario. The Evening started out kicking off with the Finalist s Reception at 6 pm followed by the Pre- Awards Reception at 7 pm. It featured Red Carpet Interviews, Hors d oeuvres, Martini Bar, Lemonade stand, Dessert Bar and all the fixings and settings to an Academy Awards night. Mike Metatawabin, Sr. Board Advisor CreeWest holds up award while CEO Ron Basaraba looks on. All and all there were 15 categories of runner-ups and Winners. CreeWest in the 14th category of the DeBeers Canada Aboriginal Award, sponsored by DeBeers Group of Companies and presented by Shannin Metatawabin, Manager of Aboriginal Affairs & Sustainability. Runner up to CreeWest s win was Endysian Camps and Logistics. CreeWest is very Honored and Humbled by this prestigious award and proud that all of our hard work in the past couple of years turning CreeWest around in its business stance are being recognized. Joining with support at the CreeWest table were Anne Marie Farrington,Richard Clayton and Eva Metatawabin from Air CreeBec, Mike Metatawabin Sr. Board Advisor CreeWest, Willy Metat CreeWest, Ron Basaraba CEO CreeWest, Albalina Metatawabin DeBeers, Doris Rochford McCabe Promotional JV partner. Shannin Metatawabin, Manager Aboriginal Affairs DeBeers presents award to Ron & Mike. 12

13 Thunder Bay Boys & Girls Club Donates Sports Equipment to CreeWest Back in November 2013, The Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club donated a large amount of surplus sports equipment to CreeWest to divide up between our ownership communities of Weenusk, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Kashechewan. The equipment some brand new, and some used ranged from Hockey, Baseball, BasketBall, Boxing, Volleyball etc.. The equipment was sorted out and divided up as evenly as possible, packaged and brought to Timmins Air CreeBec Cargo, From there Air CreeBec Graciously donated on space available to move all the equipment via air to the communities in January. We would like to thank Air Creebec for their continued generosity and support in the movement of this cargo to communities. Ron Basaraba s son Kyler (12) assists his dad in sorting out and packaging the equipment their garage in Thunder Bay for shipment to Timmins. Air Creebec s Diane Daigle, Chris Antonello and Brian Bozzer weigh up the cargo

14 CreeWest First Nation Education Award CreeWest is committed to supporting First Nation post-secondary education. To this end, we have created the CreeWest First Nation Education Award. Eligible First Nation students entering or currently undertaking their post-secondary education can apply for one of four education awards. Dear Student, Attawapiskat Fort Albany Kashechewan Peawanuck CreeWest First Nation Education Award 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 Business 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 diploma 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 January 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) P.O. Box 248 Faxed applications must be followed up with an Moose Factory, ON original by postal mail. P0L 1W0 Applicants may submit their application by . 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) or tanya.small@creewest.ca Attawapiskat Fort Albany Kashechewan Peawanuck

15 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 (Administrative/Finance Officer) Board Advisor - Mike Metatawabin Board Advisor - Pat Chilton Chief Executive Officer - Ron Basaraba Contact Us CreeWest Limited Partnership P.O. Box 248 Moose Factory, ON. P0L 1W0 PHONE: (705) TOLL-FREE: (888) TIMMINS OFFICE: (705) FAX: (705) Visit us on the web at