By Times Chronicle Staff
The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and The Sutherland Group of Companies – a resource extraction and related industrial support group – have formed a limited partnership company Skemxist Solutions to tap the heavy industry market in Western Canada.
According to the two partners, Skemxist Solutions is a broad-based heavy industry and forestry services provider which will offer project consulting, road building & maintenance, drilling & blasting, civil construction, harvesting, marine services, aggregates, and transportation services.
The partnership, they say, “places a strong emphasis on environmental and sustainable work practices.”
The company will be active in the Kootenay, Boundary, and Okanagan regions of the province.
The OIB says the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to economic development and sustainability on its traditional territory.
“By combining our cultural heritage with modern industry practices, we are creating opportunities for growth, prosperity, and empowerment within our community and beyond,” said Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band.
“Skemxist Solutions is a testament to our resilience and determination to shape a brighter future for generations to come,” he added.
Derived from the Nsyilxcən language, “Skemxist” means “Black Bear” – the Chief of all four-legged animals.
The name reflects a commitment to reflection and contemplation of ‘what is,’ guided by an understanding of the past and a profound connection to the future.
“We are honoured to partner with the Osoyoos Indian Band in the creation of Skemxist Solutions,” said Chris Sutherland, Founder, The Sutherland Group of Companies.
He painted the collaboration as a “harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where Indigenous wisdom meets industry expertise.”
Sutherland also said the partnership would deliver heavy industry solutions meeting the “highest standards of quality and safety,” but also “honouring the land, waterways, and cultures cherished in the region”.
