The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

What The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach does

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is a federally-recognized self-governing Indigenous First Nation band in Canada, created in 1984 by the Naskapi Act under the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act (one of the first self-governing bands in Canada) and renamed to its present designation in 1999. It governs approximately 1,056 registered Naskapi members in Kawawachikamach, Quebec — located 16 km northeast of Schefferville on 16 square miles of Category IA-N land along the Quebec-Labrador border — operating under the Northeastern Quebec Agreement (NEQA) of January 31, 1978, a modern treaty within the meaning of s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Nation is currently co-developing a Self-Government Agreement and Constitution with the Government of Canada via a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD) Table, with monthly Constitutional Committee meetings ongoing since October 2020.

The Nation delivers governance and member services through departments including Administration, Economic Development, Public Works, Police, Fire, Housing, Education, Health, Justice, and Recreation. Underlying infrastructure includes a bilingual trilingual WordPress website (naskapi.ca) supporting English and Naskapi languages, Naskapi Radio broadcasting, the Nation's 53%-owned Sichuun telecommunications joint venture delivering fibre-optic triple-play services and an LTE mobility platform launched in 2023-2024, plus physical facilities including a Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant, Uapenutau Garage, Gas Bar, John Pien Memorial Gymnasium, Shinapest Tooma Memorial Arena, softball field, recreation facility, Wellness Center, shelters (women's and men's), and the Sachidun Childcare Centre with 35 new spots.

The Nation's revenue model is a hybrid of (a) federal and provincial government transfers and grants (CIRNAC, CMHC, ISC, MELCCFP, Société du Plan Nord, MFA), (b) Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) payments from mining operators — notably the Aganow Agreement with IOC-Rio Tinto executed January 31, 2023, providing over CAD $2 million per year plus an initial lump sum, most of which is invested in the Taasipitaakin Trust established September 2023, (c) commercial revenues from Nation-owned and partnership businesses operated primarily through the Naskapi Development Corporation — including Kawawachikamach Energy Services Inc. (KESI) operating the Menihek dam for nearly 20 years, Sichuun, Pimi Naskinnuk (fuel), Beton Naskinnu (concrete), Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, Naskapi Adoschaouna Services, Chimo Garage, Naskapi Civil Works, and Manikin Center (grocery), and (d) mining royalties and Taasipitaakin Trust investment income (annual distributions capped at 10% of accumulated capital). Customer segments include approximately 1,056 Naskapi members and beneficiaries, Schefferville-region residents and businesses served by Nation-owned utilities and supply businesses, local entrepreneurs and job-seekers supported through the CEDO fund (up to CAD $50,000/year) and Naskapi Local Management Board (NLMB) training/employment funds, and industry partners in mining, energy, and transportation engaging via IBAs and Pre-Development Agreements.

Name

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Legal name

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Website

https://naskapi.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is a self-governing Indigenous First Nation band in Quebec, Canada, delivering governance, social services, and economic development to approximately 1,056 Naskapi members through treaty-based government funding, Impact Benefit Agreement payments, and a diversified commercial holdings portfolio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Government Services

NAICS

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (92115), Business Associations (813910), Management of Companies and Enterprises (55111)

akta.pro primary industry

Tribal/Indigenous Public Health Authorities (HLAJAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

State/Provincial Licensing, Permitting & Regulatory Administration (Cross-sector) (BPAIABAO), Local Public Health & Human Services Administration (BPAIACAK), Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM), Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development (BPAGABAL)

Keywords

• First Nations governance
• Community social services
• Cultural language preservation
• Remote region utilities
• Indigenous economic development

Headquarters

HQ city

Quebec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal and Provincial Government Funding: Recurring transfers and grants from Government of Canada (Indigenous Services Canada, CMHC, CIRNAC) and Government of Quebec (MFA, MELCCFP, Société du Plan Nord) for programs including Social Assistance, Social Housing, Rapid Housing, Childcare, Wildlife Protection, and Capacity Building. Examples include $22,313,260 from CIRNAC over five years for housing, $4,656,000 from CMHC for housing, and $1,461,550 from MELCCFP for Wildlife Protection Assistants (2022-2025).
2. Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) Payments: Annual payments and lump sum compensation from mining operators under IBAs. The Aganow Agreement with IOC-Rio Tinto (signed January 31, 2023) provides over $2M per year plus an initial lump sum, most of which is invested in the Taasipitaakin Trust for future generations. Includes financial compensations for past wrongdoing.
3. Nation-owned Business Operations: Revenue from Nation-owned and partnership businesses operating in the Schefferville region including Kawawachikamach Energy Services Inc. (KESI - electricity via Menihek dam), Sichuun (fibre optic telecom, LTE, IT services), Pimi Naskinnuk (fuel), Beton Naskinnu (concrete), Tshiuetin Rail Transportation (freight and passenger), Naskapi Adoschaouna Services (transportation), Chimo Garage (car rental/repair), Naskapi Civil Works (civil construction and mining), Manikin Center (grocery), Gas Bar, Nomads Restaurant, and Sachidun Daycare.
4. Mining Royalties: Royalties received from mining operations in Naskapi traditional territory, transferred to the Taasipitaakin Trust for future generations. The Nation has developed Pre-Development Agreement frameworks with multiple mining exploration companies.
5. Taasipitaakin Trust Investment Income: Investment returns from the Taasipitaakin Trust established in September 2023 for the benefit of future generations. Governed by a Board of Trustees with an Investment Policy. Only 10% of accumulated capital can be returned to the Nation per year. Initial funding includes the lump sum from IOC Aganow Agreement and mining royalties.
6. Cultural and Recreational Service Fees: Fees from Community Centre rentals (community events, work and public meetings, court rentals, fundraisers, personal rentals) and Youth Centre, Multi-Purpose Room, and Culture Room rentals for activities such as Summer Day Camp, teen nights, and sewing.
7. CEDO and NLMB Fund Allocations: Community Economic Development Organisation (CEDO) fund limited to $50,000 annually for local entrepreneurs and businesses, plus Naskapi Local Management Board (NLMB) funding for training and employment projects (16 projects approved in 2022-2023).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels12 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is a self-governing First Nation that delivers governance, social, cultural, housing, education, health coordination, recreation, public safety, and economic development services to approximately 1,056 registered Naskapi members in Kawawachikamach, Quebec. It also operates Nation-owned and joint-venture businesses in the Schefferville region spanning electricity, fibre-optic telecommunications, rail transportation, fuel, concrete, civil construction, vehicle services, grocery retail, and childcare.

Product overview

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is a self-governing First Nation located 16 km northeast of Schefferville, Quebec, operating a portfolio that is neither a single software product nor a SaaS platform but a bundle of public-sector services, community facilities, and a diversified commercial holdings ecosystem managed through the Naskapi Development Corporation. Core governance and member-facing services include the Naskapi Police Force, Naskapi Fire Department, Sachidun Childcare Centre, Kathleen Tooma's Beautiful Dawn Center (women's shelter), Naskapi Men's Shelter, Wellness Center, the John Pien Memorial Gymnasium, Shinapest Tooma Memorial Arena, Kawawachikamach Softball Field, Naskapi Recreation Facility, and Naskapi Community Centre. Supporting government functions include the Department of Public Works (with the Uapenutau Garage and water/wastewater operations), the Housing Program (Social Housing and Rent-to-Own), the Naskapi Economic Development Department (administering CEDO and NLMB funding), and the Human Resources Department. The Nation's commercial holdings span Sichuun (telecommunications joint venture), Kawawachikamach Energy Services Inc. (KESI), Naskapi Adoschaouna Services, Chimo Garage, Naskapi Civil Works, Pimi Naskinnuk, Beton Naskinnu, Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, Manikin Center, the Naskapi Gas Bar, Nomads Restaurant, and Sachidun Daycare. The Nation's public website is a bilingual English/Naskapi WordPress site (with a sitepress-multilingual-cms language switcher) and does not expose a developer API, AI services, or third-party product integrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kawawachikamach Energy Services Inc. (KESI): Fully owned and operated by the Naskapi Nation; provides electricity to the Schefferville region via the Menihek dam.
• Naskapi Adoschaouna Services
• Chimo Garage
• Naskapi Civil Works
• Pimi Naskinnuk
• Beton Naskinnu
• Tshiuetin Rail Transportation
• Manikin Center
• Sichuun
• Taasipitaakin Trust

Products and services

• Sichuun Telecommunications
• Kawawachikamach Energy Services Inc. (KESI)
• Tshiuetin Rail Transportation
• Naskapi Adoschaouna Services
• Chimo Garage
• Naskapi Civil Works
• Pimi Naskinnuk Fuel Supply
• Beton Naskinnu Concrete Supply
• Manikin Center Grocery
• Sachidun Childcare Centre
• Kathleen Tooma's Beautiful Dawn Center (Women's Shelter)
• Naskapi Men's Shelter
• Naskapi Police Force
• Naskapi Fire Department
• Naskapi Community Centre
• John Pien Memorial Gymnasium
• Shinapest Tooma Memorial Arena
• Naskapi Gas Bar
• Uapenutau Garage (Fleet and Heavy Equipment)

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2M per year + initial lump sum from IOC Aganow Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA)
• +7 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Naskapi Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025Joint Resolution signed on October 24, 2025 between the Council of the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach and the Board of Directors of the Naskapi Development Corporation. Outlines a renewed cooperative relationship built on open communication, shared planning, and a unified commitment to the prosperity of the Naskapi people. Establishes clearer ways for both leadership bodies to work together, strengthen economic and cultural initiatives, support long-term funding efforts, and explore how this renewed partnership may be reflected in the Nation's future Constitution.
• Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2023Chief Theresa Chemaganish signed the Subsidy Grant Agreement with MELCCFP on March 28, 2023 covering costs associated with Naskapi Wildlife Protection Assistants (WPAs) in the amount of $1,461,550 for the period from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025. Broken down as $421,300 (22-23), $516,000 (23-24), and $524,250 (25-26). Renewed and increased from prior 2022-2025 funding agreement negotiated by Billy Moffat and Lindsay Richardson.
• IOC-Rio Tinto (Iron Ore Company of Canada)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2023Aganow Agreement (Impact and Benefit Agreement/IBA) concluded after over two years of negotiations between the Nation and IOC-Rio Tinto. Named 'Aganow' referencing how Elders pronounced 'Iron Ore'. Includes environmental protection, employment, contracting, culture, and financial benefits provisions. Includes symbolic statement by IOC expressing regret regarding its past relationship with Naskapi employees and closure of Schefferville mine. Provides the Nation with over $2M per year plus an initial lump sum payment, most of which is invested in the Taasipitaakin Trust for future generations. Unanimously approved by community at special general meeting on November 29, 2022 and executed on Naskapi Nation Day (January 31, 2023). Marks 45th anniversary of NEQA.
• Cree, Inuit and Naskapi ForumcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 April 2022Memorandum of Understanding - renewed declaration of collaboration and cooperation, expressed in unity, vision, capacity and creativity, by the Cree, Inuit and Naskapi Nations, the Northern Quebec's natural caretakers and treaties' partners, grounded on their forefathers/mothers' sacrifices, yet on which rests the hopes and aspirations of their respective future generations. Forum continues the work of advancing Nation to Nation collaboration and Indigenous self-determination in Northern Quebec.
• Government of Canada (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Canada and the Nation established a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion table (RIRSD Table) in 2019. In August 2020, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation and Self-Determination. Co-developing a Naskapi Self-Government Agreement (SGA) since 2020 to empower the Nation to develop and adopt its own constitution and laws. Constitutional Committee composed of Nation members holding monthly meetings since October 2020. Once Constitution is finalized, a referendum will be held to seek approval of Naskapi Electors.
• Sichuun (Nation Innu Matimekush-Lac John, Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Limited partnership established in 2019 between the Nation, Nation Innu Matimekush-Lac John (NIMLJ), and Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam (ITUM). The Nation owns a majority of Sichuun's shares at 53%, NIMLJ is the next largest shareholder at 30.25%, followed by ITUM at 16.75%. Offers fibre-based triple-play services (high-speed Internet, television, telephone), IT support services to regional organizations, and continues development of LTE mobility platform. Had nine full-time permanent employees in 2022-2023 plus three summer students.
• Kativik Regional Government, Makivvik, Hydro-Québec, Government of QuebecmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Cambrian Lake / Nachicapau Lake / Waskaikinis sector conservation agreement covering 5,740 km² of exceptional ecosystem diversity within the Nation's traditional territory. The 20-year agreement prohibits mining activity in the Cambrian Lake subsector, prevents hydroelectric power development projects in the sector, sets the goal of creating a State reserve in the Nachicapau subsector, and sets the goal of identifying possible alternatives to hydroelectric development. Two subcommittees formed in 2020-21 to implement conservation goals.
• Government of QuebecflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 1978Signatory to the Northeastern Quebec Agreement (NEQA) signed January 31, 1978 - a modern treaty within the meaning of s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Also signed the Naskapi-Quebec Partnership Agreement on October 19, 2009 in Kawawachikamach with the Nation and Naskapi Development Corporation addressing community and economic development matters. Currently engaged in negotiations on environmental regime amendments to section 14 of NEQA and section 23 of JBNQA. Nation has filed lawsuit to seek declaratory judgment regarding outdated environmental regimes on Nuchimiyuschiiy.
• Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRailway company that is a Naskapi partnership with Innu communities. Offers freight and passenger transportation between Sept-Iles and Schefferville all year round on a weekly basis. Rail services include passenger and freight ranging from large vehicles, gasoline and fuel oil, and refrigerated goods.
• Century Global Commodities (Joyce Direct Iron Inc.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining exploration company developing the Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project. The Nation publicly announced in September 2021 that it does not support the advancement of this Project given its short duration and extremely sensitive location. The Nation submitted 35+ pages of comments to IAAC and GNL on the EIS on February 22, 2022. Submitted a Pre-Development Agreement and a Contribution Agreement in September 2022 to set terms and conditions. Draft PDAs have been submitted to numerous companies including Century Global.
• Commerce ResourcesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining exploration company. The Nation has developed a framework for Pre-Development Agreements (PDAs) with mining exploration companies that have reached more advanced stages of development. Draft PDAs have been submitted to numerous companies including Commerce Resources. Significant progress has been made and it is expected that several PDAs will be concluded in 23-24.
• Imperial MiningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining exploration company. The Nation has developed a framework for Pre-Development Agreements (PDAs) with mining exploration companies that have reached more advanced stages of development. Draft PDAs have been submitted to numerous companies including Imperial Mining. Significant progress has been made and it is expected that several PDAs will be concluded in 23-24.
• Torngat MetalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining exploration company with PDA expected to be concluded in 23-24 fiscal year. The Nation has developed a framework for Pre-Development Agreements (PDAs) with mining exploration companies that have reached more advanced stages of development.
• Metal Quest MiningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining exploration company with PDA expected to be concluded in 23-24 fiscal year. The Nation has developed a framework for Pre-Development Agreements (PDAs) with mining exploration companies that have reached more advanced stages of development.
• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partnership. The Nation's Economic Development Department works closely with local industry to connect the Naskapi workforce with employers and continues its work with the operator hiring program with TSMC.
• Bruser & Associates Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTechnical advisors for the Department of Public Works (DPW). Supports the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) mandates including housing stock, public buildings, water & sewage systems, streets, vehicles & heavy machinery, MTQ road, Iron Arm road, and waste management. Also supports the Capital, Civil and Special Projects.
• Smoke ArchitectureminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm that designed the new Naskapi Police Station (now located at the entrance of the community) and developed the new residential sector for the community as it continues to grow.
• Boreala Management ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManagement consulting firm that has been collaborating with the Department of Public Works to reconstruct the whole department for approximately 2 years. Will continue to improve services through continuous training and development of its programs.
• CCxAminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape Architect selected by the Nation to develop plans for the master plan for a Boardwalk and trails to Lake Hanas and plans/specifications for the first phase to be built in 2023 and 2024. Project funded by Economic Development Canada.
• Michael Miller Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContracted by Uapenutau Garage for rock crushing in the production of several aggregates. Uapenutau Garage takes care of all deliveries of materials to several clients and to the Nation's projects.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Emerging players

• Tsilhqot'in National Government: Represents the Tsilhqot'in Nation, which won a landmark Aboriginal title case (William v. Canada) and is developing governance and economic-development frameworks from a smaller, more remote base. Comparable as an Indigenous self-governing entity transitioning from claim-based to enterprise-based revenue.

Broad incumbents

• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI): Land claims organization for Nunavut Inuit managing the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and operating investment vehicles (e.g., Nunavut Trust). Provides a comparable structure for treaty-based trust management, IBA policy, and diversified Indigenous-owned business holdings in a remote Canadian jurisdiction.
• Nunatsiavut Government: Self-governing Inuit regional government in Labrador with its own constitution, land-claim agreement, and economic-development corporation (Nunatsiavut Group of Companies). Operates a comparable portfolio of telecom, construction, and energy ventures and shares the same remote-subarctic operating context.
• Nisga'a Nation: Operates under the Nisga'a Final Agreement — Canada's first modern treaty in British Columbia — with its own Nisga'a Lisims Government and Nisga'a Enterprises Group. Provides a comparable template for self-government, treaty-based revenue (including a $40M+ treaty-related annual transfer), and Nation-owned commercial enterprise.

Direct peers

• Kativik Regional Government: Co-signatory with the Nation to the 2018 Cambrian Lake/Nachicapau conservation agreement and operates the municipal and infrastructure mandate across Nunavik. Functions as a regional Indigenous-led government with comparable revenue mix (government transfers, IBA-related agreements, business income) and similar geographic/regulatory constraints.
• Makivvik Corporation: Land claims body for Nunavik Inuit and co-signatory to the 2018 5,740 km² Cambrian Lake/Nachicapau conservation agreement with the Naskapi Nation. Operates a comparable diversified business portfolio (e.g., Air Inuit, First Air, Nunavik Construction) and parallel IBA/land-claim governance structures — making it a near-direct analogue in business model and geography.
• Cree Nation Government (Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee): Co-signatories to JBNQA and neighbours under the same Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act of 1984; operate a parallel portfolio of Cree-owned businesses (Air Creebec, Sakku Investments, etc.) and hold analogous mining IBAs and renewable-energy partnerships in Northern Quebec. The most structurally comparable Indigenous self-governing entity in the same treaty regime.
• Nation Innu Matimekush-Lac John (NIMLJ): 30.25% partner in Sichuun and partner in Tshiuetin Rail Transportation and Pimi Naskinnuk. Operates as a small Innu community council in the Schefferville region with overlapping commercial ventures and shared dependence on the Tshiuetin rail link — a direct co-investor and operating peer.
• Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam (ITUM): 16.75% partner in Sichuun and partner in Tshiuetin Rail and Pimi Naskinnuk. Operates on the North Shore with a comparable Innu-led business portfolio (e.g., construction, transportation, real estate) and similar treaty/land-claim posture — a direct JV partner and structural peer.

Regional players

• Conseil des Innus de Ekuanitshit: Innu band council on the North Shore operating Innu Nation businesses (transport, construction, fuel) under similar Quebec/Canada treaty frameworks. Comparable in scale (~1,000 members) and economic-development posture, though located in a more accessible geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Kawawachikamach
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naskapi-nation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach