Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Aecon announce new Indigenous-led joint venture

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (together, the “First Nation Partners”), and Aecon are pleased to announce that they have formed the Aecon Three Fires (“A3F”) joint venture to pursue utilities-related project opportunities across southwestern Ontario. The First Nation Partners will hold the majority of the proportionate shares in A3F. 

A3F will provide an Indigenous-led solution for a variety of utility construction work along with hydrovac services. To carry out work in these markets, A3F, by way of its constituent partners, will establish a primary facility in the local community and plans to employ an Indigenous-led workforce in construction and functional support roles, with Aecon providing training and capacity development. “Three Fires” references the Council of the Three Fires Confederacy, which is an enduring Anishinaabe alliance of the Ojibway (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodewadmi (Potawatomi). 

“We are proud and excited to begin this new venture with our neighbouring community, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Aecon. We look forward to creating another opportunity for First Nation involvement in projects within our Territory,” said Chief Chris Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, on behalf of the First Nation Partners. 

“Aecon has a proven track record of successfully working and engaging with Indigenous communities across Canada, and this partnership is a natural progression that will provide sustainable business and employment opportunities, as we continue our journey in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Eric MacDonald, Executive Vice President, Aecon Utilities. “There is a strong demand for A3F’s services in southwestern Ontario, and we look forward to delivering key projects for our clients while creating lasting positive impacts.”

About the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Deshkan Ziibiing (pronounced desh-kan-zee-bing) means ‘antlered river’ Anishinaabeg, commonly known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is located on the north bank of the Thames River approximately 20 kilometres southwest of London, Ontario. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is an Anishinaabe community, whose shared traditional territory is located in southwestern Ontario.

About the Aamjiwnaang First Nation

The Aamjiwnaang First Nation (formally known as Chippewas of Sarnia) is a First Nation community of about 2,500 Chippewa (Ojibwe). We are located on the St. Clair River, 3 miles south of the southern tip of Lake Huron in the city limits of Sarnia in southwestern Ontario, Canada – just across the United States border from Port Huron, Michigan. Our heritage language is Ojibwa. The name Aamjiwnaang, (pronounced am-JIN-nun) means “at the spawning stream.”

About Aecon 

As a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development with global expertise, Aecon strives to be the number one Canadian infrastructure company and is proud to be recognized as one of the Best Employers and Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. Aecon safely, profitably and sustainably delivers integrated solutions to private and public-sector clients through its Construction segment in the Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility and Industrial sectors, and provides project development, financing, investment and management services through its Concessions segment. Join our online community on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @AeconGroupInc.

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