FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

K’EN T’EM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND CITXW NLAKA’PAMUX ASSEMBLY CELEBRATE PURCHASE OF CANTEX MINING SERVICES LTD.

nłeʔképmx Territory – K'en T'em Limited Partnership proudly announces the acquisition of Cantex Mining Services Ltd., marking a significant milestone in advancing the interest and opportunities for K’en T’em Limited Partnership and the eight participating bands of the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly.

Cantex Mining Services Ltd. is a leader in civil and mining construction in British Columbia, known for delivering top-tier projects with a strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and quality. The company’s success is driven by a skilled team of management and supervisors, supported by a highly trained and experienced workforce. Cantex is dedicated to meeting clients' need, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget, upholding the highest standards. At Cantex, safety is the ultimate priority, reflected in their modern equipment and unwavering commitment to excellence. The company was acquired by K’en T’em Limited Partnership on September 1, 2024.

This strategic acquisition reflects K'en T'em's commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainable development. By integrating Cantex Mining Services Ltd.’s expertise and resources, K'en T'em aims to create new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and economic empowerment for the corporation and its partners.

“This acquisition opens up incredible opportunities for the K’en T’em Limited Partnership and the corporation, advancing our collective goals and aspirations,” said Christine Walkem, Board Chair of the K’en T’em Management Corporation and Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band.

“By integrating Cantex Mining Services Ltd. into our portfolio, we are not only expanding our economic footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to excellence and expanding opportunities. This step forward is a testament to our dedication to fostering sustainable development and creating pathways for future generations.”

The acquisition not only strengthens the economic foundation of these communities but also establishes a lasting legacy of progress and direct control in our advancement. Cantex Mining Services Ltd.’s proven track record in the mining sector will provide enhanced capabilities and support for the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly’s collective goals, including community development, job creation, and resource management.

“This acquisition represents a significant and meaningful step forward for both K'en T'em Limited Partnership and the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly,” said Nicole Johnny, Acting General Manager of K'en T'em Limited Partnership and Executive Director of Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.

“Our longstanding relationship with Cantex Mining Services Ltd. makes this transition particularly special. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of Cantex’s operations while integrating K'en T'em’s oversight to ensure a seamless transition. Our top priority is to respect and support the current staff and to enhance opportunities for our communities throughout this process. We look forward to working closely with Cantex’s dedicated team to drive success.”

K'en T'em Limited Partnership and the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly look forward to the exciting possibilities this new chapter will bring, as we work together to build a brighter future for our communities and leave a meaningful legacy for generations to come.

“The purchase of Cantex Mining Services Ltd. by K'en T'em Limited Partnership is a transformative moment for our bands and communities,” added Lindsay Tighe, Director on the K’en T’em Management Corporation and Chief of Shackan Indian Band.

“This acquisition not only creates a lasting legacy of growth and opportunity but also has the potential to significantly impact employment prospects for the Shackan Indian Band and all K’en T’em/CNA bands. We are excited about the potential employment opportunities and economic benefits this development will bring, and we are committed to ensure that these opportunities are maximized for the benefit of our people.”

Cantex Mining Services Ltd.’s former owners shared their thoughts on the acquisition: “It gives us great pleasure to announce that we have completed the sale of Cantex Mining Services Ltd. effective September 1, 2024. Cantex has had an excellent working relationship with the CNA and K’en T’em over the past 10 years. We would like to express our thanks for the efforts of Nicole Johnny for all her professionalism and hard work and always being the constant through all the previous and future years to come. Additional thanks and recognition to Chief Christine Walkem, Lindsay Tighe, and all of the CNA board members to get this deal completed. We would like to thank all our employees and staff for all their hard work as we move forward towards a bright and prosperous work future and continue the Legacy we have established.”

Their full statement can be found attached to this release.

About K’en T’em Limited Partnership – Established in 2015, K’en T’em Limited Partnership (KTLP) is a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned organization committed to providing the nłeʔképmx people of the eight Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) Participating Bands with the resources that will help them efficiently create, manage and operate business opportunities. We are leaders at putting cross-cultural values at the forefront of our business while prioritizing simple, efficient, integrative solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients and industrial projects.

About the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly – The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 2013 to manage and administer the agreements relating to Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine (HVC) on behalf of Ashcroft Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, Coldwater Indian Band, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Siska Indian Band (the Participating Bands). CNA work is rooted in hundreds of years of history and a legacy of protecting the nłeʔképmx people and our culture, values, and territory. Headquartered in Merritt, B.C., the CNA provides training and job readiness along with cultural, social, and technical programming to the over 2780 members of the eight Participating Bands. 

K’en T’em Limited Partnership and Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly
Marius Auer, Communications Lead
communications@cna-trust.ca

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