Introducing Deetrin Geomatics, A New Partnership with the Gwich’in Development Corporation

With Deetrin Geomatics, Challenger is thrilled to announce another new Indigenous partnership which will strengthen our longstanding relationship with the Gwich’in of the Northwest Territories. This new company will be majority-owned by the Gwich’in Development Corporation (GDC). Challenger looks forward to working with our new partner on a variety of projects.

Deetrin Geomatics will provide construction and legal surveying services within the Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA) as well as surveys to support the implementation of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. The GSA comprises an area of approximately 57,000 square kilometers in the Northwest Territories.

Meaning ‘raven’ in Gwich’in, Deetrin was chosen to represent a species that is common and traverses the GSA while acknowledging the rich culture, history, and land-based lifestyle of the Gwich’in.

The objectives of Deetrin Geomatics are to:

• Develop local resources and capacity related to geomatics;
• Hire, train, and employ Gwich’in citizens and companies allowing them to fully participate in geomatics activities within the GSA; and,
• Deliver innovative and high-quality geomatics services at competitive rates while working with other Gwich’in businesses.

Deetrin Geomatics is incorporated in the Northwest Territories and has been issued a Permit to Practice by the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS). Deetrin Geomatics has also been pre-qualified and registered in the Indigenous Business Directory and as a supplier under the federal government’s Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB).

According to Challenger’s President and CEO, Paul Burbidge, “in the past, we have found that local knowledge has been invaluable on our survey projects, which is why Challenger will provide training in the coming weeks to several Gwich’in Participants as part of an upcoming mapping and legal survey project. While Challenger has experienced northern staff, having a local person who knows the people and the land to assist us with fieldwork will be a huge benefit to our team.”

The GDC Group has already been successful in establishing positive relationships with companies working in the area. “For us as Gwich’in, we are strongly connected to our land, air, water, and heritage,” explained Ken Kyikavichik, Grand Chief of Gwich’in Tribal Council and GDC Chair. “By partnering with companies who share our values and bring their own unique expertise, we hope to see long-term sustainable development in the GSA that prioritizes benefits for our people and businesses and the surrounding area.”

To learn more about Deetrin Geomatics, please contact info(\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////@&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&%%%%%%%%% )deetringeomatics.com

To learn more about the Gwich’in Development Corporation, visit www.gdcgroup.ca.