Corporate Structure

ACD was established under a limited partnership structure with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation being the “limited partner” and Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments Ltd. being the “general partner”. Under the partnership, ACD, through its Board of Directors, controls the business operations of ACD, conducts all economic development and business activity, and acts as the management organization for the investment holding of the Nation.

As an added means of strengthening its corporate structure and to ensure political stability, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation interposed a Trust between the Nation as represented by the Chief and Council and the corporation of ACD.

The Trust provides assurances that ACD’s structures, authorities, and mandates will not change in cases where leadership changes occur within the Nation. The Trust ensures the assets of the Corporation are safeguarded and protected at all times.

The following is ACD’s Organizational Flow Chart.

Board of Directors

Ray Ahenakew

Ray is one of the leading spokespeople for Saskatchewan’s First Nations business community. His experience in both the public and private sectors provides him with the experience and the know-how to create and sustain business opportunities for First Nations investors and entrepreneurs. Ray is the former CEO of Meadow Lake Tribal Council and in that capacity played a key role in establishing a group of successful enterprises and joint ventures.

Ray is sought after by both the public and private sectors due to his extensive experience in forestry, petroleum, mining, distribution and environmental management. Ray has been a Director at Peace Hills Trust, President of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, President of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Co-Chair of the National Labour Training Market Board, Chairman for NorSask Forest Products and the President’s Task Team for Industry Matters.

Ray was profiled as one of Saskatchewan’s top most influential businessmen and in 2009 he was honoured with the Raj Manek Above and Beyond Award for work that exemplifies extraordinary commitment, creativity to promote entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan.

Richard Ahenakew

Richard became the first Chair and President of First Nations ancestry to lead the Provincial Chamber of Commerce in it’s 90 year history. Richard currently holds the position of General Manager for the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert and is involved with Prince Albert Tourism supporting the many activities delivered by First Nation communities.

Prior to being names as Chamber President in 2010, he was a very active member for eight years, having served in the roles of 1st and 2nd Vice Chair and as a member of the Chamber’s Expert Policy Committee on Investment and Growth.

Richard is a proud member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and proudly supports the mandate set forth by the SIGA Board of Directors which is to hire, develop and promote First Nations employment of which they have been very successful.

It is through this success that he makes time to assist with as many other organizations serving as an active member to boards or advising as required. Richard’s committee and board involvement over the years have included the Saskatchewan HR Committee, Waniska, Waskegun, Prince Albert Problem Gambling, PA Tourism and the Northern Lights Casino Pow Wow.

Some of Richard’s educational accomplishments include: a diploma with the Saskatchewan Federated College - Arts & Science, Certificate with Queens Executive Program in Leadership and Project Management, University of Reno Executive Development Program Certificate as well as many other credits that have assisted this well respected leader throughout the years.

Carmen Little

Carmen has extensive leadership and senior management experience in community organizational development, band governance and technology solutions. Carmen is currently in his 10th year as an elected member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and has acted as the Portfolio Councillor in Economic Development, Administration & Finance, Ahtahkakoop Child & Family Services, Education and Social Development.

Carmen holds a Bachelor degree in Technology in Computer Information Systems from the DeVry Institute and this credential has contributed greatly to ensuring the organization keeps pace with technology. This is no small feat and remains one of the most costly endeavors for many organizations both big and small. For the majority of First Nations communities, data input and information management for citizenship, lands, education and health among program areas, remain a challenge and it is this challenge that Carmen is prepared to continue advancing.

Carmen’s pilosophy of continuous improvement, building trust, taking responsibility, and operational transparency are the business fundamentals he utilizes in his current role as CEO for Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments. Carmen promotes an organizational culture where employees are valued and performance is acknowledged.

Mr. Little is also an entrepreneur. He has owned and operated a technology solution consulting firm and remains committed to growing enterprise in a manner that is global in concept but that fosters individual business opportunity.

Terry Grant

Terry initially retired from the Royal Bank of Canada after a 37 year career. He has continued to work for the bank under various contracts during the past several years. During his career, Terry held a number of administrative positions responsible for human resources and operations including numerous lending positions responsible for financial analysis, risk assessment and account management.

During the last 12 years of his formal career, Terry held the position of Manager, Aboriginal Business for Saskatchewan. In this role he was responsible for providing transactional and lending products to meet the unique needs of his clients and to work with communities to find creative solutions to secure successful business ventures.

Terry has vast experience in working most business markets including Aboriginal, Agriculture, General Business, Professionals and Public Sector.

Yvonne Groenen

Yvonne is a Certified General Accountant with a public practice in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan. Prior to receiving her designation in 2007, she work in the Royal Bank, ran a bookkeeping company and was the Owner/Manager of a retail store. This later in life career choice has allowed her to bring many years of diverse experience to her accounting practice. She specializes in working with “Small Business” in many markets.

Yvonne’s passion is with people as well as the numbers.

Yvonne brings to the Board both her financial advisory services and experience in cost management and system analytics.

ACD Board of Trustees

Lanny S. Ahenakew - term expires March 31, 2020

Wilna Masuskapoe - term expires March 31, 2019

Donna Ahenakew - term expires March 31, 2021

Christina Little - term expires March 31, 2022

Connie Little - term expires