Our History
Primco Dene was founded in 1999, with the stated goal of taking advantage of the opportunities created by the oilsands development in the Cold Lake First Nations traditional territory.
Starting with fifty employees, we began by capitalizing on the skills that already existed in our community, such as catering and janitorial services. Our close relationships with our clients allowed us to find ways in which we could extend our capabilities to fulfill needs. Expanding beyond oilfield services, we added consumer franchises and business support services, becoming a company with a solution built around the dynamic needs of a vast majority of individuals and businesses in our region and beyond.
Our Founders
Today Primco Dene has over 800 employees across 19 companies, representing fifty aboriginal communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C, as well as ethnicities from across the world. We are partnered with other organizations and First Nations groups on joint ventures, operating in industries from oilfield services to soil remediation. We continue to add new companies to our Group by taking advantage of opportunities and creating valuable partnerships.
Meet Our Current Board Visit the Cold Lake First Nations WebsiteFounders
Judy Nest
At the time of founding, Judy Nest was the Economic Development Coordinator with Cold Lake First Nations.
Wilma Jacknife
Wilma Jacknife has received her Doctorate of Law and continues to serve as a Director.
James Blackman
The youngest-ever person elected to Cold Lake First Nations Council.
Founding Board Members
- Late Elder Ralph Blackman
- Gordon Piche
- Ray Muskego
- James Blackman
- Judy Nest
Founding Chief & Council
- Late Elder Chief Francis Scanie
- Late Armand Martial
- Lionel Francois
- Fred Scanie
- Conrad Metchewas
Timeline
2018
- Beaver River Gas Bar Groundbreaking
2017
- Papa John’s and Memphis Blues purchased via Primco Commercial LP
- Saskatchewan Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation Partnership
- Purchased Comec building in Bonnyville
2016
- Cold Lake Chamber of Commerce Business of they Year Nomination
- Tu Nezu Remediation Services established as a joint venture with Fog Free Technologies
- Jiffy Lube North Grand Opening
- Astec Safety Bonnyville, Beaver River Gas Bar and Lakeland Fireword purchased via Primco Commercial LP
- Purchased land in Cold Lake north
- Purchased building in Bonnyville with Seven Lakes Oilfield
2015
Finalist in Canada Oil & Gas CSR Award
Recipient of Global Petroleum Show Award
- Cold Lake Crane established as a result of a partnership with NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul and Primco Dene Ltd.
- Jiffy Lube Bonnyville Grand Opening
- Cold/Bonn Glassworks purchased via Primco Commercial LP
2014
- Dene Tech GP Ltd. established
- Purchased land in Lac La Biche and Bonnyville
2013
Received the Aboriginal Role Model Community Development Award
- Primco Dene Bee-Clean Ltd. established
- Primco Dene Business Centre Grand Opening
2012
Recipient of Alberta Chamber of Commerce Partnership Award
- Construction begins for Primco Dene Business Centre on Cold Lake First Nations
Primco Dene Northgate Industries LP established
2011
- Edmonton satellite office opens
2010
James Blackman, CEO, nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Wok Box purchased via Primco Commercial LP and opened in commercial property near Walmart in Cold Lake south
2009
- Primco Dene Security Services established
- Built commercial property on land that was purchased in 2001
- Primco Dene Canada North established
2008
Aboriginal Human Resource Development Award
- Meadow Lake Tribal Council Acknowledgement
Eagle Feather Award
- Hosted 1st Annual Primco Dene Christmas Dinner & Dance
2007
- PDRC changed name to Primco Dene Royal Camp Services LP
- Purchased 5 tanks at the UFA station
2006
- Primco Dene LP established
- Primco Dene Catering LP established
- Primco Commercial LP established
2004
- Partnership with Royal Camp Services to form Primco Dene Royal Camp Services (PDRC)
2003
- First Lubex opened in Cold Lake South
- Seven Lakes Oilfield established
2002
- Primco Dene Catering Corporation established (partnered with Great West Catering – let known as Compass/ESS)
- Primco Dene (EMS) Ltd. established
2001
- Primco Dene Catering Ltd. name changed to Primco Dene Ltd.
- Land purchased near Walmart in Cold Lake
2000
- Primco Dene Catering Ltd. is established
- Primco Dene (EMS) LP established
1999
- Primco Dene established and name changed to Primco Dene Ltd.
Success Throughout The Years
Primco Dene will be celebrating our 20th anniversary come 2019, and throughout our 20-year history, we have built an industry-leading Indigenous business while serving clients of all sizes.
75+
Completed projects/contracts for various industry clients
$18,000
Contributed to the U of A Indigenous Community-Industry Relations Programs
46%
of our workforce represented by women
Building
Opportunity
