Alexander First Nation is now home to what is likely Canada’s first on-reserve valve manufacturing plant — a facility its founder hopes will provide skilled jobs for generations of band residents.
About 150 people were at the just-renovated old arena behind the Alexander First Nation administrative building Aug. 19 for the grand opening of the Alexander Valve and Supply manufacturing plant.
The plant is the first on-reserve valve manufacturing plant in Canada, according to company president Ken Braget. The plant will manufacture the company’s ball valves, which are used in various industrial applications.
“It is the only First-Nations-built ball valve in the entire universe!” Braget told the crowd.
Formerly known as True North Valve Solutions, Braget’s company became Alexander Valve and Supply earlier this year when it partnered with Alexander First Nation, which now has a 50 per cent stake in the company through the Alexander Business Corporation.
Alexander Chief George Arcand Jr. said this plant will bring long-term sustainable employment to the community and generate revenue for community programs.