Makhos, an Indigenous owned and operated business, and Aecon Group Inc. have formed Aecon Makhos Power Seven Generations (AMP7G) to provide an Indigenous-led solution for high voltage transmission, distribution and substation work, and related maintenance on utilities and nuclear projects in Ontario. Makhos will hold a majority interest in AMP7G.
“Aecon is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples and this partnership aligns directly with a key pillar of our Reconciliation Action Plan – empowering Indigenous Peoples,” said Eric MacDonald, executive vice president, Aecon Utilities. “Aecon is proud to support economic advancement and wealth creation in Indigenous communities while helping to build a sustainable future.
“We look forward to building on the shared values of Aecon and Makhos to pursue future work with utilities and nuclear clients in Ontario, providing an Indigenous-led solution.”
Combining the Indigenous staffing and training experience of Makhos with construction, project management, power transmission, distribution and substation capabilities of Aecon’s Voltage Power, AMP7G will initially perform work as a subcontractor to Aecon on existing utilities and nuclear projects.
Makhos is a certified Aboriginal Business with headquarters in Neyaashiinigmiing. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation occupies Neyaashiinigmiing on the east shore of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula on Georgian Bay.
“Makhos is committed to walking this road in parallel with Aecon to benefit future generations, working with clean renewable energy,” said Nick Saunders, vice president, Makhos. “The owners of Makhos bring Indigenous knowledge and experience in high voltage utility, nuclear and reclamation efforts and we look forward to combining these skills with Aecon’s to create further balance within the power sector.”
Aecon’s vision statement in its Reconciliation Action Plan is to help advance reconciliation and co-create opportunities that provide sustainable and beneficial relationships aligned with the priorities and objectives of Indigenous Peoples. Aecon is recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses (CCAB) as an Aboriginal Procurement Champion and is a committed company in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification program.