Dehendeh Development Investments and Dehendeh Development Corporation

Dehendeh Development Corporation

Established in 1982, by the Dene National Assembly, (DDC) proudly holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Indigenous corporations in Canada. As a not-for-profit organization, DDC acts as a catalyst for the Dene regions to collaborate on sustainable socio-economic initiatives.

The Chiefs of the 27 Dene First Nations from the Gwich’in, Sahtu, Dehcho, Tlicho, and Akaitcho, serve as DDC members. Together, we strive to achieve common objectives and unity amongst our communities.

Company Overview

The focus of the Dehendeh Development Corporation is economic development, investment coordination, and Nation-wide Dene collaboration. Since its inception, it continues to be governed by the original 27 Dene First Nations.

Website: https://denendeh.ca/

Key operational entities of the Dehendeh Development Corporation include:

  1. NWT Metis-Dene Development Fund Ltd

The MDDF is 100% Indigenous owned with two shareholders, the NWT Métis Development Corporation Ltd (50%) and Denendeh Development Corporation (50%).

MDDF’s Board of Directors consists of five appointed Directors, two by the Denendeh Development Corporation, two by the NWT Métis Development Corporation Ltd, and one Independent Director nominated by the Directors. 

MDDF’s employees consist of a Business Services Officer, Business Development Officer, and a Chief Executive Officer.

MDDF’s Shareholders, Board of Directors, and employees meet at an Annual General Meeting, usually held in December, while MDDF’s Board of Directors and employees meet quarterly, either in face-to-face meetings or via video conferencing.

MDDF’s Shareholders and Board of Directors reach out to the employees with email communications and/or office visits on an as needed basis.

Besides daily office operations, MDDF employees travel to NWT’s communities hosting business training workshops and participating in business trade shows.

Website: https://www.mddf.ca

  1. Denendeh Investments Incorporated

The Denendeh Development Corporation created Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII) as a for-profit entity to enable its Members to invest and participate in income-producing and equity-building investment opportunities in the NWT and elsewhere. Profits earned through DII also help fund the activities of DDC.

DII is the general partner of Denendeh Investments Limited Partnership (DILP). DILP is created to take ownership of DII’s business assets in exchange for special units. DILP’s limited partnership structure allows all NWT First Nations of the Gwich’in, Sahtu, Dehcho, Tlicho and Akaitcho regions, to invest and share in DILP’s profits while limiting their risk of loss.

DILP currently holds significant investments in electric utility power distribution (Naka Power Utilities (NWT & YK), mineral exploration (DEMCo), communications infrastructure (NASCo), food supply distribution (Denendeh Food Services), and commercial and residential real estate (Yellowknife Post Office Building and Denendeh Manor).

Website: https://denendehinvestments.ca/