The Paskwayak Business Development Corporation’s main goal is to provide a solid economic base for the membership of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.  Since 1987 the corporation has continued to increase and diversify its business portfolio with a number of enterprises that have contributed to the progress and independence of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.  As of 1997, PBDC’s conglomerate has the following businesses under its management and direction:

Otineka Development Corporation In 1973, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (formerly known as The Pas Indian Band) incorporated the Otineka Development Corporation for the purpose of developing a shopping centre.  The original “grocery store” concept mushroomed into a large-scale shopping centre.  The Otineka Mall now consists of a three level enclosed mall containing 225,000 square feet and settles on approximately 13 acres of designated land.  The complex is an indoor shopping mall, recreation and office complex, which is the major activity centre in the region. Two anchor tenants, The Pas IGA and the SAAN Store, are located at each end of

the mall.  There are 25 retail stores on the ground floor with a 10 lane bowling centre and 30 machine Video Lotto Centre located in the basement.  Administration offices for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, Cree Nation Child and Family Services, the Opaskwayak Educational Authority, and the Provincial Corrections Branch are located on the 3rd level.

NESO Corporation

Operating as The Pas IGA, the store opened in December 1975 as a partnership between the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and a private individual who also served as manager.  The IGA is located at the south end of the Otineka Mall in a 20,500 sq. ft. area and operates under a Franchise Agreement with Sobey’s West.  IGA generates over $10,000,000 in sales annually.

The Pas IGA is currently 100% owned by the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and employs 60 people

The Pas FoodTown

The Pas Food Town (formerly A&B Grocery) opened on December 3, 1997, with its business being groceries, tobacco, produce, and fresh meat.  This food outlet is located at 600 Hogan Avenue in the Town of The Pas, caters to customers’ needs, and offers a free delivery service to the local area.

Kikiwak Inn The Kikiwak Inn officially opened on July 1, 1996.  The Inn has 60 well-appointed rooms, meeting facilities, swimming pool, hot tub, exercise room, as well as a full service restaurant, lounge, and Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) area.  The Kikiwak Inn is the only 3 ½ star hotel in northern Manitoba. Visit the Kikiwak Inn’s website at http://www.kikiwakinn.com/mainpage.htm for more information or contact the Kikiwak Inn toll free in Canada and the US by calling: 1-888-545-4925

OCN Shell Gas Bar

The OCN Shell Gas Bar opened on November 1, 1998.  The gas-bar has eight pumps, which provide bronze and gold gasoline.  An 1800 sq. ft. building houses a convenience store, which provides confectionary items, tobacco products, lottery tickets and a variety of fast foods.  OCN Shell Gas-Bar currently employs twenty people, of which 90% are Aboriginal, and boasts the largest volume of gasoline sales in western Canada.

Northland Redi-Mix Concrete and Gravel

The PBDC Sand and Gravel operation has been under the management and ownership of PBDC since 1990 and the Northland Redi-Mix Concrete since 1994.  In 2003 these divisions were amalgamated to form a more complete operation capable of providing a fuller service to its customers.