IRC TRUST AND INDIGENA DRILLING INC. WELCOME BEARSPAW FIRST NATION AS SHAREHOLDER

Dec 18

December 18, 2024 - Source IRC

CALGARY, AB, (NEWSWIRE) Indigena Drilling Inc. is a Canadian private drilling company recently formed to invite indigenous communities to participate in equity in the oilfield services industry and provide opportunities for financial returns, employment and to assist in developing stronger local economies.

IRC Trust is an independent investment trust formed for the benefit of the members of Indian Resource Council of Canada ("IRC"). The Trust was established to capitalize on new opportunities and create true economic partnerships primarily in the Energy Sector. The strategic partnerships formed with indigenous and non- indigenous businesses strengthen competitive advantage, generate essential jobs and hasten the goal of economic self-sufficiency for First Nations.

The Indian Resource Council (IRC) was created following the recommendations of a federal Task Force in 1987 to support First Nations to attain greater control and management of their oil and gas resources and has grown substantially to currently represent 155+ First Nations members throughout Canada. IRC members are also actively involved in renewable energy generated from solar, wind, geothermal and other sources. IRC is an advocacy and lobby organization that interfaces with all levels of government, resource organizations and private sector companies on national and international levels. The Board of Directors consists of leading Chiefs and Indigenous leaders from across Canada.

Mr. Stephen Buffalo, a Trustee of IRC Trust and President & CEO of IRC stated “it is with great pride we welcome the Bearspaw First Nation, part of the Îyârhe Nakoda in southwestern Alberta, as a shareholder. With the signing of a Letter of Intent we look forward to Bearspaw’s investment in and partnership with Indigena Drilling. By beginning with significant ownership from Indigenous groups like Bearspaw, we will be able to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and increase market share. We know many oil & gas companies are anxious to partner with experienced Indigenous oilfield services companies”.

Chief Darcy Dixon stated “Indigenous ownership and collaboration are the drivers of economic reconciliation. With our investments, including in Indigena Drilling Inc., we believe we can successfully forge a path to economic independence and generational prosperity. The Bearspaw First Nation is excited to become a shareholder of Indigena Drilling Inc., an indigenous owned energy services company which will provide us with an additional source of income, capacity building, meaningful employment and training for our members.

Indigena Founder Elson McDougald stated “I am so pleased to have Bearspaw First Nation as one of our founding shareholders. Each and every Canadian needs to ask themselves – what can I do to make the necessary Reconciliation process with Indigenous Peoples better. Our path is the potential prosperity through oilfield services that is designed to flow through directly to First Nations, Indigenous groups and their people.

For Further Information Contact:

Stephen Buffalo, President/CEO Indian Resource Council of Canada

Phone: (403) 993-6083

Email: stephenb@irccanada.ca

Website: www.irccanada.ca

Darcy Reinboldt, President and CEO Indigena Drilling Inc.

Phone (403) 803-6923

Email: dreinboldt@indigenadrilling.ca

Website: www.indigenadrilling.ca

Rob Shotclose, CEO Bearspaw First Nation Îyârhe Nakoda Nations

Phone: (587) 777-8556

Email: robs@bearspawfirstnation.com