About Us
Attawapiskat Enterprises is a private, for-profit organization that serves the members of Attawapiskat First Nation by developing community-owned businesses. In carrying out this work, we are successfully creating employment and building opportunities in the region for the long term.
Our operations are self-funded, and a portion of dividends go towards the Attawapiskat First Nation Community Trust.
Our role is to:
- Identify and negotiate suitable business opportunities in the region
- Develop those business opportunities that we negotiate
- Provide community support and investment
- Represent the interests of our companies with other parties

Our Companies
ADVANCED SECURITY LP
In March 2012, Advanced Security became a community-owned enterprise established as part of the works of Attawapiskat Resources Inc. – now Attawapiskat Enterprises. Advanced Security, a Timmins, Ontario-based provider of security and security risk management protective services, has operated throughout the region for more than 25 years.
It is the first and only wholly-First Nation-owned and licensed security firm in Ontario.
ATTAWAPISKAT CATERING LP
Attawapiskat Catering LP was the first community-owned enterprise established as part of the work of Attawapiskat Resources Inc. — now Attawapiskat Enterprises.
Important training opportunities have also resulted for three Attawapiskat First Nation members and other First Nation community members who certified as cooks.
ATTAWAPISKAT CELLULAR SERVICES
Over the course of two years, we conducted multi-party negotiation with public and private sector companies. In April 2012, the first community-owned cell phone service was launched as Attawapiskat Cellular Services. The result was improved safety, security and quality-of-life for community members and visitors
Employment and Training
Our goal as Attawapiskat Enterprises is to seek out practical and realistic employment opportunities in the ventures we establish. Then we can take steps to supplement Attawapiskat First Nation members’ work skills with additional training to match the jobs that result.
Employment Success
Attawapiskat Catering (ACLP)
ACLP has employed over 110 Attawapiskat First Nation members since the start of our catering contract at the DeBeers Victor Mine.
During production (as of April 2019), ACLP had 41 employees at the Victor Mine, 12 were Attawapiskat First Nations Members.
ACLP continues to seek new business opportunities and to strives to employ members of the Attawapiskat First Nation and other First Nations.
Advanced Security (ASLP)
ASLP, though our Basic Security Guard Course, has trained over 40 Attawapiskat members as security guards. These guards have worked in the following capacities:
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- Security and Security Supervision at the Victor Mine
- Security on the Winter Road
- Peacekeepers in First Nations Communities
- Instructors of Advanced Security’s Security Guard Course
Advanced Security continues to conduct Basic Security Guard Courses though out Northern Ontario, including in First Nation Communities. We always attempt to fill our guard positions with Attawapiskat First Nation members and other First Nations whenever possible.
Joint Ventures
Attawapiskat Enterprises has formed many successful Joint Ventures to bid on and perform contracts at the DeBeers Victor Mine. At AE we are not a silent JV partner. We are a true partner, helping with employment, communication with the Attawapiskat First Nation and looking for sustainable opportunities after the contract ends. Here are some of our joint venture partners:






History and Future
In 2005, Attawapiskat First Nation and De Beers Canada entered into a formal Impact Benefit Agreement related to De Beers’ exploration and diamond mining activities within Attawapiskat traditional territory.
In keeping with the loss of the use of the land while it is being mined, the “IBA” set out how the First Nation would benefit in the areas of:
- employment and business opportunities
- training and education
- sound environmental management
- financial compensation
Phased Strategy
From the outset, business and employment opportunities secured by Attawapiskat Resources were linked to the operation at Victor.