WHITECOURT, ALBERTA–(Dec. 9, 2014) – The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation (Alexis), a Treaty Six First Nations member, announced today that it has acquired a majority stake in Backwoods Energy Services (Backwoods). Backwoods is a construction company based in Whitecourt, Alta., with additional locations in Calgary, Alta, and Smithers, B.C., providing oil and gas construction services in the province.

This new partnership gives the Alexis full executive powers that allow it to set the vision and mission of the business, as well as oversee day-to-day operations. The deal demonstrates a new path towards self-sustainability.

“This is a rare opportunity for Alexis to build a permanent owned asset for generations to come,” says Chief Tony Alexis. “We have acquired a company with an established operating history that is well-known for providing best-in-class services and we are very proud of that fact. We are also very pleased to announce that in conjunction with the acquisition Paul Poscente has joined the company as Executive Chairman. It is important for Alexis to have brought on an industry veteran and a proven business builder to ensure the continued success of this business.”

“I am very much looking forward to working with an experienced management team and we will be focusing on building excellence in three areas: safety, execution and accountability,” says Paul Poscente, Executive Chairman of Backwoods Energy Services.

With this transaction, Alexis is committed to supporting and promoting Backwoods and has committed that Backwoods will be the exclusive provider of services on behalf of the nation for the scope of services offered. Alexis will also support in sourcing and training of qualified workers and member-owned subcontractors.

Backwoods has 30 years of operating history and continues to be led by the original founder Bill Holdyk. Over the last several years, the construction company has had a very close and successful relationship with the Alexis; Backwoods is one of the main employers of the band’s members. The company has provided the oil and gas industry with quality services including right-of-way and lease site clearing and construction, pipeline construction integrity digs, pipeline coating and sandblasting, and right-of-way maintenance.

“Backwoods has worked with the Alexis Band for several years now and we are excited about formalizing this relationship,” says Bill Holdyk, Founder of Backwoods Energy Services.

For more information on Backwoods Energy Services please visit: www.backwoodsenergy.ca

For more information on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation please visit: www.alexisnakotasioux.com/

About Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is the most northern member of the Siouan language family. Located on the shores of WakaMne (God’s Lake) in Treaty Six Territory and 72 kilometers west of Edmonton, the band has a population of 1,876 band members.