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RANKIN INLET, NUNAVUT – Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Sakku Investments Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster economic development in northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region.

AGG is Indigenous- and northern-owned and operates the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway, and other infrastructure in northern Manitoba, an AGG release said.

The partnership with Rankin Inlet-based Sakku, the Kivalliq Inuit Association’s  (KIA) development corporation, is meant to advance joint initiatives to contribute to the economic growth of both regions, the release said, focusing on transportation, energy and telecommunications, infrastructure development and workforce development.

“We are excited to partner with Sakku to leverage the Arctic trade corridor. This agreement is designed to bring economic growth and cost savings to Kivallirmiut and northern Manitoba, while also strengthening northern infrastructure to further assert Canadian Arctic sovereignty,” AGG CEO Chris Avery said in a statement.

“The revival of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway is important for the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. We all benefit from increased frequency of resupply ships from Churchill, which will reduce costs for businesses and families in the region. The MOU we’ve signed means more of this work will continue for the benefit of the Kivalliq region. We look forward to working closely with AGG to achieve our shared goals,” Sakku president and CEO David Kakuktinniq added.

AGG and Sakku are planning to focus on:

• Continued investments in the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway to enhance capacity, efficiency and frequency of service to Nunavut.
• Exploration of new joint ventures in areas such as renewable energy, telecommunications and innovative technologies.
• Creating training and employment opportunities for local communities, with a focus on Indigenous and northern populations.
• Prioritizing projects that align with environmental sustainability and contribute to the long-term well-being of the region.