INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
June 11, 2025
DOIG RIVER FIRST NATION, TREATY 8 TERRITORY, June 11, 2025: Doig River First Nation (DRFN) is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire majority ownership in Blackbird Environmental Ltd., a leading environmental consulting firm in Fort St. John. This strategic investment forms a partnership rooted in shared values of environmental stewardship, Indigenous leadership and economic development.
For decades DRFN has witnessed the cumulative impacts of resource exploration and extraction across its treaty territory. This new partnership represents a powerful step toward reclaiming stewardship of the land through meaningful involvement in the environmental services that guide restoration.
“Healing the land means more than reclamation,” said Chief Trevor Makadahay of Doig River First Nation. “It’s about restoring the balance between our people, the animals, and the environment. This partnership gives us a direct role in how restoration happens on our territory – with our knowledge, our values, and our standards at the forefront.”
For DRFN, majority ownership in Blackbird Environmental Ltd. means a say in how reclamation, remediation, and environmental work is carried out – integrating cultural, ecological, and technical knowledge in a way that reflects Doig River First Nation’s values.
The move builds on DRFN’s longstanding leadership in addressing cumulative impacts and sustainable economic development. Building a restoration economy with industry and government presents the opportunity for shared collaboration and benefits for all residents in Northeast BC.
For Blackbird Environmental, DRFN’s investment represents both growth and transformation. “Welcoming DRFN into ownership is more than just a business decision,” said Matthias Loeseken, Founder and CEO of Blackbird. “It represents a long-term commitment to reconciliation, shared learning, and strengthening our work with Indigenous leadership at core. This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for all of us at Blackbird.”
The new partnership will operate as Blackbird Environmental Limited Partnership, retaining the trusted name and legacy of Blackbird Environmental Ltd. Matthias Loeseken will remain in leadership as CEO, continuing to build on the company’s strong reputation while embedding deeper Indigenous collaboration into its operations.
About Doig River First Nation
Located in northeastern British Columbia, Doig River First Nation is a Treaty 8 First Nation. DRFN is committed to environmental stewardship, cultural revitalization, and advancing economic opportunities that respect and protect their traditional territory.
About Blackbird Environmental Ltd.
Founded in 2014, Blackbird Environmental provides environmental consulting and reclamation services across Western Canada. The company specializes in progressive reclamation, ecological restoration, and environmental planning, with a focus on delivering high-quality, science-based solutions.
For general inquiries, please contact info@blackbird.ca. For partnership-related questions, feel free to reach out to Matthias directly at matthias@blackbird.ca.
