The History of the Tawich Construction Inc. and the Éléonore Mine

Founded in 1990, Tawich Construction Inc. (TCI) started as a residential construction company with a social mission to provide employment and build homes for the community of Wemindji, with hopes of reaching economic self-sufficiency. As the first company created by the Tawich Development Corporation (TDC), TCI’s roots were rooted in addressing the needs of the Wemindji community, promoting its healthy development and growth through local employment opportunities. TCI focuses on identifying key capital projects and aligning resources to support the ongoing development of Wemindji and its needs.

From its beginning, TCI has been a crucial partner to the Éléonore mine site, collaborating from the very beginning of its development in 2009, after Wemindji later signed a collaboration agreement with Former owner Goldcorp and the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government. The Opinagow Collaboration agreement (2011) enabled Wemindji to obtain preferential employment and business opportunities from Éléonore. Through partnerships and contracts, TCI has gained valuable experience and added a healthy revenue stream over the years, fostering a strong & enduring relationship, which highlighted the importance of community-driven work in large-scale industrial projects.

As TCI evolved, it included civil construction and later mining development as the collaboration through the partnership provided more opportunity and growth in that sector, with its partnership with the Éléonore mine site being a testament to that growth. TCI is a 100% Wemindji-owned business, with a high Cree content, highlighting Newmont’s commitment to maintaining cultural and community connections and the important role of Indigenous participation in large-scale industrial projects. Working with Éléonore also provides those working with the TCI significant growth opportunities, with “on the job” training programs with surface teams. These onsite programs highlight the dedication TCI  puts into their relationship where the Cree members later have the opportunity to join the Newmont team. 

In 2023, as the relationship evolved, TCI and the Éléonore Mine site signed a Master Service Agreement, solidifying their collaborating and marking a new chapter in their long-term partnership. The MSA strengthens the partnership to encompass a wide range of services, including road maintenance, Labour Leasing, resurfacing small section of roads and airports, and the delicate process reclamation works. These services are critical to efficient and safe operations at the Éléonore mine site, highlighting the level of significance TCI has in this partnership.

This partnership represents significant amount of experience and valuable knowledge toward economic empowerment and self-sufficiency for the Cree Nation of Wemindji and Indigenous communities as a whole. Through the partnership between TCI and the Éléonore mine site, TCI does not only construct infrastructure, but hopes to ensure a more prosperous future for the Cree Nation of Wemindji.