SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK NEWS – B’BOON GIIZIS | WINTER MOON | DECEMBER 2024
In August 2024, Paul Eshkakogan was appointed President of the Board of Directors at Z’gamok Enterprises Inc. (ZEI). Paul has been involved with ZEI from its humble beginnings to its explosive growth. He offers a grounded and clear-eyed look at how the company came into being, how it grew, and where it might be going in the future.
To understand the ZEI of today, we must go back almost 20 years.
On his first day in the Administration Office after being elected Chief in 2005, Paul noticed a large stack of binders sitting on the Chief’s desk. He soon learned that these documents were all related to the Totten Mine Closure Plan. The plan detailed how the mine would be reopened, constructed, brought into production to mine ore, and then eventually closed and the land reclaimed.
At the time, Inco owned the Totten Mine and had reached out to Sagamok Anishnawbek to negotiate an Impact and Benefits Agreement (IBA) related to the mine’s projected activity. By 2005, IBAs weren’t new, but it was critically important that Sagamok take great care in determining its path forward with Vale (who bought Inco in 2006) and the mining industry.
Paul’s earliest conversations were with Vale’s Michael Winship, who asked him, “What do you want?” Paul admits he knew very little about mining at the time. He had more questions than answers, so he set out to learn as much as he could.
Paul Eshkakogan representing ZEI as Board President at the Sagamok Anishnawbek 2023–2024 Annual General Meeting.
Laying the Groundwork
Two key contexts were unfolding during this time. First, Sagamok was trying to determine the extent of its traditional territory. Guided by Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Satsan (Herb George), Sagamok was encouraged to do its own research to affirm jurisdiction. Second, the Nation was facing a housing shortage. By 2006-2007, Sagamok began using CMHC loan programs to address this deficit.
Over six months, Paul worked with experts to develop a Mineral Strategy and consulted the community. These consultations revealed:
- Residents did not want any mining activity on community land.
- Despite environmental concerns, if mining was going to happen near Sagamok, members wanted a seat at the table.
- Elders emphasized the need for employment, especially if members were expected to pay rent or mortgages.
It was through these conversations that Paul began shaping the collective response to “What do you want?”
Signing the First IBA
By 2008-2009, ore haulage was identified as the most meaningful portion of the IBA in terms of employment and commercial opportunity. Sagamok hired KPMG to create a business plan and held a community meeting to present the IBA. Around 150 people attended—and when asked to vote, the entire room stood in support.
After six years of research, consultation, and negotiation, Sagamok signed the Totten Mine IBA with Vale on June 22, 2012. ZEI was formed to act as Sagamok’s business entity in the private sector.
Through this agreement, ZEI began providing janitorial and site services, creating employment opportunities that continue today. Initially, TBell Transport was contracted for ore haulage, but in June 2019, Sagamok took over, marking the birth of Z’gamok Construction LP (ZCLP), with Paul serving as its first General Manager.
Building ZEI from the Ground Up
From the start, ZEI hustled to get operations off the ground, using grants and loans to support growth. Paul recalls humble beginnings: borrowing a haul truck from a friend, knocking on doors to recruit workers, and meticulously reviewing documents to ensure no mistakes were made.
This attention to detail helped ZEI gain a strong reputation—not just with Vale, but across the regional mining sector.
Today, ZEI is the parent company of four subsidiaries:
- Z’gamok Construction LP
- Z’gamok Stuart Olson LP
- Z’gamok Aggregates
- Z’gamok Legend Mining
As of November 2024, these companies employ 135 people—a major leap from the 12 they started with. ZEI is filled with success stories, including young people who began in entry-level roles and grew into skilled positions, and families who have returned to Sagamok because of the employment opportunities created.
Paul hosted Sagamok’s new members of Chief & Council for a tour of ZEI in October, 2024.
Looking Ahead
Paul acknowledges that ZEI’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. One misconception is that ZEI provides extensive internal job training. Paul notes the need for a coordinated approach with Sagamok Administration to strengthen job training and creation.
He also wants to return to more regular engagement with the community, much like in 2005. “We are committed to implementing a strong communications strategy that includes regular outreach meetings and the use of media platforms,” he says.
Revisiting the 2007 Mineral Strategy is also on the horizon. Paul believes this is an important opportunity to involve community members in understanding the long-term impact of regional mining on the Spanish River watershed.
In early 2025, ZEI will host a strategic planning session to discuss corporate restructuring, diversification, and deepening community engagement. Paul emphasizes that ZEI’s future will continue to be shaped by Sagamok’s Economic Development Strategy—a plan grounded in community voices.
If you have questions, are interested in employment, or want to share feedback, reach out to the Human Resources Team at hr@zgamok.ca or visit the ZEI office at 3118 Industrial Road.