Recent News
Det'on Cho Acquires Northbest Distributors Ltd.
[Yellowknife, NT, June 17, 2024.] Det’on Cho Management LP has acquired local food distributor Northbest Distributors Ltd. Northbest, a full-line food service industry distributor, supplies food to stores, restaurants, mining camps, and institutions across the Northwest Territories.
“We are excited to announce Northbest Distributors is joining the Det’on Cho Group of Companies as a 100% Indigenous-owned business,” stated Philip Goulet, Chair of Det’on Cho. “I look forward to seeing the Det’on Cho team’s plans for Northbest implemented over the next year.”
Mark Lewis, President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP remarked, “We see this as a strategic acquisition that allows us to integrate Northbest’s operations with our other operating companies, while at the same time providing Northbest’s established customers the quality experience Det’on Cho is known for across its companies.”
Northbest will continue to operate from its facility on Old Airport Road.
“We are excited to announce Northbest Distributors is joining the Det’on Cho Group of Companies as a 100% Indigenous-owned business,” stated Philip Goulet, Chair of Det’on Cho. “I look forward to seeing the Det’on Cho team’s plans for Northbest implemented over the next year.”
Mark Lewis, President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP remarked, “We see this as a strategic acquisition that allows us to integrate Northbest’s operations with our other operating companies, while at the same time providing Northbest’s established customers the quality experience Det’on Cho is known for across its companies.”
Northbest will continue to operate from its facility on Old Airport Road.
Det'on Cho Group of Companies Wins National Indigenous Award
[Yellowknife, NT, May 29, 2024.] The Det’on Cho Group of Companies (Det’on Cho) has been named the 2024 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). This award recognizes a development corporation’s “profound work and ability to increase the prosperity and sustainable economic development of entire communities,” according to the CCAB website.
“This award is an extraordinary honour for Det’on Cho and validates our approach to build and grow our corporation around Dene Laws, combining Traditional Knowledge with modern business practices,” remarked Mark Lewis, Det’on Cho’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “This award was only achieved through the collaboration and dedication of our team members, board of directors, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, our partners, and our clients.”
Chief Ernest Betsina, Dettah Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, noted, “On behalf of the Yellowknives Dene, I am proud to see Det’on Cho earn this national recognition. It reflects how our Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Det’on Cho have created a shared vision for building prosperity and improving the lives of our members.”
“From its early humble start with a $15,000 grant, Det’on Cho has grown into a strong organization that directly employs more than 300 people. This is the result of the strong relationships and respect between the Yellowknives Dene Chiefs and Council, the Det’on Cho Board of Directors, and the Det’on Cho management team. I look forward to seeing Det’on Cho continue to grow and bring more prosperity and jobs to our people,” stated Chief Fred Sangris, Ndilo Chief, Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Det’on Cho was honoured at CCAB’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on May 29, 2024, in Toronto, ON. Chief Betsina, Chief Sangris, Mark Lewis, and team members were present in Toronto to accept the award.
“This award is an extraordinary honour for Det’on Cho and validates our approach to build and grow our corporation around Dene Laws, combining Traditional Knowledge with modern business practices,” remarked Mark Lewis, Det’on Cho’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “This award was only achieved through the collaboration and dedication of our team members, board of directors, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, our partners, and our clients.”
Chief Ernest Betsina, Dettah Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, noted, “On behalf of the Yellowknives Dene, I am proud to see Det’on Cho earn this national recognition. It reflects how our Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Det’on Cho have created a shared vision for building prosperity and improving the lives of our members.”
“From its early humble start with a $15,000 grant, Det’on Cho has grown into a strong organization that directly employs more than 300 people. This is the result of the strong relationships and respect between the Yellowknives Dene Chiefs and Council, the Det’on Cho Board of Directors, and the Det’on Cho management team. I look forward to seeing Det’on Cho continue to grow and bring more prosperity and jobs to our people,” stated Chief Fred Sangris, Ndilo Chief, Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Det’on Cho was honoured at CCAB’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on May 29, 2024, in Toronto, ON. Chief Betsina, Chief Sangris, Mark Lewis, and team members were present in Toronto to accept the award.
Det'on Cho Named One of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures
[Toronto, ON. April 18th, 2024]. Today, Det'on Cho Group of Companies received an award as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures 2023 in the Growth Category.
'I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Det'on Cho Group of Companies. I am immensely proud of our team members across all our companies and the work they do every day to live our values and work towards our mission of building prosperity for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation,' said Mark Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Philip Goulet, Det'on Cho's Board Chair, noted, 'The Det'on Cho team is focused on a better future for our communities, all of our members, and the environment during challenging times. This award demonstrates that doing so with values based on Dene Laws is the right path forward.'
With 300 employees across its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Det'on Cho is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that reflects its Indigenous ownership and Dene teachings.
Waterstone Human Capital founded Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture program 19 years ago to recognize best-in-class Canadian organizations for having cultures that have helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage.
Winners are selected annually by former winners from among hundreds of program submissions. Det'on Cho initially won the award in 2020 and is pleased to win again in 2023.
'I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Det'on Cho Group of Companies. I am immensely proud of our team members across all our companies and the work they do every day to live our values and work towards our mission of building prosperity for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation,' said Mark Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Philip Goulet, Det'on Cho's Board Chair, noted, 'The Det'on Cho team is focused on a better future for our communities, all of our members, and the environment during challenging times. This award demonstrates that doing so with values based on Dene Laws is the right path forward.'
With 300 employees across its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Det'on Cho is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that reflects its Indigenous ownership and Dene teachings.
Waterstone Human Capital founded Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture program 19 years ago to recognize best-in-class Canadian organizations for having cultures that have helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage.
Winners are selected annually by former winners from among hundreds of program submissions. Det'on Cho initially won the award in 2020 and is pleased to win again in 2023.
Det’on Cho Once Again Named One of Canada’s Best Places to Work
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[Yellowknife, NT, November 23, 2023]. Det’on Cho Group of Companies today won one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures 2023 Awards.
“This is such a great testament to our workplace culture and all our hard-working staff across all the Det’on Cho Companies, as well as our amazing partners, that have made Det’on Cho a fantastic place to work and build your career,” said Mark Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer. With 300 employees across its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Det’on Cho is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that reflects its Indigenous ownership and Dene teachings. Waterstone Human Capital founded the program 19 years ago to recognize best-in-class Canadian organizations for having cultures that have helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage. Winners are selected annually by former winners from among hundreds of program submissions. Det’on Cho originally won the award in 2020 and was eligible to reapply this year. |
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Det’on Cho Management LP Appoints Mark Lewis as President & CEO, John Henderson Stepping Down
[Yellowknife, NT, April 6, 2023]. Det’on Cho Management LP announced today that John Henderson, President & CEO, will be stepping down. Mark Lewis, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed President & CEO and will assume responsibilities on May 1, 2023.
“It has been a privilege to work for Det’on Cho for the last seven years,” commented John Henderson. “I am proud of the hard work and strategic decisions we have made that position us for future growth and continuation of our mandate for years to come. I also want to thank the Board of Directors and our employees for their support and hard work.”
Bobby Drygeese, Board Chairman, stated: "I want to thank John for all of his hard work over the last seven years, and most recently his leadership as President & CEO. He has stewarded Det’on Cho to the strongest financial position in the company’s history.” Drygeese continued, “John has worked closely with Mark for the last three years, and we expect a seamless transition. Mark’s focus on continual improvement and his participation in recent acquisitions make him the right fit for Det’on Cho’s next chapter.”
Mark joined Det’on Cho in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2022. As part of Det’on Cho’s executive team, Mark has been integral to the strategic investments Det’on Cho has made over the last three years. “I am proud of Det’on Cho’s achievements to date, and I am excited to continue working with our outstanding team and partners to execute the strategies we have put in place,” said Lewis.
To assist with the leadership transition, John will remain with Det'on Cho in a senior advisory position through the end of August.
“It has been a privilege to work for Det’on Cho for the last seven years,” commented John Henderson. “I am proud of the hard work and strategic decisions we have made that position us for future growth and continuation of our mandate for years to come. I also want to thank the Board of Directors and our employees for their support and hard work.”
Bobby Drygeese, Board Chairman, stated: "I want to thank John for all of his hard work over the last seven years, and most recently his leadership as President & CEO. He has stewarded Det’on Cho to the strongest financial position in the company’s history.” Drygeese continued, “John has worked closely with Mark for the last three years, and we expect a seamless transition. Mark’s focus on continual improvement and his participation in recent acquisitions make him the right fit for Det’on Cho’s next chapter.”
Mark joined Det’on Cho in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2022. As part of Det’on Cho’s executive team, Mark has been integral to the strategic investments Det’on Cho has made over the last three years. “I am proud of Det’on Cho’s achievements to date, and I am excited to continue working with our outstanding team and partners to execute the strategies we have put in place,” said Lewis.
To assist with the leadership transition, John will remain with Det'on Cho in a senior advisory position through the end of August.
Kavanaugh Bros. Ltd. joining the Det’on Cho Group of Companies
[Yellowknife, NT, February 13, 2023] Det’on Cho Management LP (DCMLP) is pleased to announce Kavanaugh Bros. Ltd.’s (Kavanaugh) is joining the Det’on Cho Group of Companies.
This strategic acquisition marks the evolution of Kavanaugh and DCMLP's existing successful partnership. Both organizations have agreed to terms that will see Kavanaugh become a wholly owned subsidiary of DCMLP, effective April 1st, 2023.
As the business arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, DCMLP exists to provide business opportunities, employment, and prosperity to the people of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. As Yellowknife’s largest waste management company, Kavanaugh brings a wealth of management expertise and physical infrastructure to complement DCMLP’s construction, transportation, logistics, and consulting companies.
“This acquisition strengthens Kavanaugh’s ability to deliver its core services within Chief Drygeese Territory and enhances DCMLP’s ability to execute project-based work across the region,” said John Henderson, President and CEO of DCMLP.
Kavanaugh will remain under the direction of the current management team, including General Manager Peter Houweling, who is also being welcomed as DCMLP’s Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Peter will oversee Kavanaugh while guiding collaboration and business development opportunities across the Det’on Cho Group of Companies.
“Kavanaugh will be operating business as usual, providing the same reliable and award-winning customer service that we are known for. We can expect to see an even stronger Kavanaugh as we leverage the strength of the Det’on Cho Group,” said Peter Houweling, Kavanaugh General Manager and DCMLP VP of Business Development.
Kavanaugh and DCMLP would like to thank our customers, clients, and business partners for their loyalty and support of Indigenous business development. We look forward to continuing exemplary customer service in waste management while expanding the capabilities of the Det’on Cho group.
This strategic acquisition marks the evolution of Kavanaugh and DCMLP's existing successful partnership. Both organizations have agreed to terms that will see Kavanaugh become a wholly owned subsidiary of DCMLP, effective April 1st, 2023.
As the business arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, DCMLP exists to provide business opportunities, employment, and prosperity to the people of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. As Yellowknife’s largest waste management company, Kavanaugh brings a wealth of management expertise and physical infrastructure to complement DCMLP’s construction, transportation, logistics, and consulting companies.
“This acquisition strengthens Kavanaugh’s ability to deliver its core services within Chief Drygeese Territory and enhances DCMLP’s ability to execute project-based work across the region,” said John Henderson, President and CEO of DCMLP.
Kavanaugh will remain under the direction of the current management team, including General Manager Peter Houweling, who is also being welcomed as DCMLP’s Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Peter will oversee Kavanaugh while guiding collaboration and business development opportunities across the Det’on Cho Group of Companies.
“Kavanaugh will be operating business as usual, providing the same reliable and award-winning customer service that we are known for. We can expect to see an even stronger Kavanaugh as we leverage the strength of the Det’on Cho Group,” said Peter Houweling, Kavanaugh General Manager and DCMLP VP of Business Development.
Kavanaugh and DCMLP would like to thank our customers, clients, and business partners for their loyalty and support of Indigenous business development. We look forward to continuing exemplary customer service in waste management while expanding the capabilities of the Det’on Cho group.
Posted Feb 2023
Det'on Cho Management LP Acquires Nunasi Building
[Yellowknife, NT, December 12, 2022] Det’on Cho Management LP has acquired the Nunasi Building at 5109 – 48th St. in Yellowknife as the company continues to expand its commercial real estate management operations.
Existing commercial and office tenants will remain in their spaces. The Det’on Cho management team plans to improve underutilized space to offer additional leasing opportunities and to accommodate growth in Det’on Cho’s training operations.
“This purchase allows Det’on Cho to continue to grow and diversify its business,” said Bobby Drygeese, Board Chair of Det’on Cho Management. “We are excited about the future of this building and what we will be able to do here.”
Existing commercial and office tenants will remain in their spaces. The Det’on Cho management team plans to improve underutilized space to offer additional leasing opportunities and to accommodate growth in Det’on Cho’s training operations.
“This purchase allows Det’on Cho to continue to grow and diversify its business,” said Bobby Drygeese, Board Chair of Det’on Cho Management. “We are excited about the future of this building and what we will be able to do here.”
Posted Dec 2022
Det'on Cho Logistics becomes a 100% Indigenous owned company
Posted Oct 2022
Det’on Cho Management LP Acquires 4105 Franklin Avenue
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Det’on Cho Management LP and subsidiary Det’on Cho We Le Dai LP, operators of the Vital Abel Boarding Home, are pleased to announce the acquisition of 4105 Franklin Avenue, formerly known as the Slave Lake Inn. Opened in March 2019, the former Slave Lake Inn had been operated as a 31-unit hotel under previous ownership. The acquisition will lead to a transition of boarding home services from the Vital Abel Boarding Home in Ndilo to the new facility at 4105 Franklin.
“COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to think differently about how we provide services, and we are excited to make a major infrastructure investment that will improve our client’s comfort and safety”, said Clayton Thompson, General Manager of Det’on Cho Hospitality Group. In a continued effort to create the best guest experience possible, Det’on Cho will immediately start renovations that will result in a modern facility that will better serve the needs of its medical travel guests. Installation of a new commercial kitchen and room enhancements will ensure that guests aremore comfortable and safer than ever before. |
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“Although Det’on Cho holds several real estate interests through partner companies, 4105 Franklin Avenue is the first commercial property 100% owned outside of Ndilo, which makes this a truly exciting project”, said Paul Gruner, President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP.
The long-term relationship with our client, the Northwest Territories Health and Social ServicesAuthority, has provided the foundation for Det’on Cho to make this investment. A contribution from CANNOR helped Det’on Cho build a viable business case resulting in a facility that will support medical travellers and sustain long-term Northern and Indigenous employment. Det’on Cho’s current medical travel facility in Ndilo will be repurposed for community housing resulting in eleven apartment units for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Det’on Cho is in the process of renaming 4105 Franklin Avenue, ultimately the new name will be representative of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. |
Posted 2021
Det'on Cho Management LP Partners with Northwestel, pursues public funding for Indigenous-owned Great Slave Lake fibre line
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