THE EARLY YEARS
Tawich Construction traces its history to 1990, when the then Chief of Wemindji and local council formed the company to assist in the development and capacity building as a Cree initiative as what was the negotiated compensation and capital from the JBNQA 1975.

In partnership with other development companies, Tawich Construction was awarded contracts such as building residential homes, eventually leading to excavation and installation of civil works, as well as concrete formwork. Eventually TCI would assist in all developments in the community such as the construction of the school expansion, local garages and daycare centers. Renovation of all sorts of building including the arena and community hall. TCI also assisted in the construction of our local administrative Band Office that stands solid in the center of our beautiful community. Partnerships came and went, but provided TCI with the support and important development to what we are today. Eventually focusing in the civil sector. TCI found a home and focused the business in that direction, although still fairly young TCI has come a long way and is very proud of the milestones we’ve accomplished.

Community development as an initiative of self-determination by leadership saw opportunities for the local workforce to contribute to the community growth and development. TCI continues to grow and prosper, developing employment opportunities in the public sector and expanding into significant markets in the private sector. By the time, TCI celebrated its 20th year; the company had Project offices throughout Eeyou istchee and was performing nearly all types of construction work from paving, rock crushing, road maintenance and mining.

In the early 2000s, TCI began making significant moves outside its core businesses, with an emphasis on employment opportunities and sustainability for our communities. The non-core businesses were spun off from the construction and mining operations at the Opinaca Mines. In the reorganization, Gilbert Georgekish became Director General of TCI and along with the support of the local government and the establishment of the Opinagow Agreement capitalized on the opportunities of this new agreement.