About
Odanah Truck Line Inc.
Message from Our Chairman
2021, was an unprecedented time for the world and big changes for Odanah. After two decades, the ownership of Odanah Truck Line Inc. transitioned from the Rae family to the new owners, Kakhewistahaw First Nation and Gambler First Nation through their economic partnership, Timaskaw Transport LP. This change in ownership represents the entrance of Indigenous community participation in the truck transportation and logistics market in a meaningful and substantive way, with a brand that is highly regarded in terms of customer service and safety.
The new ownership represents increased and accelerated opportunity for our business and the communities that it serves. It is with a great sense of excitement that we look forward to the future of Odanah and the positive growth it will see over the following decades ahead.
Chris Sicotte, Board Chairman
Corporate Responsibility
As Odanah grows, so do the communities we work for.
Apart from ownership, Odanah also contributes to various causes in our communities through our ESG initiatives, including community beautification and a focus on creating more employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
We are also committed to providing environmentally conscious freight transportation services through our tree planting initiatives and ensuring we do our part in reducing our environmental footprint wherever possible to increase our fuel economy and therefore our overall Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Who We Are
Odanah Truck Line Inc. is a 100% First Nation community owned business providing customer-focused transportation and logistics services across Canada and the 48 US States. Having been in operations for over 20 years, Odanah has an exceptional reputation for both safety and customer service and is committed to bringing its community focused values to its business dealings.
Our Communities
Gambler First Nation is one of the smallest indigenous communities in Manitoba, with a total membership of 293 of Ojibway descent. Located approximately five miles west of the village of Binscarth and 17 miles southwest of the town of Russell. Gambler is situated along the Assiniboine Valley, with rolling hills and streams. The Nation is blessed with breathtaking views, fresh air and a peaceful environment that brings a calmness to its members and all visitors.
The community is focused on progress through development of community owned businesses and economic opportunities for its membership.
Kahkewistahaw is located 15km North of Broadview, Saskatchewan along the #201 Highway and next to the Qu’Appelle Valley with a population of approximately 2,100 total members with approximately 675 members living on-reserve.
Kahkewistahaw is a prosperous, self-sustaining and proud Nation working with strong, healthy and educated members to empower current and future generations. Its mission is to combine the strengths and voices of its people and Nation to create opportunities and enhance the way services are delivered. Progressive, dedicated and committed to working towards excellence through building strong and accountable governance. The community partners and works together using its assets for long-term community benefit.
Our Vision
Providing excellence in service while building economic capacity in First Nations communities across Canada through an unwavering commitment to quality, training and safety.
Odanah's History
Odanah was originally founded in 1999 and named after the Rural Municipality where it all started. In 2021, it was transitioned by Mr. Ken Rae to Timaskaw Transport LP, a limited partnership jointly owned by Kahkewistahaw First Nation (SK) and Gambler First Nation (MB). Under First Nation’s ownership, the Company has continued the customer-focused service delivery model as well as focused its efforts on recruiting and training Indigenous drivers as well as providing broader economic opportunities for the communities it serves.
Odanah currently operates across Western Canada and the 48 US States marking this as the first fully First Nations community owned international transport and logistics company.
Meet The Leadership
Our Management
Jack Liu
Chief Executive Officer
Jack has led a highly successful career as both an entrepreneur and management consultant, through a core focus on results. He has vast experience in many areas, including engineering, construction, procurement, transportation, gaming, banking, mining, oil and gas, and has spent over 25 years in senior management roles. Jack has built a reputation for rigorous professionalism and strong problem-solving skills.
MBA from Dalhousie University, Rowe School of Business.
Certified member of the following professional organizations:
- Charted Professional Accountant Canada (CPA)
- The Society of Management Accountant Canada (CMA)
- Project Management Institute (PMP)
- The institute of Internal Auditors (CIA)
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Production Accountants (CAPPA)
Stefan Levasseur
General Manager
Stefan brings exceptional leadership qualities, and a background that includes 25 years in the manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, steel, automotive, food processing and transportation industry.
During his extensive management career, Stefan has successfully implemented various LEAN initiatives including Just In Time program, Supplier Kanban, and in-house manufacturing (Direct Supply) initiatives. Stefan has also worked in purchasing as a buyer and sourcing agent as well as managed plants and transportation and logistics companies.
Board of Directors
Chris Sicotte
Board Chairman
Chris is a proud Cree/Métis and member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation who brings a wealth of experience in the areas of business development and corporate governance.
In addition to his successful career in the financial services industry, Chris has been focused on creating more economic opportunities for the First Nations organizations that he serves with a special emphasis on governance. During his career, Chris has chaired a number of boards and committees including AFOA Canada, as well as the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, City of Saskatoon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee in addition to his current appointments with Kahkewistahaw Economic Development Corporation, Timaskaw Transport LP and Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation.
David LeDoux
Chief
A passionate advocate for First Nations’ economic development and good governance, Chief LeDoux has spent the past decade serving his home community of Gambler First Nation, focusing on land development and business acquisition as a means to develop more opportunities for the members of Gambler First Nation.
Chief LeDoux strongly believes in developing financial independence for First Nations communities through self sufficiency and has dedicated his efforts to developing strong relationships with the Manitoba business community to promote more positive working relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous owned businesses.
Iris Taypotat-Scribe
Counsellor
Iris shares the economic development portfolio for Kahkewsitahaw First Nation and brings with her a wealth of experience in First Nation’s community development which guides the direction of Odanah. A strong supporter of good governance and economic progress, Iris has been a strong voice for progress that benefits the community.
Michael Bob
Counsellor
Michael has served his home community of Kahkewistahaw First Nation for close to 30 years and assisted in overseeing the economic transformation of his community. Michael shares the First Nation’s economic portfolio and is a keen advocate for economic progress through land development and business growth.
Social Responsibility
Driven By Community
Always connected to our own communities of Kahkewistahâw First Nation and Gambler First Nation, we know what it takes to create opportunities with real impact, opportunities that drive economic capacity and transform communities.
This is why Odanah is built on a unique community focused model that allows for broad-based participation by Indigenous communities across Canada to encourage Indigenous ownership in the transport sector.
We also work with Indigenous communities to attract and retain more Indigenous drivers to grow our business as well as rewarding careers.