Byron LeClair’s experience in First Nation economic development is well documented as the past Director of Energy Projects for the Pic River First Nation. In that capacity, Byron led the charge for renewable energy development, serving as President for Kagiano Power Corporation (a wholly owned community energy company) and Vice President of Business Development for the Begetekong Power Corporation (a partnership between Pic River and Innergex Renewable Energy).
Byron has also served as President and CEO of Pic River Energy and Forestry, a community owned resource development company. Overseeing the growth of the company to include 3 operating hydro electric facilities with assets worth $125 million dollars, and a full service forestry company, Mr. LeClair has always believed that prosperity and self-sufficiency will come from within, and supported through prudently negotiated strategic partnerships.
More recently, Byron LeClair has embarked on his own, establishing two companies, First Nations Resource Management, supplying industry clients with aboriginal business development support advice to mining and energy industry clients. Mr. LeClair and his partner, Melissa Hardy-Giles/Paul Giles, have also established Origin Operators and Recruitment, an aboriginal labour supply company, providing mining and construction companies with a single window solution for aboriginal employment engagement. Origin has a booth at PDAC and you can visit them at Booth 6425 North.
A staunch advocate of Aboriginal rights, Byron LeClair has spoken at many conferences on topics related to Aboriginal people, resource development projects and the benefits of First Nation business partnerships. He is a member of the Pic River First Nation having previously served 8 years as a counselor for the community.