Reconciliation at Heart of Newly Created Spirit92 Partnership
Winnipeg, MB, December 1, 2021 – In the spirit of reconciliation, two local companies – Indigenous-owned Spirit Healthcare Group (SHG) and PADM Medical – are working in partnership to launch new spirit-branded compostable face masks. It’s one of their first joint-projects but it won’t be their last as they work to pursue mutually beneficial business opportunities in the healthcare industry.
“As an Indigenous company focused on building better Canadian businesses, we play an integral role in economic reconciliation,” said Heather Berthelette, CEO at Spirit Healthcare Group. “We bring extensive knowledge, competency and financial investments to the table. We are proud to work alongside a partner like PADM Medical and add the compostable face masks to our ever-growing catalogue of spirit- branded products.”
The new partnership umbrella, appropriately named Spirit92, is based on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendation #92 which calls for the corporate sector to establish meaningful consultation and long-term, sustainable opportunities on economic development projects.
“Spirit Healthcare brings an Indigenous world view to everything they do and working alongside them has been incredibly rewarding for us,” said Martin Petrak, CEO of Precision ADM. “They have been walking beside us on our journey through reconciliation by assisting us in examining our operations, inclusion policies and looking inside at our desire to be a climate and socially responsible organization. SHG encouraged us to start by signing the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord and we are proud to be in the process of taking this first step.”
“Spirit92 is more than just a name, it’s a more meaningful path forward in ensuring companies are doing business in a better way,” said Chief Dennis Meeches, Board Chair at Tribal Councils Investment Group.
The Spirit Compostable Masks have material that comes from plant-based biopolymers that are fully compostable and are grown in Alberta, Ontario, Nebraska, and other North American fields right outside your backdoor. Traditional masks are made of plastics that take hundreds of years to decompose. Over their life cycle, these new masks will account for 56% less carbon emissions than traditional masks, without compromising on safety.
PADM Medical and SHG have also been working together as part of the CANGLOVETM Consortium that has qualified to submit a proposal to the Government to build the first domestic secure supply chain for disposable nitrile glove manufacturing in Canada.
“This is a great opportunity for Manitoba and after some initial discussions and facility tours with various Ministers, we look forward to working with and being supported by the Manitoba government,” added Berthelette.
Microsoft Word – News Release – Spirit Compostable Masks – Nov 30 2021 FINAL.docx
SHG is one of the first 100 per cent Indigenous owned and operated companies to enter into the healthcare products Industry in Canada. Through the investment of First Nations dollars, they continue to manufacture and grow their line of healthcare products with the intention to become a competitive, global distributor and take their seat at the economic table – all in an effort to move the economy forward through reconciliation.
About Spirit Healthcare Group
Spirit Healthcare Group is a subsidiary of the Tribal Councils Investment Group, which is owned by the seven Tribal Councils of Manitoba with a Board chaired by Chief Dennis Meeches. Its purpose is to grow strong, competitive companies that can compete on a national and global level. The group brings an Indigenous world view to the way they do business – with an eye on both economic growth and social development – Indigenomics in Action.
About Precision ADM Medical Inc.
Precision ADM Medical (PADM Medical) creates and distributes essential medical devices and testing equipment for viral protection and prevention. Founded in 2020 to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic, PADM Medical commercializes innovative new products and is devoted to building and maintaining a secure North American supply chain for PPE.
PADM MedicalTM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Precision ADM Inc., an organization that has its roots in the orthopaedic medical device industry and provides contract Advanced Digital Manufacturing® services such as metal additive manufacturing for the medical, aerospace and energy markets.
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For more information, please contact mediarequests@spirithealthcare.ca