Even while working as a crane operator to help build and maintain oil sands facilities in the late 1970s, Dave Tuccaro always had an entrepreneurial bent.

He started businesses including a janitorial services company, bought two taxis while working at sites, and owned an auto repair shop and a bakery at different times.

In 1993 Tuccaro took over Neegan Development, with its small heavy equipment fleet and a contract at Syncrude’s Mildred Lake operation.

Over the past three decades the Mikisew Cree First Nation member’s leadership of the growing company has earned him countless accolades. The latest came on December 18, when Governor General Mary Simon appointed Tuccaro to the Order of Canada.

“I’m very proud, obviously, and thrilled to be in the company of so many esteemed Canadians,” says Tuccaro, who served as the Mikisew Cree’s band manager prior to launching his business career.

“I see my responsibility as using this recognition to better our people moving forward. Indigenous people are in the best place we’ve ever been in Canada. We need to step up and be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to us.”

When Tuccaro took over Neegan Development, the company was going broke.

“We had too much heavy equipment that wasn’t being used,” says Tuccaro.

He approached Syncrude with the issue and says the company worked with Neegan to change the scope of its contract, allowing it to reorganize and survive.

“It really helps to have clients who will work with you, particularly as an Indigenous-owned business. It was rare then,” Tuccaro says.

Neegan has since blossomed into five companies under the umbrella of the Tuccaro Group, providing clients across the oil sands with everything from waste water removal to laboratory and geoscience services to on-site supply management.

In addition to building his own empire, Tuccaro has also helped foster other Indigenous owned businesses.

He co-founded the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA) in 1993, which represents more than 90 Indigenous-owned businesses with another 90 non-Indigenous associate members.

“When we started NAABA, our goal was to work together as a group of Aboriginal-owned businesses to create jobs and training opportunities for the betterment of all people in Wood Buffalo,” says Tuccaro, who also served as a panelist advising aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs for the second season of the popular APTN show Bears’ Lair.

“I’m so proud of what NAABA has grown into and this next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

As well as recognizing his role in elevating Indigenous business and contributing to the growth of Wood Buffalo’s economic growth, Simon’s announcement of Tuccaro’s appointment cited his support and guidance for numerous community initiatives.

“We’ve seen the importance of contributing to the community where we operate and are major donors to the Northern Lights Hospital Foundation and Keyano College,” says Tuccaro, who donates more than $200,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and causes in the region.

“That’s what owning a business can do and that’s why I hope to see more First Nations do that…It’s vital for those communities to generate revenue so they look after themselves and build the elder’s centres, schools, hockey rinks and other infrastructure that’s needed.”

Tuccaro’s appointment was hailed as worthy recognition for his impact on industry and the Wood Buffalo region by Jim Carter, the former president of Syncrude who worked with Tuccaro when he first took over Neegan.

“We could tell he was going to get things done and succeed,” says Carter, who was appointed as an officer in the Order of Canada in 2014.

“It was so great to see him grow his business and fully engage his own community while doing that. Dave has fully earned this recognition. It is a fitting tribute for what he’s accomplished for the oil sands, the region and Indigenous people.”

The unaltered reproduction of this content is free of charge with attribution to the Canadian Energy Centre.