BONNYVILLE, Alta. — Jacknife Oilfield Services, a member of the Trimac family of companies with deep roots in the Elizabeth Métis Settlement on Canada’s Treaty 6 territory, continues to strengthen its support for Indigenous communities through employment initiatives, community services and culturally grounded business practices.
Founded in 1997 by Mike and Tracy Jacknife, members of a well-known local Indigenous family, the company has built long-standing relationships across the region by responding to community needs beyond its core transportation and mechanical services.
Jacknife provides student bussing, mechanical services and oil changes for the local school division, as well as specialized assistance such as cremation transport for families. The company also supports education on reserve by supplying schools with basic materials and preparing holiday hampers for families who need additional support.
A key focus of Jacknife’s community investment is workforce development. The company operates a long-running apprenticeship program at its shop in Elizabeth Settlement, enabling employees to complete multi-year trades training close to home. Jacknife also participates in Indigenous employment initiatives by attending First Nation job fairs and working with the Rupertsland Institute in Bonnyville, Alta. to place Métis candidates in sustainable careers.
In the energy sector, Jacknife hauls fluid for Cardinal Energy at Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, strengthening partnerships through culturally respectful practices, including the offering of tobacco and cigars during meetings.
Community connection is also reflected in Jacknife’s annual client appreciation events, which feature Bannock burgers prepared in partnership with the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. The Friendship Centre supports Indigenous food security, family services and mental health programming in the region.
Across its operations, the company emphasizes reciprocity, respect for Indigenous culture and strong, family-oriented relationships.
Jacknife’s approach has earned multiple awards and industry recognitions, including Outstanding Large Business of the Year from the Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce in 2022. The company has also been named a top-three finalist for Indigenous Inclusion at the Global Petroleum Awards, a top-four finalist for Alberta Aboriginal Business of the Year and a finalist for Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies and EY Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2017, Jacknife was recognized as Cold Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year.
About Jacknife Oilfield Services
Based in Bonnyville, Alberta, Jacknife Oilfield Services has built a remarkable reputation since its establishment in 1997. With a focus on servicing oil and gas companies in the Lakeland Region of Northeastern Alberta, Jacknife is a leading fluid transportation company specializing in heavy crude and oilfield hauling. Trimac Transportation acquired Jacknife in July 2023.
About Trimac
Trimac is an industry-leading bulk transportation company that provides a diverse range of transportation and logistics services across Canada and the United States. Founded in 1945 in Moose Jaw, Sask. and based in Calgary, Alta., Trimac has grown from a small family trucking company to one of the safest and most efficient transportation service companies in North America—with over 140 operating branches and unparalleled expertise in responding to service demands in critical bulk commodity sectors.