24th Annual NADF Business Awards – Live from Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) present the “24th Annual NADF Business Awards” to celebrate Aboriginal business in northern Ontario. Eight award recipients will be recognized for their achievements at a gala event hosted by the Valhalla Inn.

Since 1991, the annual NADF Business Awards has recognized the outstanding business achievement of successful businesses, organizations and people in northern Ontario’s growing Aboriginal business community and the contributions they make to the growth and prosperity of our economy.

The annual business function is the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’s largest event bringing together business, government and industry leaders to join in celebrating the achievements of our Aboriginal business community.

This year the 24th Annual NADF Business Awards will be live on NetNewsledger starting at 7:15PM EDT and including the Keynote address from Ovide Mercredi

Ovide Mercredi is a Cree born in the northern community of Grand Rapids in 1946. He served his community as Chief of Misipawistik Cree Nation from 2005 to 2011. He is now a councillor. A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Law degree he practiced criminal law and later specialized in constitutional law as an advisor to Manitoba Chiefs. Mercredi has worked tirelessly for the rights of First Nations people throughout Canada. He is known as a First Nations leader that speaks eloquently with great passion and clarity.

Ovide Mercredi was elected as National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations in 1991. During his first term he led the negotiations for the First Nations in the Charlottetown Accord. He was re-elected in 1994 and served as National Chief until 1997. In addition to serving as a lawyer and politician he co-authored “In the Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations” with Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 1993. He has contributed articles to other publications. In his spare time, he enjoys painting and writing poetry.

Ovide Mercredi is a strong believer in a positive future for all First Nations communities and recognizes the inherent strength and talents of First Nations people. He has always maintained that his people possess the answers to their needs and aspirations. To him healing can be accomplished by the simple application of traditional values such as respect and kindness.

Award Categories

Youth Entrepreneur: Presented to an Aboriginal youth between 18 and 35 years of age who is successfully operating a business in northern Ontario for a least two years.

Business Woman: Presented to an Aboriginal woman, 18 years or older, who is successfully operating a business in northern Ontario. Business must be in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.

Business Man: Presented to an Aboriginal man, 18 years or older, who is successfully operating a business in northern Ontario. Business must be in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.

Executive: Presented to an individual of Aboriginal heritage in northern Ontario who currently holds an executive position for a minimum period of 1 year; and who has made significant contributions to the organization.

Partnership: Presented to a successful business partnership where at least one of the partners is of Aboriginal heritage, is significantly involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, and retains at least 51% ownership in the business.

Corporation: Presented to a majority-owned Aboriginal corporation that is operating successfully in northern Ontario.

Building Communities: Presented to an individual of Aboriginal heritage; or a majority-owned Aboriginal business; or an Aboriginal organization that is successfully operating a business in northern Ontario.

New Business: Presented to an individual of Aboriginal heritage; or a majority-owned Aboriginal business; or an Aboriginal organization, located in northern Ontario. Business must in operation for a minimum of one (1) year, but less than two (2) years.