Recognize! Celebrate! Honour!
Sharing our stories and celebrating our successes will ensure that economic development initiatives continue to grow. In 1995, the CANDO Economic Developer of the Year Award was created to recognize and promote recent or long-standing Aboriginal economic development initiatives throughout Canada.
Three outstanding examples of Aboriginal economic development are awarded for their hard work over the year. Delegates at the National Conference will have voted for three categories: Individual EDO, Community & Aboriginal Private Sector Business.
Congratulations to this year's Winners & Recognition Recipients!
Visit Nation Talk for media interviews with some of our EDO winners.2010 Economic Developer of the Year Award Winners
- Chippewa Industrial Developments Ltd., ON (Community Category)
- Rodney W. Hester, Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company Inc., QC (Individual EDO Category)
- Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation, MB (Aboriginal Private Sector Business Category)
- Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office, NS (Community Category)
- Michael Fontaine, Sagkeeng First Nation, MB (Individual Category)
- Goodfish Lake Development Limited Partnership, AB (Aboriginal Private Sector Business Category)
Chippewa Industrial Developments Ltd., ONCommunity Category
Chippewa Industrial Development Ltd. Is the
development corporation of Aamjiwnaag First Nation, and was established to
create business opportunities and long term employment for band members. In
1991, the first phase of its industrial park was completed, and currently
houses a small business plaza, gas bar and in total, leases space to 17
tenants, some of which are large corporations. In addition to providing jobs
for band members and other residents of the area, the industrial park also
provides revenues which have allowed Chippewa Industrial Developments Ltd. to
move ahead with phase 2 - a 235 acre eco park. CIDL continues to present the
business community with a good development model of economic and political
stability within the larger non-native community in the pursuit of economic
development, and area which they have certainly proven themselves successful.
Rodney W. Hester, Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company
Inc., QC
Individual EDO Category
Mr. Rodney Hester is a member of the Cree Nation of
Waskaganish and currently holds the position of Business Development
Coordinator for the Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company. Rodney is held
in high esteem by his colleagues, who admire him for his perseverance and
outstanding work ethic. Rodney has been instrumental in the creation of
two major partnerships to see the creation in a new Quality Inn and Suites in
the city of Val d’Or as well as a construction supplies distribution company.
Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation, MB
Aboriginal Private Sector Business
Unamaki Economic Benefits Office, NSCommunity Category
The five First Nation communities in Cape Breton,
Unama’ki have formed a unique economic partnership and established a collaborative
approach to economic development that is becoming recognized across Canada.
Since it’s opening in 2007, Unamaki Economic Benefits Office concluded an
agreement for the first Nova Scotia Aboriginal set-asides, totaling over $19
million for work on the Tar Ponds Cleanup project which should be completed by
2014. In addition to this $19 million set aside, a $37.6 million contract was
awarded to a Unama’ki company, MB2 Construction, in a bidding process that was
open to any construction company. Unamaki Economic Benefits Office has
become an icon for success, and will surely continue to be a leader in
Aboriginal Economic Development in Canada.
Michael Fontaine, Sagkeeng First Nation, MB
Individual
EDO Category
Mr. Mike Fontaine has held the position of Economic Development Officer for the Sagkeeng First Nation for the past two years. In addition to providing ongoing business support services and mentorship to his fellow band members, Mike has also been credited with negotiating a deal with a major Crown Corporation worth over $25 million dollars which resulted in opportunities for lucrative partnerships, revenue generation and job creation for the Sagkeeng First Nation.
Goodfish Lake Development Limited Partnership, AB
Aboriginal
Private Sector Business Category
Goodfish Lake Development Limited Partnership is a high quality, fire-retardant garment manufacturer and garment cleaning service provider to Alberta oil sands and north-eastern Alberta oil and gas producers. Since 2000, the business revenues have grown from $3,000,000 to over $12,800,000 in 2010, which has allowed this successful venture to continue to create meaningful employment opportunities for its citizens and emerge as an environmental leader in its industry. Currently, Goodfish Lake Development Limited Partnership is the largest private sector employer on the Whitefish Lake First Nation and one of the largest local employers in the County of St. Paul.
2010 ED of the Year Awards by Steve Smith
Pottery Piece - Aboriginal Private Sector Business Award
Pottery Piece - Community Award
Pottery Piece - Individual EDO Award
Artist Biography
Steve Smith was born and raised on the Six Nations Reserve. He belongs to the Turtle clan of the Mohawk nation. His parents were Oliver and Elda Smith who developed a traditional style of Iroquois pottery using modern techniques such as an electric wheel and electric kiln. Steve’s award-winning pottery has been featured on TV Ontario Special and Global TV, along with many newspaper articles. In 1977, Steve was an honoured guest at the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen in a “Tribute to Young Canadians Who Have Achieved Excellence in the Arts and Science.” His artwork is found in museums, galleries, corporations and private collections throughout the world. His work was featured last year at the Canadian Clay & Glass gallery as part of our First Nations Contemporary Clay exhibition. Contact Steve Smith: talkingearthp@aol.com