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The Waubetek Business Development Corporation hosted its 2019 Business Awards Gala on Nov. 7 at the Casino Rama Resort and Conference Centre at Rama First Nation, Ont.
The event recognized Indigenous role models and the achievements of Aboriginal businesses located in the northeast of the province. They created much needed jobs and provided services throughout the region.
The Waubetek Business Development Corporation is a member of the network of Community Futures Development Corporations in Ontario and Aboriginal Financial Institutions in Canada.
Waubetek means “the future” in the Ojibwe language.
The corporation has helped to strengthen the regional economy by providing a variety of business services and $94 million in investment financing to more than 3,000 Aboriginal businesses through a variety of industries since 1989.
The gala celebration marked Waubetek’s 30th anniversary.
Kathryn Corbiere of OneKwe, a modern metal fabrication business located on the M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, was the recipient of the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award. It was presented and sponsored by RBC. The award represents an entrepreneur who has established a successful business prior to reaching 36 years of age.
Z’Gamok Enterprises Inc., a community economic development corporation located on the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. The award was sponsored by Ontario Power Generation and presented to a successful business less than three years old that exhibits substantial future potential.
Mark Hamlin of RF Kiln Tech Ltd., an innovative wood recovery business located in Midland, received the Business Merit Award. It was sponsored by Waubetek Business Development Corporation and given to business people regarded as significant contributors to their community and region.
The Business Achievement Award, sponsored by Cole-Munro and Canadian Aquaculture Systems Inc., was presented to a well-established business with a history of pioneering and which also plays an integral role in the economy of their communities through continued business innovation, expansion and job creation. This award was presented to Ben Kanasawe of Buzwah Fisheries, an aquaculture business located on the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island.
