To commemorate our 25th year of existence (October 1984-October 2009), we've put together a brief timeline highlighting the numerous accomplishments you have helped us attain. Share our success with us, and if you would still like to know more about NADF, contact us .
NADF Milestones (1984-2009)
1984 NAN Chief’s resolution addresing the need for a financial institution that catered to the needs of First Nations communities in the region.
October 1984 Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund – the corporation is formed.
1985 Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund contracts Frank Price & Associates to undertake a feasibility/business study on NAN communities.
November 1986 President & CEO Bentley Cheechoo hired to run NADF.
1987 Office opens on Fort William First Nation in the trailer complex.
1987 Capitalization of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund - $ 7,000,000.
May 1987 Officially opened as ‘Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’
1987 Integrated the ‘Loan Guarantee Program’ – agreements were signed with two banks, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and the Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank). This agreement allowed Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund to provide loan services for up to a maximum $ 250,000 to the NAN membership.
1990 Inaugural Business Awards – In 1990, the 1st annual Business Awards Gala, organized and hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF), was held to recognize two award recipients for their achievement in business: Business Man and Business Woman of the Year. The number of award categories has expanded over the years to eight, with the most recent addition in 2005. Traditionally awards have been presented to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, executives, businesses and organizations within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory. This territory spans the northern portion of Ontario, primarily the area known as Treaty #9, from the James Bay coast to the Manitoba border. Due to the vastness of the territory, the awards venue has alternated between Thunder Bay, ON and Timmins, ON to provide opportunity for participation from across the Nation. As NADF has grown, we have expanded our capacity to offer services to neighboring treaty territories and communities. In recognition of this, we introduced a new award in 2005 – the NeeChee Achievement Award. NeeChee means “Friend” in Ojibway. This award recognizes outstanding business achievement from an entrepreneur, executive, business, or organization in the Treaty #3 territories and Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaty territories.
Since the awards have been given – there has been 102 winners.
March 22, 1991 Direct Loans Program started by Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund which allowed the corporation to administer their own loans (term, bridge & youth loans).
1992 – $ 1.5 million added to enhance the loan fund from Industry Canada
1993 Integration of Aboriginal Business Canada programs and services – an agreement was signed with Industry Canada to be an External Delivery Office for Aboriginal Business Development Programs.
1995 Nishnawbe Aski Business Advisory and Support Services was formed to provide pre-developmental and aftercare support for the loan and ABC clients.
1997 The birth of Neegani Investments Management Inc– This corporation was setup as an investment bank for deals upward of $ 1 million dollars.
2002 Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund earned the designation of a ‘Community Futures Development Corporation’ (CFDC) to deliver services in three mandated activities – business couselling, investment and community strategic planning.
2002 Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund finally leaves the trailer complex to move into Anemki Mountain Corporation building located on the Fort William First Nation reserve.
2003 Northern Access Centre for Small business – programs for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
October 2004 – Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund along with all AFI’s in Canada hit a milestone for loans granted – 1 billion dollars.
2005 NADF moves from the Fort William First Nations reserve to our current office space at 106 Centennial Square in Thunder Bay, ON.
2005 Chief’s steering Committee – to communicate the findings of the Manitoba-Ontario Interconnection project to the communities of NAN
2005 Co-sponsored ‘Project Beyshick’ – NAN participates are involved in a one week mentoring/job shadowing program focused on building entrepreneurship amongst Youth.
2007 – Held our inaugural ‘Fairway for Charities’ – An annual golf tournament to support charities and Youth business
PRESIDENT’S & CEO of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Bentley Cheechoo Ruth Corbett Dennis Cromarty & Harvey Yesno (current)
Check out our 25th anniversary special in Volume 37 Issue #8 of Wawatay Newspaper here.
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