Northern Ontario First Nations and Independent Power Authorities (IPA) Sign A
Memorandum Of Understanding To Facilitate Reliable Community Electricity
Thunder Bay, ON, February 8, 2012 - Recognizing that affordable electricity is a catalyst to economic
development in the north, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) has facilitated the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding between eight northern Ontario First Nations to work collectively
to pursue long and short-term goals to work cooperatively toward providing affordable electricity in their
communities. The parties to this agreement include:
Eabemetoong First Nation
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Nibinamik First Nation
North Spirit Lake First Nation
Poplar Hill First Nation
Wawakapewin First Nation
Weenusk First Nation
Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Chief Joshua Frogg of Wawakapewin First Nation was on hand to witness the progress made and had
this to offer, “This is a huge step forward we are taking as a collective to solve the systemic problem
of underfunding and fuel shortages that plague our communities every year. We are thankful for the
opportunity to show our First Nations are committed to working together to resolve these issues.”
A comprehensive work plan was adopted to ensure amongst other things, that the First Nations
and the IPAs meet with the Federal government to resolve the emergency diesel shortfall issues,
to explore alternative renewable energy options, negotiate bulk fuel purchasing agreements, and
other agreements that will help provide affordable electricity to the First Nations.
All parties to this agreement intend to meet again in March of this year to evaluate the progress
made on their work plan. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Les Loutitt lent his
support to the agreement which was initiated by the NAN Chiefs under resolution 09/35.
Deputy Grand Chief Loutitt offered, “I am pleased with the level of progress made by NAN First
Nations and the (Independent Power Authorities) IPAs in dealing with these urgent issues.”
About NADF
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a non-profit economic development organization providing
loans, equipment leases, appraisal services, grants, community strategic planning, business
counseling and mining/resource development advisory services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs
on and off-reserve across northern Ontario. As an Aboriginal financial institution with a
focus on small business, NADF has issued almost $30 million in loans. An average
loan has helped to create 2.3 full time jobs in the region.
For all inquiries about this release, please contact:
Colleen Martin
General Manager
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
(807)623-5397
nadf%23org|cmartin
Request for interviews with NAN Deputy Grand Chief Louttit regarding
this release should be forwarded to:
Christina Filazzola
Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 251-6386
nan%23on%23ca|cfilazzola
NADF Partners With Lac Seul First Nation To Establish A Micro-Loan Fund For Aboriginal Enterpreneurs
Thunder Bay, ON, January 25, 2012 - Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) has partnered with Lac Seul First Nation through the Obishikokaang Development Fund (ODF) to provide micro loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in Lac Seul First Nation.
“Access to capital is one of the main challenges Aboriginal business owners face, and it’s up to us as a leading Aboriginal Financial Institution to come up with creative ways to ensure these dynamic entrepreneurs get access to the financing they need.” says NADF General Manager Colleen Martin.
The micro-lending initiative is just one of many ways NADF seeks to empower northern Ontario’s growing Aboriginal population through entrepreneurship.
Through its partnership with FedNor, NADF is able to provide commercial loans, grants, property appraisals, business counseling, community strategic planning and advisory services in mining and energy to First Nation communities across northern Ontario.The funds will be provided jointly by NADF and ODF, and will be accessible to entrepreneurs in Lac Seul through a peer lending circle administered by ODF.
This initiative comes at a time of increased demand for Aboriginal business services in the region. NADF recently increased its loan limit in response to growing demand for capital amongst small to mid-size business owners and an average loan has helped create 2.3 full-time jobs.
About NADF
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a non-profit economic development organization providing loans, equipment leases, appraisal services, grants, community strategic planning, business counseling and mining/resource development advisory services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs on and off-reserve across northern Ontario. For more information, please visit www.nadf.org
About Lac Seul First Nation
Lac Seul is a First Nation community with roughly 1500 members located approximately 600 kilometers North West of Thunder Bay with road access from Sioux Lookout. Land wise, Lac Seul is one of the largest reserves in Treaty #3, with a land base bound to the north and east by Lac Seul Lake and is made up of three communities: Kejick Bay, Whitefish Bay, and Frenchman's Head. For more information on Lac Seul First Nation, please visit http://lacseul.firstnation.ca
For all inquiries about this release, please contact:
Colleen Martin
General Manager
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
(807)623-5397
nadf%23org|cmartin
NADF Rewards Exceptional Entrepreneurs at Canada’s Longest Running Annual Aboriginal Business Awards.
Timmins ON, October 24, 2011- The NADF Business Awards returned to Timmins for the first time in three years on Wednesday, October 26th at the Days Inn & Conference Centre to celebrate successful Aboriginal businesses and their growing contributions to the region’s economy.
Award recipients were carefully selected for their exemplary leadership and positive impacts on their communities in eight distinct categories:
Business Man of the Year
Business Woman of the Year
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
Executive of the Year
Partnership of the Year
Corporation of the Year
Building Communities
New Business of the Year
NADF Chair Madeline Commanda is very pleased with the award ceremony’s return to Timmins. “The response we’ve received from our communities has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s encouraging to see our people empowering themselves through entrepreneurship, in growing numbers”.
The Annual Business Awards continues to be a successful showcase of NADF’s commitment to support small to mid-size Aboriginal businesses on and off-reserve across northern Ontario. In its 21st year, this non-profit event which alternates between Thunder Bay and Timmins has raised over $350,000 to support various health and community initiatives in First Nations communities across northern Ontario. Event proceeds have also provided educational bursaries for Aboriginal students and humanitarian assistance to communities in need.
Award winners are listed as follows:
Award |
Winner |
Business/Organization |
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year |
Christine Neegan |
Blue Feather Spirit Wear |
Business Woman of the Year |
Connie Boyd |
The Silver Moccasin |
Business Man of the Year |
Pierre Pelletier |
Four K's |
Building Communities |
Wabun Tribal Council |
Wabun Tribal Council - Accepted by Shawn Batise |
Corporation of the Year |
Kimesskanemenow Corporation |
Kimesskanemenow Corporation |
Executive of the Year |
Veronica Nicholson |
Timmins Native Friendship Centre |
Partnership of the Year |
Joe & Linda Fiddler |
Sandy Lake Motel |
New Business of the Year |
Niska Law |
Niska Law - Accepted by Ramona Sutherland |
Learn more about the 21st Annual NADF Awards here
About NADF
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a 27 year old non-profit economic development agency providing financial assistance (commercial loans, equipment leasing and grants), resource sector support and business counseling services to small and mid-sized Aboriginal businesses on and off-reserve across northern Ontario (Treaty #9, #3, #5-Ontario portion & Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaties).
With over 130 years of combined expertise, $26 million in issued loans and over 500 businesses and 2000 jobs created in the region, our intent is to empower northern Ontario’s growing Aboriginal population through entrepreneurship, by being a one-stop shop for all their business needs.
For more information, please contact:
Ade Michael Sekudo
Marketing & Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
(807)623-5397
asekudo[at]nadf.org
NADF Partners with Dilico To Raise Funds For Alzheimer's Society at 'Coffee Break'
Thunder Bay ON September 12, 2011 – On Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) are teamed up to host 'Coffee Break', a fundraising event in support of the Alzheimer Society.
“Alzheimer’s is a disease that seems to have an impact on everyone,” says NADF General Manager Colleen Martin. “Whether it’s a family member, a close friend or even someone you work with, Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the patient but also the person’s family, caregivers and community.”
For one hour – between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – staff of both organizations served up coffee and donuts donated by Robin’s Donuts (421 Frederica St. W. location) to raise funds for the local Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society. The event took place at NADF’s Thunder Bay Office at 106 Centennial Square as well as Dilico’s Main Office located at 200 Anemki Place, Fort William First Nation.
“At Dilico we care for the physical and mental health of the clients we serve as well as the health of our communities as a whole,” says Dilico’s Director of Health Services Marcia Pedri. “We are happy to be partner with NADF for this initiative not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.”
Coffee Break is the Alzheimer Society's major nationwide annual fundraiser where friends, co-workers and customers gather in communities across Canada to raise funds for local Alzheimer Societies. Participants at these events make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee. The money raised stays in that province or community to help support local programs and services.
For more information about Coffee Break and to learn how you or your organization can help, visit http://www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca/.
About Dilico & NADF
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care provides a range of responsive individual, family and community programs and services for the complete life journey of all Anishinabek people. We care for the physical health, the mental health and the health of the communities where Anishinabek people live by promoting wellness, preventing illness and trauma, and providing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a non-profit economic development agency providing financial assistance (commercial loans, equipment leasing and grants), resource sector (mining, energy & winter roads) advisory services and free business counseling services to ALL Aboriginal entrepreneurs in rural, urban and isolated communities across northern Ontario (Treaty #9, #3, #5-Ontario portion & Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaties).
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Laura Foulds
Communications Manager
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
(807) 626-7970
Ade Michael Sekudo
Marketing and Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
(807) 623-5397
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) calls on the Ontario Government to reduce power rates to keep Chromite Plant in Northern Ontario
Thunder Bay ON, February 8, 2011 - Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) called upon the Ontario government today to find a solution to the high power rates that might deter the construction of Cliffs Natural Resources’ Ferrochrome Production Facility in northern Ontario. “Several Aboriginal businesses will benefit from the development of this facility, and if not, we stand to miss out on many opportunities”, said Harvey Yesno, President/CEO of NADF. “The Province of Ontario needs to be more visible and aggressive in tackling the power rate issue that is threatening the viability of a production facility in northern Ontario because any final decision to locate the Ferrochrome Production Facility outside of the province negatively impacts Aboriginal business in the region”.
This claim was issued in response to Cliffs’ revelation on Friday, February 4, 2011 during its conference call with the media that while Sudbury had been identified as a ‘base-case’ location for its Ferrochrome Production Facility (FPF), other municipalities within and outside Ontario were not beyond approach and possible selection as a location for its FPF.
Citing the technical issues regarding the lack of electricity in the northwest part of the province, Mr. Yesno said, “Many people now understand what our remote communities are facing on a regular basis when we can’t develop economically because of the chronic lack of electricity. For example, we don’t have sufficient power to expand a motel, never mind a 300 megawatt processing facility. However, NADF has conducted several comprehensive studies to try and move the yard sticks involved in electricity transmission and the development of renewable energy projects in the north”.
Yesno added, “The availability of power in northern Ontario generally speaking, is a major issue when it comes to the provision of essential services in remote locations and big industrial development except for the north east. We welcome a more proactive role by the provincial government on this issue now, because there is too much at stake”.
Yesno also went on record to say, “NADF is supportive of Cliffs’ initiative to bring development to northern Ontario and views this project as a strong positive step in generating wealth in northern Ontario. NADF also encourages Cliffs to communicate closely with the impacted First Nations and to resolve any outstanding agreements as soon as possible before they move too far ahead”.
UPDATE: Learn more about the studies NADF has conducted on proposed electricity supply here.
About NADF
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a non-profit economic development agency providing financial assistance (commercial loans, equipment leasing and grants), resource sector support and free business counseling services to ALL Aboriginal entrepreneurs in rural, urban and isolated communities across northern Ontario (Treaty #9, #3, #5-Ontario portion & Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaties).
With over 140 years of combined expertise, $25 million in issued loans and over 500 businesses and 2000 jobs created in the region, our intent is to empower northern Ontario’s growing Aboriginal population through entrepreneurship, by being a one-stop shop for all their business needs.
For more information, please visit www.nadf.org or contact:
Ade Michael Sekudo
Marketing & Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
1-800-465-6821
nadf%23org|asekudo
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter