History

1984

NAN Chief's Resolution passed mandating the establishment of NADF. NADF established as a corporation.

1985

• Frank Price & Associates hired to complete a feasibility study on NAN communities.

1986

• Bentley Cheechoo hired as NADF’s first President/CEO.

1987

NADF opens an office on the Fort William First Nation. NADF receives $7M in capitalization.

NADF hosts official opening ceremonies.

‘Loan Guarantee Program’ established in partnership with CIBC and Bank of Nova Scotia to increase loan maximum to $250,000 for the NAN membership.

1989

• Dennis Franklin Cromarty hired as President/CEO.

1991

NADF hosts the “1st Annual NADF Business Awards” in Thunder Bay.

Direct Loans Program” introduced, allowing NADF to administer term, bridge and youth loans.

1992

Industry Canada tops up NADF’s loan fund with an additional $1.5M.

1993

Harvey Yesno hired as President/CEO.

NADF partners with Industry Canada and is designated an External Delivery Office (“XDO”) and begins delivering the programs and services of the Aboriginal Business Canada program.

1994

• NADF opens sub-office in Timmins, ON.

1997

Neegani Investment Management Inc.,” a subsidiary of NADF, is established to provide equity and conventional financing of up to $1M, allowing Aboriginal entities to participate in joint ventures.

2002

NADF receives designation as a “Community Futures Development Corporation” (CFDC) and begins providing business counselling, investment and community strategic planning services to NADF’s clients.

NADF relocates to Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation.

2004

• Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI’s) across Canada, including NADF, reach the $1 billion milestone for total loans disbursed.

2005

• NADF relocates to 106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor in the City of Thunder Bay.

2007

• NADF hosts 1st Annual “Fairways for the Future Charity Golf Classic.

2009

NADF celebrates 25th Anniversary.

2010

• NADF hosts its “20th Annual Business Awards” in Thunder Bay.

2011

NADF and Lac Seul First Nation formalize partnership to initiate micro-loan fund.

NADF hosts two inaugural events: “Mining Ready Summit” and “Strategic Mineral Exploration and Mining Training Course.”

NADF moves back to Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation.

2013

• Brian Davey hired as Executive Director.

2014

$4.4M FedNor funding for a 3-year project to enhance NADFs programs and services to support business development and opportunities related to mining development; particularly the Ring of Fire.

NADF begins administering the Aboriginal Business Contribution Program.

2015

$2.5M Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs funding for a three-year project under the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), to support Business Financing and Community Economic Grants.

2016

NADF can now match interest rates from other lending institutions and begins offering commercial mortgages and micro-loans ranging from $1000 to $7500.

2017

Comprehensive Community Planning welcomed by First Nations.

MOU in place for the delivery of the ABFP Grant program with:

- Rainy Lake Tribal Area
- Metis Voyageur Development Fund
- Wakanegan C.F.D.C

2018

NADF updates branding, unveiling a new logo.