By Shannin Metatawabin

Did you know that June is National Aboriginal History Month? In 2009, the House of Commons passed a unanimous motion to celebrate the contributions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The month was also intended to provide an opportunity to reflect on their strengths and aspirations.

Recalling the purpose of National Aboriginal History Month, the situation calls for “reconcile-action,” a term coined by our elder, Dr. Wilton Littlechild. In a recent report advising the federal government, the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board estimated that Canada could gain $27.7 billion towards the GDP by acting to close the gap between mainstream Canada and indigenous peoples – in quality of life, infrastructure, education, health and economic development opportunities. Continue reading

For the last several years, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has published an annual list of the Top 10 Barriers to Canadian Competitiveness. That document listed some of the self-inflicted wounds that have prevented Canada's economy from achieving its full potential and set out their recommendations for change.

This year, they released a different document. Instead of focusing on barriers, they outlined 10 ways to improve our economic success, along with specific recommendations to advocate throughout the year.

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Ottawa, March 23, 2017 - The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Huebner as Chief Strategy Officer. Gerry graduated from Trent University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Queens University in 1986.
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The Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies

Case Studies in Aboriginal Business

Developmental Financing for Aboriginal Businesses
Marcia Nickerson

SYNOPSIS

Court decisions over resource and revenue sharing continue to benefit Aboriginal communities across Canada and, as opportunities emerge, Aboriginal businesses are growing much more quickly than in mainstream Canada. Consequently there is an increasing demand for access to capital and innovative financing to enable the start-up and growth of such businesses. Most Aboriginal businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and are often the primary engines of economic growth for many Aboriginal communities. They represent a significant opportunity to address many of the existing socio-economic challenges by reducing unemployment and creating wealth. Continue reading

NACCA Announces Mark Dokis as Director of Products and Services

Ottawa, January 6, 2017 - The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is pleased to announce Mark Dokis as the director of products and services. Mark is a member of the Dokis First Nation in Northeastern Ontario. He graduated with honours from Laurentian University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in geography. He went on to earn certificates in economic development and business administration and management.

“I’m looking forward to helping Aboriginal entrepreneurs achieve their full potential,” said Mark. “We will foster growth in the Aboriginal economy by providing programs and tools entrepreneurs can use to strengthen their communities.”

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NACCA Appointment Announcement: Shannin Metatawabin, CEO

Shannin Metatawabin - CEO - NACCA

The NACCA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shannin Metatawabin as Chief Executive Officer on November 7, 2016. Shannin is Cree/Inninow from Fort Albany First Nation of the Mushkegowuk Nation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Carleton University and an Aboriginal Economic Development certificate from the University of Waterloo. Continue reading

Anne Calladine of Northwinds Bus Lines Receives the NACCA 2016 Indigenous Women in Business Award

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is proud to share that Anne Calladine of Northwinds Bus Lines Ltd. has been chosen as the first recipient of the NACCA Indigenous Women in Business Award.

Though unanimous, the Selection Committee’s decision was a very difficult one and the NACCA recognizes the perseverance, positive impact and success of all finalists and nominees.

Please click here to read more about our award winner and the other nominees.

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Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) Committee

The newly appointed members of the AEP Committee are Leonard Odjick, Dana Soonias and Sakiasie Sowdlooapik.

Leonard Odjick, Quebec

Leonard Odjick has significant leadership experience in governance, community and economic development. He serves as Vice-president of the Board of Directors of the Native Commercial Credit Corporation (SOCCA), has been a Director of a Tribal Council, a band manager which oversaw 350 staff, started a band police department and is currently a financial consultant.

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