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.”

Continue reading

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.

SVP cliquez ici pour lire la version française de ce communiqué.

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.

Continue reading

Richard Bridge   October 26, 2015

SUMMARY: Charity lawyer Richard Bridge shares the example of Ulnooweg, a dynamic and innovative First Nations non-profit that has provided financial services to Atlantic Canadian First Nations for decades. Its development of the charity Ulnooweg Financial Education Centre and success in attracting foundation funding to go national has helped Chiefs and Councils plan and meet community needs more effectively. It also shows the enormous benefits of First Nations securing qualified donee status.

Please click here to continue reading.

Please click here to read other articles from this series.

(OTTAWA, Ontario, November 25, 2014) – Aboriginal Financial Institutions grow a federal government investment of $240M into $2 billion in loans to Aboriginal small businesses for economic development.

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (“NACCA”) is an association of 55 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) throughout Canada. AFIs were established by Aboriginal leaders and the Canadian government in the mid-1980s to early 1990s to stimulate business development in the Aboriginal community. The Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company, now part of Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF), was the first AFI to provide loans totaling $173,500 to Aboriginal entrepreneurs in 1985-86. The network of AFIs has since grown and matured into a significant developmental lending force in Canada with unparalleled reach. Continue reading