The Waubetek Business Development Corp. acknowledged business excellence during its annual awards gala on Nov. 2.
The organization gave out awards in four categories during the event, which was held on the Mnjikaning (Rama) First Nation.
A list of the awards and their winners includes:
- Business Achievement: Rodney Corbiere, Corbiere Enterprises (M’Chigeeng First Nation)
- New Business of the Year: Leslie Moreau, Goulais River Smile Clinic (Goulais River)
- Business Merit Award: Robert York, Metalworks CNC (Mnjikaning First Nation)
- Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Natalie Dusome, Poppy & Peonies (Penetanguishene)
Waubetek, located in Birch Island on the Whitefish River First Nation, is an Indigenous-owned and controlled organization that delivers business financing and economic development services to First Nations and Indigenous businesses located throughout northeastern Ontario.
Its goal is to assist in strengthening the economies of the local First Nation, as well as the whole region of Ontario, through business and community development.
Waubetek works with 27 First Nations in a catchment area that extends along Highway 17, from Sault Ste. Marie along the North Shore of Lake Huron, including Manitoulin Island through Sudbury, and North Bay to Mattawa; along Highway 11 north to Temagami from North Bay; and along Highways 69 and 400 south of Sudbury to Orillia and Barrie.
