Aboriginal business well represented at gala

The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction were handed out at a gala banquet in Calgary on Feb. 22 and several Aboriginal businesses were recognized. Hosted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and sponsored in part by Syncrude Canada, the Edmonton and Calgary Sun newspapers, TELUS, the University of Alberta, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative, to name just a few, the awards recognized achievement and success.

Goodfish Lake Development Limited Partnership (GFLD) was awarded the Eagle Feather Business Award of Distinction for its incorporation of entrepreneurial and cultural concepts into its operation. Owned by the Goodfish-Whitefish First Nation near St. Paul, the company was founded in 1977 to provide a laundry service to oil sands construction camps.

"Once we began to supply industry leaders like Suncor, Syncrude, and Esso, our success was assured," said Gunner Erickson. "We've been dealing with some of those original customers for over 20 years and we've enjoyed consistent progress."

Market growth in recent years has been good and the focus has been on taking the business to the next level, he said. The modernization of the dry cleaning and laundering plant has just been completed, making it one of the largest in Canada.

As manager for the uniform and linen division, Erickson said the award recognizes that the company is on the right track in its successful development, which grew to include a sewing and garment division and a retail outlet in Fort McMurray, which supplies protective clothing. "Today a lot of oil and gas industry companies purchase our clothing, parkas, and coveralls and use our laundry services in their camps," he said, adding that marketing to many companies in diverse sectors has given the company the ability to be busy year round. GFLD employs 100 people, with 90 per cent of its staff being Whitefish Lake band members.

"The consistent local employment has been vital for so many, and has made a huge positive impact on the community." Erickson credits the success of the company on the highly professional attitude of the directors and management and said it is one of the best-run companies around. "Watch us for many new things coming up in the future," he said.

Another company that was recognized was Bear Slashing Ltd. of Bonnyville, which was awarded the Diversity Leadership Award. As president of one of the largest mulching companies in Canada, Danny Dion's philosophy has always been to welcome workers from across the nation, many of whom face challenges such as literacy, language or race. The company's recruitment policies also include a commitment to employ at least 30 per cent of its workers from the Aboriginal community. As many of its 40 to 100 seasonal employees return every year, the respect and lack of discrimination present in the work force has made it an enjoyable place in which to work.

The Syncrude Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Award of Distinction was given to worthy recipients Derek and Cody Bruno, co-owners of two operations, Cree Convenience and Peace Hills Pure Water, both located at Hobbema. The award recognizes leadership in cultural, social and environmental awareness and a commitment to the wider Aboriginal community. The young entrepreneurs, still in their 20s, started Cree Convenience in 2001, offering automotive supplies and confectionery goods. Both had plans to attend university and saw the much-needed establishment as a way to earn the income necessary, as well as becoming a welcome addition to the community. Located in the on-reserve mall, the operation reached $1.2 million in revenue in its first year of operation.

Kerry Soosay is employed at the convenience store.

"It's been a real bonus to the community having the store open after regular shopping hours," he said. Soosay said he's known Cody since they were kids in school together. "He's always been a mentor and a role model for me."

Peace Hills Pure Water followed soon after as a way to address poor water conditions at Hobbema after the brothers realized members were buying bottled water from an off-reserve source. An at-home solution was offered when the new company was established in 2003. Operating initially with an established service, the young entrepreneurs have been able to break out on their own and have founded a water system in nearby Wetaskiwin.

"Water is delivered right to the houses and they also look after the Elders in the area. The water here in Hobbema is not good, so it's a really vital service and everyone appreciates it," said Soosay.

Nakomis Catering was begun in 2003 to provide meals for on-reserve meetings.

"We welcome inquiries for off-reserve service as well," added Soosay.

Derek holds a First Nations Management Diploma and is in the last year of his bachelor of commerce degree. Cody, a strong entrepreneur in his own right, also attends university and is currently completing his commerce degree as well. Derek was voted in as a councillor for the Samson Cree Nation in 2005.

Soosay agrees that the Bruno brothers are "movers and shakers. They get things done and they always strive for the best," he said. "Their entrepreneurship rubs off on everyone who works with them and we are excited about more projects to come in the community."