Bear, Pratt recognized with CCAB awards

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and ESS Support Services (a member of Compass Group Canada) have honoured Chief Darcy Bear and entrepreneur Jacob Pratt. The 2016 Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award went to Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear, recognizing him for developing a financial management plan that led to the development of a self-governing land code. It enabled the community to sell long-term lease hold interests which resulted in the funds needed to spur development and the creation of a golf course and infrastructure. Jacob Pratt, the founder and creative director of Wambdi, a performance and events company based in Saskatchewan, was the recipient of the 2016 National Youth Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award. Since 2012, Wambdi has been providing high quality and culturally appropriate First Nations music, dance, and event services for corporate functions and in First Nations communities. It also offers workshops and youth training. Both men will be honoured at the CCAB’s annual gala on Feb. 2, in Toronto.