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LaRonge based Kitsaki Meats Limited Partnership was one of 10 businesses from across Canada recognized for their exporting achievements with a 2001 Canada Export Award.
The awards are given out each year to companies that have proven themselves in the quality of the goods and services they export. More than 200 Canadian companies have received a Canada Export Award since the awards were established in 1983 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This year's awards were handed out Sept. 24 in Montreal, during a gala dinner organized by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
In addition to receiving a Canada Export Award, Kitsaki also received a special achievement award, the Aboriginal Business Achievement Award.
Kitsaki, which is owned and operated by the LaRonge Indian band, is the world's largest producer and supplier of organic wild rice. The company also produces and markets beef jerky, which is also sold both in Canada and abroad. About 40 per cent of the company's sales are from exports.
"We're quite honored to receive such a prestigious award in recognition of our efforts," said general manager Terry Helary.
The export award was accepted by LaRonge Chief Harry Cook, who had a few words to say about the recognition, Helary said.
"To quote Chief Cook, he said that this award goes to show that Aboriginal companies can compete on an international basis with mainstream society given the same opportunities."
To be eligible for the Canada Export Awards, a company must be based in Canada, and must have been actively exporting their goods or services for at least three years. The award finalists and winners are selected based on a number of criteria, including their ability to compete internationally, their spirit of innovation, their willingness to take risks, and their commitment to excellence.
As an award winner, Kitsaki will join the other award recipients in being promoted in a national campaign recognizing their accomplishments.
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