Mishtapew Awards expand their reach

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Some of the best in Aboriginal entrepreneurship from across the country were recognized on March 4 during the fourth annual Mishtapew Awards of Excellence gala held at Montreal's Palais des Congres.

Awards were handed out in 15 categories, with companies from outside Quebec and the Northwest Territories taking home Mishtapew Awards for the first time.

Johanne Robertson is chairman and CEO of the First People's Business Association, organizers of the annual Mishtapew Awards. She said the awards were started as a way to recognize Native business people, and to let the public know about Aboriginal business successes.

"We had a really big success that first year, and we realized that many people want to come to the gala, but also many people want to sponsor that kind of gala. Because many non-Native enterprises want to do business with us. And that's a good idea for them to sponsor that kind of event, and let the Native people know that they are ready to do business with them," Robertson said.

Most of the companies nominated for the awards both this year and in past years are from Quebec, because those companies are more familiar with the gala.

"So this year, we tried to let them know a little bit more outside Quebec," Robertson said, with the result being more nominations coming in from the rest of the country.

"The First People's Business Association, I have to say first, is not just for Quebec, it is for all Native people, not just in Canada. We also are there for Native people in different countries," Robertson said.

Scierie Opitciwan was the big winner at this year's Mishtapew Awards, selected from among 41 nominees to receive the Native Business of the Year Award. The company, a partnership between the Obedjiwan band council and Donohue Forest Products, operates a sawmill in the Atikamekw community of Obedjiwan, located on the north shore of the Gouin Reservoir, 143 kilometres south of Chibougamou.

Nunavik Arctic Foods (1998) Inc. of Saint-Laurent, Que., received the Agri-Food Award. The Kuujjuak-based Inuit company is the largest caribou producer in North America, and markets caribou meat to customers on several continents.

The Trade and Service Award was given to Night Hawk Technologies Inc., a Native-owned information technologies business based in Hull, Que.

The Communications Award was given out to Societe de communications Atikamekw-Montagnais (SOCAM) of Wendake, Que. For 20 years, SOCAM has worked to develop communications within the Native community. Begun when a number of Native radio stations joined together to pool their resources and share their programming, SOCAM now produces news, cultural and educational programs for Atikamekw and Innu communities in the languages of the communities.

The Business Creation Award was given to Amalecite 1, a new commercial crab and shrimp fishing operation founded by the Malecite community of Viger and based in Cacouna, Que.

The Culture Award was given to Terres en vues /Land InSight, a non-profit organization founded in 1990 to promote greater understanding of Native cultures within Quebec and across Canada.

The Human Resources Development Award was given to Shetush Electrique, an Innu company founded in 1988 and specializing in residential and community electrical installations in northern and remote areas. The company, based in Sept-Iles, Que., has always practiced a Native hiring policy, and offers an on-the-job training program.

Bluets Mistassini Ltee of Mistassini, Que. received the Exportation Award. The Innu family-run business, founded in 1980, gathers and processes blueberries for sale in 17 countries.

The Involvement in Native Communities Award was given out to the Covenant Chain, based in Quebec City, which for the past eight years has been producing a weekly press revue, reprinting articles on Native issues.

Grey Owl Marketing Ltd. of Prince Albert, Sask. received the Partnership Award. The company, which markets wild rice products,was started in 1984, and is owned and operated by Saskatchewan's 72 First Nations.

The Sandokwa dance troupe was recipient of the International Influence Award. For 25 years, the troupe from Wendake, Que. have performed traditional dances for audiences worldwide, contributing to a greater understanding of the First Nations people of Canada wherever they perform.

Pitsituuq Smoke Plant Inc. from Puvirnituq, Que., was the recipient of the Natural Resources Award. The company markets smoked Arctic char.

The Local Support to Entrepreneurship Award was given to Kitsaki Meats Ltd. Partnership of La Ronge, Sask. The company, owned by the Lac La Ronge band, produces and markets beef jerky and wild rice both in Canada and internationally.

The Tourism Award was given to Musee Shaputuan. Located in Sept-Illes, Que., the museum has been operating for almost three years, serving as both a cultural resource for the community, as well as sharing aspects of Innu culture and heritage with thousands of tourists each year.

In addition to the 15 businesses receiving awards, two individuals were also recognized during the gala. Moad Sahmi, a student in airplane piloting techniques, received the Air Canada/Air Nova Bursary, while Charles S. Coffey, vice-president and director of government and community affairs with the Royal Bank received the Honorary Award: Life Member in recognition of his ongoing support of First Nations economic development initiatives.

About 800 people attended the awards gala, coming from across Canada and around the world. The event was given an international scope this year because it was held at the same time and place as SIAL Montreal, an international trade fair for the food and beverage industry.

"So that was really important also for the people who want to export," Robertson said. "So the highlight was opening a new market for Native people."

"Because of that gala this year, we also decided to open a new service here, that's the exportation service so all the members who want to open a new market will receive help here. We will have training, and we will organize different trade missions to help the Native people who want to do business outside," Robertson said.

Any Native businesses interested in being nominated for next year's Mishtapew Awards can contact the First People's Business Association for more information. Call 418-843-4535 or e-mail to aappfpba@qc.aira.com.