Windigo Community Development Corporation (WCDC) in northwestern Ontario is 100 per cent First Nation owned and was established in the late 1990s. Its First Nation shareholders include: Bearskin Lake First Nation, Cat Lake First Nation, North Caribou Lake First Nation, Sachigo Lake First Nation, and Slate Falls First Nation.
Today, WCDC operates a variety of businesses, such as Windigo Catering, Boreal Solutions, a distributor of janitorial supplies, and Hub YXL, a restaurant, and has collaboration agreements with Windigo Expedition Partnership, LTL Contracting in Thunder Bay (known as Windigo Project Management), TBT Engineering, White Cedar Pharmacy, and Lowerys, which specializes in office supplies.
In business since 1967, Boreal Solutions is Northern Ontario’s Indigenous-owned leader in eco-conscious cleaning products. The company has branches in Thunder Bay (head office), Sault Ste. Marie, and Sioux Lookout, which distribute specialized cleaning products to every facet of northwestern Ontario businesses. Boreal Solutions prides itself on its extensive knowledge and experience, enabling their clients to make the best decisions that meet their needs and budget.
Windigo Catering is a First Nation-owned, full-service catering company in Northern Ontario, specializing in catering, camp and site management, housekeeping, laundry and janitorial services, food services, and on-site commissary. A reputation built on the principle of providing the best employees and experiences possible is what sets them apart. Windigo’s clients include, but are not limited to, remote mining camps, hospitals, hostels, lodges, correctional facilities, schools, and youth centres.
WCDC’s latest business venture is The HUB YXL restaurant located at the Sioux Lookout Airport. The Sioux Lookout Airport restaurant will be offering appetizers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared fresh daily and directly on the premises. For coffee lovers, the restaurant offers a wide variety of specialty coffees. Whether you are in a rush or have time to spare, they can accommodate your timetable, as they offer takeout, dine-in, and delivery services.
Currently, WCDC employs more than 100 employees with an 80 per cent First Nation employment rate, which is the pride of Windigo First Nations.
WCDC exists to improve the overall quality of life of the Windigo First Nations Council communities. Positioning ourselves as a key player in the economic and community development of the North, the WCDC operates with goals of expanding its revenue base to:
- generate earnings and dividends for its First Nation members;
- create employment and training opportunities for its community members;
- invest in strategic growth areas;
- participate in the mainstream economy; and
- develop an environment for partnerships and joint venture opportunities.
WCDC has been a successful recipient of contracts from the provincial government, municipal government and private industry.
In 2013, WCDC was also proud to win the Skookim Jim Award for Aboriginal Achievement in Canada’s Mining Sector.
Businesses from across Northern Ontario showcase their growth and success in this advertising feature.
