Indigenous Business

It took 16 years for Brigitte McLean to reach her goal of opening a spa, but her ambitions haven’t ended. “It took a long time to get here and now there is no stopping me at this point and dreaming never ends.

In one year, Compass Carriers in Timmins has grown from one truck to 10, currently operating seven days a week around the clock. The Aboriginal business, which is part of the Mattagami Group LP, got its start following a discussion at a restaurant.

It took 11 months of negotiations, but Island Falls Forestry and True North Hardwood Plywood in Cochrane have reached a 20-year harvesting agreement. Island Falls is owned by Taykwa Tagamou First Nation, located 15 kilometres east of Cochrane.

Forestry is ingrained in the collective DNA of Canada's Aboriginal people. “It's just innate in our communities,” said J.P. Gladu , president-CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).

Opened this spring, the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre is the first hotel to be built on Manitoulin Island in a century.

Whether Ryan Parisien’s clients are drill rig operators camped out in the bush, or executives sitting around a boardroom table, the head chef demands all his clients get professional service with a smile— and only perfection will do.

Rayon maker Aditya Birla of India signed a three-year partnership deal with Pays Plat First Nation to harvest wood from the Kenogami Forest to the company's Terrace Bay mill.

Three northwestern Ontario First Nation communities close to the Ring of Fire have signed participatory agreements with Wisk Air Helicopters of Thunder Bay for helicopter services within their traditional territories.

Ottawa is supporting Aboriginal business management training with $60,000 in FedNor funding. FedNor minister Tony Clement made the announcement on May 22.

Engagement with First Nations and respecting treaty rights must be “cornerstones” of this week's federal budget, said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno.