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Ontario Government applauds Wasaya Airways

TORONTO – The Ontario government and the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation congratulate the Wasaya Group Inc. as the recipient of the 2005 Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award, Michael Bryant, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs announced today.

Wasaya Airways LLP is the main business of the group and operates an extensive passenger service, charter and freight network throughout Northern Ontario and Northern Manitoba. Wasaya Group Inc. employs approximately 300 people, of which 30 per cent are Aboriginal. The group provides services and a portion of its net income to member First Nation communities and is also involved in energy production.

The Wasaya Group Inc. is a partnership of ten northern First Nations. It was originally founded as a First Nation business enterprise in 1989 and is comprised of Bearskin Lake First Nation. Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Webequie First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation and (as of November 30, 2004) Muskrat Dam First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation.

“The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is proud to honour Aboriginal achievement in the business sector,” said Jamieson. “Aboriginal people are very interested in being major economic players and we have a great deal to contribute to the economic health of the province and all of Canada”

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation received 42 eligible nominations for the 2004 Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award. “Partnerships foster economic opportunities, create employment and generate prosperity for people.” Bryant said. “The Wasaya partnership has made links between northern communities better, thereby enhancing the quality of life in remote communities and promoting northern tourism.”

www.aboriginalbusiness.on.ca
www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca
www.naaf.ca