Ulnooweg Development Group - 6th Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show September 17, 2012

HALIFAX, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. is the proud host of the 6th Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show to be held in Halifax, NS on Monday, September 17, 2012. In its 6th year, the Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award Show gives Aboriginal people in Atlantic Canada the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the Aboriginal business sector successes in their region.

Awards are presented to outstanding Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in several categories selected by an independent jury.  Two finalists are selected in each category and are invited to attend the show. Awards are presented throughout the evening to deserving individuals and businesses. These entrepreneurs are not only committed to their business, but have also built firm economic support for their families and communities.

Chief Terrance Paul, Chair of Ulnooweg, knows the value in these awards, "as the hosts of this event, Ulnooweg welcomes the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the success of Aboriginal businesses in Atlantic Canada. We believe that celebrating these accomplishments is an integral part of the process of building a stronger economy for future generations."

"Our government is pleased to support the Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards which recognizes the important contributions of Aboriginal firms and communities within Atlantic Canada," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. "The accomplishments of all the nominees in advancing their business aspirations are remarkable and serve as an example of just what can be achieved with creativity, hard work and a determination to succeed. Together we are building a stronger economy."

The suspense is growing. The winner of each category is not announced until the night of the show. Only the Lifetime Achievement Award is announced ahead of time. Charlie Morris, owner of the Eskasoni Trading Post located in Eskasoni First Nation, Nova Scotia, will be the recipient of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. This most prestigious award recognizes and acknowledges not only the entrepreneurial spirit of the individual, but the overall contribution made to society, especially to the Aboriginal community.

As the hosts of this event, Ulnooweg welcomes the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the success of Aboriginal businesses in Atlantic Canada along with our Silver Fox sponsorships , the Province of Nova Scotia and Bell Aliant's new Channel One. We believe that celebrating these accomplishments together is an integral part of the process of building a stronger economy for future generations.

Dion Denny of Eskasoni First Nation will be master of ceremonies. He has "MC'd" many events over the years including Eskasoni Christmas Daddy's, Summer Games 2012, Atlantic First Nation Help Desk live sessions.  Cultural performances will be performed by Traditional Dancers and Drummers. A special treat will be an original song performed by a fantastic trio from Eskasoni - Carol Ann Johnson, Mary Anne Junta and Alyssa Paul, their song is a tribute to all finalists.  They recently opened the Summer Games 2012 in Eskasoni and "brought the house down"  with their tribute to the athletes.

During the day Jeremy Bennett of NL, past award nominee, will be presenting a seminar from 2 to 3:30 on "How to Grow Your Business". He is a wonderful presenter and very entertaining with some magic tricks up his sleeve that he will perform during the show. Learn more about Jeremy on his website   www.jeremybennett.ca .

Ulnooweg is pleased to welcome our Silver Fox sponsors this year, the Province of Nova Scotia and Channel ONE, Bell Aliant's new Atlantic Region Community Channel. The new channel gives a fresh perspective on the people, places and events that make the Atlantic Provinces unique. The partnership will contribute towards the Award show filming and live webcast that evening. The show will also air on Channel ONE in the fall.  Visit  www.bellaliant.net/community1 to learn more about this exciting new channel.  A team from Liveonlinecanada.ca  www.liveonlinecanada.ca are partnering with Ulnooweg and Channel One to film the production for live webcast as well as for the future broadcast.

The event is made possible with financial assistance of $85,638 from the Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Visit our website, www.ulnooweg.ca/awards or call us toll free 1-888-766-2376 to order tickets, a booth or become a sponsor to celebrate the successes of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and businesses in our region.

SOURCE: Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

Media contact: Natalie Clifford, [phone], [email protected] or [email protected]