Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. Celebrates the 5th Atlantic Aboriginal
Entrepreneur Awards Winners

FREDERICTON, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. celebrated the winners of the 5th Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards at the St. Mary's Entertainment Centre in Fredericton, N.B.The finalists and winners were celebrated with a night of Aboriginal entertainment, traditional Maliseet food, and a special venue.

"This is like the Academy Awards for Aboriginal people in Atlantic Canada. This show is the place for us to recognize the achievements of each other, and to celebrate the progress that we have made as First Nations, and we are honoured to be part of it," said a proud Chief Candice Paul of co-hosting the event in her community of St. Mary's First Nation.

The show was attended by regional Aboriginal business leaders and entrepreneurs, First Nations Chiefs, and a wide range of generous supporters.

Presenters included The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick.The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has provided $146,853 in financial assistance to support this initiative.

Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. is grateful for the continued support for the Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show, and proudly announces the winners:

    
    Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
    - Shane Perley-Dutcher, Aduksis Jewellery Design - Tobique First Nation,
      N.B.

    Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
    - Helen Ward-Wakelin, Craft N' Grow Indoor/Outdoor Garden and Pool Supply
      Centre - Eel Ground First Nation, N.B.

    Cottage Craft
    - Emily Best, Em's Gems - Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.

    Start Up Business of the Year
    - Blair Bernard, Mikjikj Enterprises Ltd. - Eskasoni, N.S.

    Band Operated Enterprise of the Year
    - Gespe'gewaq Mi'kmag Resource Council - Eel River Bar First Nation, N.B.
    - Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office - Membertou, N.S.

    Economic Officer of the Year
    - Rose Julian - Paqntkek First Nation, N.S.

    Business of the Year - Nova Scotia
    - Alden Darville, The Biscuit Eater Cafe & Bookseller - Mahone Bay, N.S.

    Business of the Year - New Brunswick
    - Bill Nash, Earthly Enhancements Landscaping - St. Mary's First Nation,
      N.B.

    Business of the Year - Newfoundland & Labrador
    - Tammy Lambourne, The Little Dipper - Happy Valley-Goose Bay,
      N.L.

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    - Caroline Marshall, Basket-Maker - Membertou First Nation, N.S.
    - Odelle Pike, Dhoon Lodge - Black Duck Siding, N.L.
    

Congratulations to all finalists! Best of luck with your future business ventures.

For further information: Catherine Martin, 902-229-3531, [email protected]