Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. presents the 5th Atlantic Aboriginal
Entrepreneur Awards Show Finalists

TRURO, NS, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - Ulnooweg Development Group, in partnership with St. Mary's First Nation, proudly presents the 5^th Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show to take place on September 9, 2010, at the St. Mary's Entertainment Centre, St. Mary's First Nation, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The show is attended by Aboriginal entrepreneurs, band business representatives, and decision-makers from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities throughout the Atlantic region and across Canada.

"Every year that the awards show takes place our jury reviews nominations for a growing number of successful Aboriginal entrepreneurs in our region. This promising sign of continued Aboriginal business development fuels our efforts and makes us proud and honored to be a part of that success," said Christopher Googoo, General Manager of Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

The Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show recognizes and celebrates successes in the Aboriginal business community, while presenting role models to other aspiring and existing Aboriginal entrepreneurs. The participants also have the opportunity to network, establish new contacts and further promote their business activities. A list of the award nominees can be found in the accompanying backgrounder.

The event is made possible with financial assistance of $146,853 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Up to 12 awards in a variety of categories will be presented to members of the Aboriginal business community at the awards show.

Ulnooweg Development Group (UDG) is also receiving $669,950 under ACOA's Business Development Program for the continued delivery of pan-Atlantic Aboriginal economic development services, which help promote and stimulate growth in Aboriginal businesses and communities. The funding will cover on-going operational costs for UDG and will allow for the development of a web-based Aboriginal Business Directory.

"Our Government is committed to working with organizations such as Ulnooweg Development Group to help Aboriginal firms and communities in Atlantic Canada become more economically successful and competitive," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "We welcome and support the important contributions that Aboriginal entrepreneurs make to the long-term economic success of communities across our region, and throughout the country. Together, we are building a stronger economy."

On September 9, Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. will also partner with two prolific Aboriginal events to coordinate a day to celebrate and grow Aboriginal business. These events will include: Aboriginal Business Dynamics Conference - Joint Venture, Procurement and Partnerships and The Moin's Den (The Big Idea 2) - a showcase of great innovations or ideas directed at the Aboriginal marketplace for possible financing of up to $250,000 (winner to be announced at the show).

Tickets for the Awards Show are $75.00 and can be purchased from Ulnooweg Development Group by visiting the website at www.ulnooweg.ca/awards or by calling 902-893-7379, or toll free at 1-888-766-2376.

BACKGROUNDER

Following is a listing of the Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards finalists - winners to be announced at the Awards Show on Thursday, September 9, 2010:

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

• Jeremy Bennett - Jeremy Bennett International (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Shane Perley-Dutcher - Aduksis Jewellery Design (Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick)

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

• Mary Louise Bernard - Buckskin Tales Tipi Camping/Indian Maiden Maple Syrup (Middle River, Nova Scotia)
• Helen Ward-Wakelin - Craft N' Grow Indoor/Outdoor Garden and Pool Supply Centre (Eel Ground, New Brunswick)

Cottage Craft Business of the Year

• Emily Best - Em's Gems - Happy Valley-Goose Bay (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Start Up Business (Under One Year) of the Year

• Doris Patey - Doris' Design & Engraving (Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Hubert & Annette Paul - Silver's Limousine Service (St. Mary's First Nation, New Brunswick)
• Blair Bernard - Mikjijk Enterprises Ltd. (Eskasoni, Nova Scotia)

Band Operated Enterprise of the Year

• Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council (Eel River Bar First Nation, New Brunswick)
• Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office (Membertou, Nova Scotia)

Economic Officer of the Year

• Rose Julian, Paq'ntkek First Nation, Nova Scotia
• Pam Ward, Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, New Brunswick

Business of the Year - Nova Scotia

• Alden Darville - The Biscuit Eater Café & Bookseller (Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia)
• Orin Dash - Niro Global Aboriginal Consulting Services (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia)

Business of the Year - New Brunswick

• Bill Nash - Earthly Enhancements Landscaping (St. Mary's First Nation, New Brunswick)
• Hubert & Annette Paul - Silver's Limousine Service (St. Mary's First Nation, New Brunswick)
• Helen Ward-Wakelin - Craft N' Grow Indoor/Outdoor Garden and Pool Supply Centre (Eel Ground, New Brunswick)

Business of the Year - Newfoundland and Labrador

• Jeremy Bennett - Jeremy Bennett International (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Tammy Lambourne - The Little Dipper (Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Caroline Marshall (Membertou, Nova Scotia)
• Odelle Pike - Dhoon Lodge (Black Duck Siding, Newfoundland and Labrador)

For further information:

Catherine Martin - 902-893-7379 or at [email protected].