Listuguj (QC) – On September 09, 2010, the Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council (GMRC) won an Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award for “Band Enterprise of the Year” at the 5th Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards Show, in St. Mary's, NB.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Ulnooweg Development Group Inc., and many were on hand for the celebration. Live entertainment was provided by talented singers, drummers, and dancers; who performed throughout the night.

The awards show is organized by the Ulnooweg Development Group Inc., and is mandated to recognize and celebrate deserving Aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success. Awards are given in eight categories; Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Cottage Craft Business of the Year, Start up Business of the Year, Band Enterprise of the Year, Economic Officer of the Year, Business of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“From an organizational perspective it acknowledges all the hard work that went into building a dynamic company by some very passionate and like-minded people,” said Mark Sark, CEO of GMRC. He adds, “As Mi'gmaq, each of us has a role to play in protecting and preserving our natural and cultural resources.”

Since opening its doors in 2007, GMRC has created nine full-time positions and has secured over $2 million in combined revenue.

Caroline Marshall, mother of late Donald Marshall Jr., took home the lifetime achievement award for her basket making and contributions to her community and Nation. The award was presented to her by current Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and good friend, Graydon Nicholas.

Backgrounder

About GMRC

The Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council, incorporated in 2006, is a non-profit natural resource management consulting company located in Listuguj, QC. In partnership with the communities of Listuguj, Eel River Bar, and Pabineau; GMRC seeks to bring about understanding and awareness on issues surrounding aquatic and natural resource management, and provide related services to both government and industry.

In 2009, GMRC was awarded the Private Sector Business Award by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) and in 2010 successfully re-certified its Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2008.

About Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

Ulnooweg provides loans and business services to aboriginal entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada. With representatives in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, they offer convenient, personalized service to help their clients succeed.

Ulnooweg's lending services bring financial support to aboriginal-owned businesses that may not be eligible for loans through other lending institutions. They aim to fill the needs that these business owners have in accessing business loans and services.

Share