b'LEADERSHIP PROFILEMAKING HER MARKW a u b e t e k G e n e r a l M a n a g e r D a w n M a d a h b e e L e a c h i s h o n o u r e d f o r h e r h u g e c o n t r i b u t i o n t o b u i l d i n g I n d i g e n o u s b u s i n e s s By Andrew SnookD awnMadahbeeLeachorganization for 35 years and was instru- of Indigenous business all across north-isthe2023recipientofmental in its launch.eastern Ontario.CCABsBusinessLifetime AchievementAwardaBusiness, however, was not always on herI helped start up our family convenience distinguished national awardmindinitially, Madahbee Leach had astore in the First Nation community and that recognizes a First Nations, Inuit orlaw career in her crosshairs. Growing upoperated the business for six years. But Mtis person whose business leadershipon the Whitefish River First Nation, sheduring that time, I also did consulting has made a substantive contribution toleft her home after high school for Torontowork and helped local First Nations write the economic and social wellbeing ofto pursue a law clerk diploma and beganfunding proposals for new programs, Indigenous people. Looking back on hertaking university courses while workingservices and capital projects, Madahbee career and achievements, its clear whyfull-time. She completed a bachelorsLeach explains. I was always good at Madahbee Leach is being honoured withdegree in political science with a minorwriting funding proposals, so I used the this special recognition.in law and went on to work for one ofskill set I had to start a small business to An Anishinabe-kwe and member ofTorontos largest law firms before takingdo some consulting work with the commu-the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation,on a job with the federal government.nities. Thats how I got started in business Madahbee Leach is an entrepreneur andand economic development.business leader who has been passionatelyAfter nine years in Toronto, Madahbee dedicated to Indigenous economic devel- Leach left the city to raise her newbornMadahbee Leachs first big opportunity to opment throughout her working life. As thedaughter in Aundeck Omni Kaning Firstshowcase her skills presented itself when long-time general manager of WaubetekNation on Manitoulin Island. When sheshe was asked if she could help the collec-Business Development Corporation, shesaw there were no jobs available, shetive of First Nations on Manitoulin Island has helped countless Indigenous peopledecided to create her own. Little did shewith a proposal and business plan for a start their own businesses and build themknow this decision would lead her on afinancial institution that would provide into active participants in the Canadiancareer path that would one day see herfinancing to First Nation people to start economy. Madahbee Leach has led theplaying a key role in the developmenttheir own businesses. I took on the 76A CCAB PUBLICATION2023'