b'MEMBER TRIBUTEThe Path toEconomic ProsperityBy Bryan HansenPaying tribute to long-serving network member Dawn Madahbee LeachD awn Madahbee Leach is theA passionate advocate for Indigenousnous communities in Ontario. Leach long-time general manager ofbusiness, community and capacityhas also served multiple terms on the Waubetek Business Develop- development, Leach helps IndigenousNational Indigenous Economic Devel-ment Corporation in Birch Island, Ont.entrepreneurs navigate the trials andopment Board, whose mandate is to Leachs home community is Aundecktribulations of business developmentprovide advice and guidance to the Omni Kaning First Nation on the northand growth in northeastern Ontario. federal government on issues related channel of Manitoulin Island, and sheLeach has been a committed contrib- to Indigenous economic opportunities has been helping generations of entre- utor to the National Aboriginal Capitalthat give Indigenous Peoples a proac-preneurs through her involvement withCorporations Association (NACCA)tive voice in government policy.the Indigenous Financial Institutionnetwork over the years. NACCA is theThrough research partnerships with (IFI) network since 1988. umbrella organization for a networkthe Organization for Economic Co-op-Waubetek is an Indigenous-ownedof 59 IFIs across Canada and haseration and Development, an interna-and controlled organization that pro- provided nearly $3 billion over thetional organization that shapes policies vides business financing and econom- last 30 years to support economicto foster prosperity, equality, opportu-ic development services to Indigenousdevelopment and the unique needs ofnity and well-being for all, along with businesses across northeastern On- 50,000 small and medium-sized enter- other national Indigenous organiza-tario. They also deliver an aquacultureprise loans in Indigenous communitiestions, Leachs most recent efforts have initiative in Alberta, Saskatchewan,across Canada. helped advance a national Indigenous Manitoba and Ontario. Their mis- As the leader of a Community Futuresbusiness definition important to the sion is to improve the economies ofDevelopment Corporation (CFDC),establishment of an Indigenous pro-Indigenous communities through theLeach ensures that regional economiccurement institute. proactive, professional and meaningfuldevelopment initiatives to stimulateWhen asked about her thoughts on provision of business and business and growth in economicallyNACCAs growth, Leach says, I was a economic services. impacted areas extend into Indige- member of the original committee that Northern communities.Financing for First Nation-Ownedtomorrows promise! Businesses Throughout AlbertaSERVICES: Financial AssistanceFixed & Variable Rate Loans Equity Financing Business Development Assistance Scholarshipswww.aiicbusiness.orginfo@wakenagun.ca 705-658-4428; 705-268-3594and 1-800-989-4850www.wakenagun.ca T: (780) 470-3600|TF: 1-888-308-6789|Fax: (780) 470-360516INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #1, 2023'