WASAYA GROUP INC
A NATIVE VENTURE CORPORATION
What's New !
Our First Nation Ownership Communities:
Bearskin Lake First Nation
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation ( KI )
Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Nibinamik First Nation
Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Keewaywin First Nation
Pikangikum First Nation
Wapekeka First Nation
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
Bearskin Lake First Nation
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation ( KI )
Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Nibinamik First Nation
Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Keewaywin First Nation
Pikangikum First Nation
Wapekeka First Nation
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
� Copyright 2008, 2009 Wasaya Group Inc. All rights reserved
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Last year the 2nd Annual Aviation Summer Camp took place in Thunder Bay July 7 - 11, 2008.
Wasaya held the 2nd Annual Aviation Summer Camp for First Nation's children at Confederation College. The camp was attended by 30 First Nation teens ages 13-15. They had a blast and you can tell this by looking at the almost 200 photos
Wasaya held the 2nd Annual Aviation Summer Camp for First Nation's children at Confederation College. The camp was attended by 30 First Nation teens ages 13-15. They had a blast and you can tell this by looking at the almost 200 photos
Photos: Youth attending Aviation Camp '08. For more Camp photos and video click here...
Wasaya Group Inc Annual General Meeting took place in KI July 29 - 31, 2008.
Photo: Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug hosted the 2008 WGI AGM. For more AGM photos click here...
Grand Opening of Bearskin Lake Credit Union"Anishinabe Shooniyaakamik",
Northern Lights Branch Oct. 1, 2008.
Northern Lights Branch Oct. 1, 2008.
Aviation Camp 2008
DEC 3, 2008, Thunder Bay -
WGI BREAKS
$1 MILLION
IN FUNDRAISING FOR CT SCANNER UNIT FOR SLMHC....
WGI BREAKS
$1 MILLION
IN FUNDRAISING FOR CT SCANNER UNIT FOR SLMHC....
DEC 3, 2008, Thunder Bay - WGI & LAKEHEAD MARINE & INDUSTRIAL INC. HOLD CEREMONIAL RIBBON CUTTING TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF NEW JOINT VENTURE, "METAL AHNOKEEWIN LP"....media releases here
DEC 3, 2008, Thunder Bay:
WGI & BAMAJI AIR INC. SIGN NEW JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP WHICH SEES WGI BECOME A MINORITY INVESTOR IN BAMAJI AIR...media releases here
WGI & BAMAJI AIR INC. SIGN NEW JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP WHICH SEES WGI BECOME A MINORITY INVESTOR IN BAMAJI AIR...media releases here
At the WGI Banquet & Fundraiser for the CT Scanner Unit over $165,000 was raised bringing the total CT Fund to just over $1 Million. Thank you to all who participated!. Kingfisher First Nation led the charge with a $75,000 donation. The food and music was great too. Once again the Band "SAGATAY" performed and the sound at the Ontario Metis Hall was spectacular adding to the enjoyment of the evening's participants. The evening event was also broadcast live on the Wawatay Radio Network. A big thank you to Angus Chapman who stepped in to perform MC duties as John Beardy's flight was weathered out during his trip to Fort Severn. Media Releases here
SAGATAY BAND PERFORMS AT WGI's CT SCANNER FUNDRAISING BANQUET FOR SLMHC: Sagatay plus guests perform at WGI Banquet. Two members of SAGATAY were weathered out so SAGATAY recruited a couple of new faces (excellent musicians too!) to help out with the evening's concert which turned out to be a great success.
DEC 3, 2008, Thunder Bay -
WGI Launches "CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1989 - 2009 CAMPAIGN".
WGI Launches "CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1989 - 2009 CAMPAIGN".
Celebrating 20 Years 1989 -2009
WASAYA GROUP OF COMPANIES
Wasaya Group Inc. launched its "Celebrating 20 Years 1989 - 2009 Campaign" at their annual Christmas Banquet in Thunder Bay on Dec. 3, 2008. Wasaya will be celebrating 20 years of being in business during the year 2009.
During the summer of 2009 (at a date still to be determined ) a special 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held in Wunnumin Lake to commemorate our past visionaries: Our Elders, Our Leadership, and our Membership for their foresight in making the vision of the people come true. The Anniversary celebration will also pay tribute to the Shareholders communities for their continuing support for Wasaya�s success.
Two new Commemorative Wasaya Group logos were unveiled to be used during the campaign. WGI Chair, Dean Cromarty says, "The 20th anniversary is the culmination of many people working towards the fulfillment of the founders� visions of achieving economic success and demonstrating First Nations capacity of self-determination. Our First Nation joint venture relationship is the key component for this historical achievement of economic success. The tremendous support of our customers, business partners, and the general public is highly valued and respected. Wasaya�s mission is based on the values of sharing through monetary dividends and providing social support to our communities.� (Media Release here....)
During the summer of 2009 (at a date still to be determined ) a special 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held in Wunnumin Lake to commemorate our past visionaries: Our Elders, Our Leadership, and our Membership for their foresight in making the vision of the people come true. The Anniversary celebration will also pay tribute to the Shareholders communities for their continuing support for Wasaya�s success.
Two new Commemorative Wasaya Group logos were unveiled to be used during the campaign. WGI Chair, Dean Cromarty says, "The 20th anniversary is the culmination of many people working towards the fulfillment of the founders� visions of achieving economic success and demonstrating First Nations capacity of self-determination. Our First Nation joint venture relationship is the key component for this historical achievement of economic success. The tremendous support of our customers, business partners, and the general public is highly valued and respected. Wasaya�s mission is based on the values of sharing through monetary dividends and providing social support to our communities.� (Media Release here....)
�We want to encourage our youth to pursue their dreams and ambitions by knowing that they have the capacity to succeed in their endeavors. The Wasaya Group of Companies serves as such an example�, says Tom Kamenawatamin, President & CEO.
DEC 3, 2008, Thunder Bay -
WGI & CAN-OP SIGN NEW JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP TO FORM "WASCAN TERNINALS INC." IN THUNDER BAY....media releases here
WGI & CAN-OP SIGN NEW JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP TO FORM "WASCAN TERNINALS INC." IN THUNDER BAY....media releases here
WASCAN TERMINALS INC. Is a new Joint Venture Partnership of WGI and CAN-OP.
The new company, Wascan Terminal Inc. (WTI), will receive, store, and ship petroleum fuels from the former Dow Chemical of Canada facility at 1950 Neebing Ave. in Thunder Bay.
The existing facility has storage for 36 million litres of bulk commodities and the capability to receive products via rail, truck or marine. In addition to the petroleum needs of each of the partners, the long range plan is to facilitate the 3rd party handling of other fuels and commodities such as jet fuel, asphalt, calcium and fertilizer. Work is currently underway at the terminal including the construction of additional petroleum storage tanks and a petroleum truck loading system with expected completion early in 2009. When completed, the new facility will be capable of handling gasoline and diesel with full additive and biodiesel blending.
The existing facility has storage for 36 million litres of bulk commodities and the capability to receive products via rail, truck or marine. In addition to the petroleum needs of each of the partners, the long range plan is to facilitate the 3rd party handling of other fuels and commodities such as jet fuel, asphalt, calcium and fertilizer. Work is currently underway at the terminal including the construction of additional petroleum storage tanks and a petroleum truck loading system with expected completion early in 2009. When completed, the new facility will be capable of handling gasoline and diesel with full additive and biodiesel blending.
Wasaya Group Inc. and Bamaji Air Inc have signed an agreement that will see Wasaya Group become a minority shareholder in Bamaji Air Inc. Currently Bamaji is 100% owned by Slate Falls First Nation, has 6 aircraft including floatplanes and amphibious year round aircraft & operates bases in Sioux Lookout & Slate Falls.
Thunder Bay, Ont. - Bamaji Air Inc and Wasaya Group Inc. (WGI) are pleased to announce that they have formed a new joint venture which will see increased air transportation services to the ten (10) WGI First Nation shareholder communities. The additions of the smaller aircraft includes float planes and wheel ski aircraft able to land on ice/land fills a need long identified by the 10 Wasaya communities.
Thunder Bay, Ont. - Bamaji Air Inc and Wasaya Group Inc. (WGI) are pleased to announce that they have formed a new joint venture which will see increased air transportation services to the ten (10) WGI First Nation shareholder communities. The additions of the smaller aircraft includes float planes and wheel ski aircraft able to land on ice/land fills a need long identified by the 10 Wasaya communities.
Thunder Bay, Ont. - The new company, Metal Ahnokeewin LP is located at the Great Lakes Marine & Industrial/Metal Ahnokeewin complex 401 Shipyard Drive in Thunder Bay. Metal Ahnokeewin LP was established to market products and services related to metal fabrication. The name �Metal Ahnokeewin� is a combination of English and Oji-Cree meaning �Metal Works�. Metal Ahnokeewin LP combines the industrial facilities and technical know-how of Lakehead Marine & Industrial Inc., an Upper Lakes Group company, and the Wasaya Group�s market knowledge of aboriginal and northern communities. With 51% ownership held by the Wasaya Group Inc., Metal Ahnokeewin LP is an aboriginal-owned company. The first project undertaken Metal Ahnokeewin is the fabrication of Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks. These tanks will be used in tank farms and other fuel storage applications.
The business opportunity for Metal Ahnokeewin LP is based upon the recognized need for metal products to serve the infrastructure and industrial requirements in First Nations, mining operations, energy extraction activities, electricity infrastructure and forestry services throughout Northern Ontario and other areas of Canada. While serving the needs of the northern communities provides the initial impetus for the partnership, Metal Ahnokeewin LP will be successful in the long-term by developing a reputation for quality products at competitive prices.
The business opportunity for Metal Ahnokeewin LP is based upon the recognized need for metal products to serve the infrastructure and industrial requirements in First Nations, mining operations, energy extraction activities, electricity infrastructure and forestry services throughout Northern Ontario and other areas of Canada. While serving the needs of the northern communities provides the initial impetus for the partnership, Metal Ahnokeewin LP will be successful in the long-term by developing a reputation for quality products at competitive prices.
"KEEWAYWIN FIRST NATION ACHIEVES FULL PARTNERSHIP STATUS IN WASAYA GROUP INC."
Dec. 3, 2008 - After fulfilling the mandatory two year membership requirement as called for in the WGI Master Agreement, Keewaywin First Nation has fulfilled all partnership requirements and has become a full partner and shareholder of Wasaya Group Inc.
The two year "trial" period gives the First Nation and WGI time to see if the partnership is a good venture for both partners. For the first two years the new First Nation member is a partner in the WGI Company, Wasaya Airways LP and has observer status at the WGI level. Conragtulations to Keewaywin & WGI.
Dec. 3, 2008 - After fulfilling the mandatory two year membership requirement as called for in the WGI Master Agreement, Keewaywin First Nation has fulfilled all partnership requirements and has become a full partner and shareholder of Wasaya Group Inc.
The two year "trial" period gives the First Nation and WGI time to see if the partnership is a good venture for both partners. For the first two years the new First Nation member is a partner in the WGI Company, Wasaya Airways LP and has observer status at the WGI level. Conragtulations to Keewaywin & WGI.
Wasaya Community Economic Development Corporation is overseeing a pilot project where an experienced Retail Advisor is now working with Wasaya Community owned Store Operations. The Retail Advisor (RA) will work directly with local store managers over a two year period to help them access a wider variety of wholesale merchandise, negotiate better costs, enhance accounting practices, and provide overall support for the community owned Retail operations.
In addition to the RA support, the FEDNOR RAP funding also provides for the creation of an Economic Development Officer Business Network through a technology subsidy. With this subsidy WCEDC is developing and providing a Business Portal for the Wasaya Community EDO�s (as well as the RA network) to access and submit reports and other electronic information vital to support the growth of the 10 Wasaya Communities economic development officers network. The ten community EDO�s currently meet on a quarterly basis through WCEDC to enhance their work on economic initiatives that impact their individual communities as well as some joint venture projects. During these 2-3 day sessions a variety of groups & individuals provide training, pitch joint venture opportunities, and present relevant information for the EDO network to consider.
WCEDC is grateful to FEDNOR for providing this much needed support to increase the capacity of First Nations to develop economic initiatives vital to the region and individual First Nation communities.
In addition to the RA support, the FEDNOR RAP funding also provides for the creation of an Economic Development Officer Business Network through a technology subsidy. With this subsidy WCEDC is developing and providing a Business Portal for the Wasaya Community EDO�s (as well as the RA network) to access and submit reports and other electronic information vital to support the growth of the 10 Wasaya Communities economic development officers network. The ten community EDO�s currently meet on a quarterly basis through WCEDC to enhance their work on economic initiatives that impact their individual communities as well as some joint venture projects. During these 2-3 day sessions a variety of groups & individuals provide training, pitch joint venture opportunities, and present relevant information for the EDO network to consider.
WCEDC is grateful to FEDNOR for providing this much needed support to increase the capacity of First Nations to develop economic initiatives vital to the region and individual First Nation communities.
Handicrafts & Artisans Group from Wasaya Communities market products at TRUSERV trade show in Winnipeg.
In April, 2009 a group of 20 artisans representing 10 Wasaya Communities participated in a 3 day Retail Trade Show at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The Trade Show attracted about 1200 visitors representing about 300 businesses from across Canada who in addition to looking for new products and becoming familiar with new suppliers, were looking to build on their existing supply chains and retail networks.
Truserv Canada which is part of the WASAYA BUYING GROUP hosted the Retail Trade Show and provided the merchandising display space free of charge to the Wasaya Community artisans. The artisans/sellers were free to negotiate any future supply to the various vendors plus sell any existing supply of crafts and merchandise. This initiative was part of the Wasaya Handicraft Project coordinated by Tommy Yellowhead of Wasaya Weecheewaywin Inc. The purpose of this ongoing Handicraft project is to advance and facilitate the marketing requirements of First Nation community members based in remote isolated Wasaya Communities by providing access to outside markets and to access supply chains for their raw materials and craft supplies. For pictures of the Winnipeg Event, Click here.
Truserv Canada which is part of the WASAYA BUYING GROUP hosted the Retail Trade Show and provided the merchandising display space free of charge to the Wasaya Community artisans. The artisans/sellers were free to negotiate any future supply to the various vendors plus sell any existing supply of crafts and merchandise. This initiative was part of the Wasaya Handicraft Project coordinated by Tommy Yellowhead of Wasaya Weecheewaywin Inc. The purpose of this ongoing Handicraft project is to advance and facilitate the marketing requirements of First Nation community members based in remote isolated Wasaya Communities by providing access to outside markets and to access supply chains for their raw materials and craft supplies. For pictures of the Winnipeg Event, Click here.
STANDING ON SITE OF CT SCANNER AREA - NEW SLMHC UNDER CONSTRUCTION - MARCH 2009, SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON
Photo: WGI representatives and SLMHF Boards members stand on new Hospital site on the very area designated for the new CT Scanner. The new hospital for Sioux Lookout Zone is very much underway as evidenced by additional photos found here
Our Logo:
Wasaya means rising sun in the Oji-Cree dialect and the logo of Wasaya, which depicts a sunburst with eight sunrays, represents each original owner community.
Wasaya means rising sun in the Oji-Cree dialect and the logo of Wasaya, which depicts a sunburst with eight sunrays, represents each original owner community.
Aviation Camp Diploma
Wasaya Community Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) receives $1/2 Million in FEDNOR Funding for Retail Advisor Project (RAP).
Graduates of the Camp receive Camp Diploma
Wasaya Group asked to fill gap left by NONTA departure:
During the meeting Mr Kamenawatamin addressed the Northern Tourism market and the request by First Nation Camp operators for Wasaya's to take a lead role to provide a marketing and support organization to replace the gap left when NONTA ceased operations earlier this year. The Camps provide great fishing and eco-tourism experiences for U.S. guests. Wawatay News was present to cover the meeting. Read Wasaya Group News Release below. For the Wawatay article please click here to be redirected to Wawatay site.
During the meeting Mr Kamenawatamin addressed the Northern Tourism market and the request by First Nation Camp operators for Wasaya's to take a lead role to provide a marketing and support organization to replace the gap left when NONTA ceased operations earlier this year. The Camps provide great fishing and eco-tourism experiences for U.S. guests. Wawatay News was present to cover the meeting. Read Wasaya Group News Release below. For the Wawatay article please click here to be redirected to Wawatay site.
WGI President & CEO, Tom S. Kamenawatamin greets U.S. Consul General Kevin Johnson as he tours Wasaya facilities during his visit to Thunder Bay.
Tom Kamenawatamin & Kevin Johnson at Wasaya Maintenance Facility in Thunder Bay
Wasaya's John D. Beardy & Kevin Johnson with Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson at Wasaya's YQT Maintenance facility.
First Nation Tourist Camps - Wasaya Group Inc. News Release
Sept 15, 2009 Thunder Bay,ON - We have enjoyed a great relationship with Tourists from the U.S. over the years flying into our northern camps for spectacular fishing and eco-tours. But the region had a setback when the Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association ceased operations this January. This Tourism Association or �NONTA� for short was instrumental in helping our northern camps market themselves to the U.S. and other areas. They also helped the Tourist Camp operators in many different ways even as far as arranging for fuel deliveries and other important camp operations. So operating without NONTA this past year has been a struggle for many of our First Nation camp owners.
Fortunately, our Company, Wasaya Group Inc has been working over the years to create synergies that have now placed us as the front runner to replace the role that NONTA provided�and we will do this in the near future. We are currently working with about 20 Camps. Wasaya Group has a full service airline Wasaya Airways with 26 aircraft providing Cargo, Fuel, Passenger Service, Charters, we also have a Petroleum Division - Wasaya Petroleum which provides a full line of Commercial Fuels and related products, Wasaya Group also now has a investment & partnership role in Bamaji Air Service which is a float plane operation�and that aircraft fleet is essential to reach all of the remote camps. We also have a non-profit division Wasaya Community Economic Development Corporation which is actively working with the Northern Camps to increase their capacity to fully service our American guests. So our new tourist camp marketing initiative is one direction that we are moving forward in strengthening our relationship with our guests and marketing partners in Canada & the US.
Tom S. Kamenawatamin
President & CEO
Wasaya Group Inc.
Sept 15, 2009 Thunder Bay,ON - We have enjoyed a great relationship with Tourists from the U.S. over the years flying into our northern camps for spectacular fishing and eco-tours. But the region had a setback when the Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association ceased operations this January. This Tourism Association or �NONTA� for short was instrumental in helping our northern camps market themselves to the U.S. and other areas. They also helped the Tourist Camp operators in many different ways even as far as arranging for fuel deliveries and other important camp operations. So operating without NONTA this past year has been a struggle for many of our First Nation camp owners.
Fortunately, our Company, Wasaya Group Inc has been working over the years to create synergies that have now placed us as the front runner to replace the role that NONTA provided�and we will do this in the near future. We are currently working with about 20 Camps. Wasaya Group has a full service airline Wasaya Airways with 26 aircraft providing Cargo, Fuel, Passenger Service, Charters, we also have a Petroleum Division - Wasaya Petroleum which provides a full line of Commercial Fuels and related products, Wasaya Group also now has a investment & partnership role in Bamaji Air Service which is a float plane operation�and that aircraft fleet is essential to reach all of the remote camps. We also have a non-profit division Wasaya Community Economic Development Corporation which is actively working with the Northern Camps to increase their capacity to fully service our American guests. So our new tourist camp marketing initiative is one direction that we are moving forward in strengthening our relationship with our guests and marketing partners in Canada & the US.
Tom S. Kamenawatamin
President & CEO
Wasaya Group Inc.
"Celebrating
20 Years
1989 - 2009"
20 Years
1989 - 2009"