Awards recognize aboriginal achievements.

Just 18 moths ago, one young member of the Moose Cree First Nation on the James Bay Coast, Terry Sutherland, took a big chance by establishing his own business, Black Wolf Woodwork and Construction. Late in November his hard work was acknowledged and rewarded when he won the Building Communities Award at the 12th annual Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Awards.

Sutherland worked as a carpenter for six years before starting his own business. Previously, he had thought about starting his own business, but was hesitant because construction work is often viewed as just seasonal work. A few years ago though, he began working on the construction of the Cree Village Eco-Lodge. It was during that project that he realized his dream of starting his own business could become a reality.

Now, his business has its own woodshop where they do custom furniture and orders for people. The company also does renovation work, is responsible for a number of maintenance projects, and will soon be involved in the construction of houses.

He would also like to see the company get into some larger, more diversified projects.

"Eventually, we want to have a one-stop company where anybody can come to us with whatever they want to do and (we want to be able to) do it right from the ground up," he says. "We want to be able to design it, build it, and maintain it afterwards."

The award Sutherland received is aimed at recognizing businesses that contribute and give back to their communities. Other award-winners included: Lorelei Martin of Martin Contracting Inc., who won the' Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Ed Wesley of Wolf Tracks Maxwear, who won the Businessman of the Year Award; Patricia Faries, barrister and solicitor, who won the Businesswoman of the Year Award; the project co-ordinator for the First Nation Energy Inc., Ed Chilton, who won the Executive of the Year Award; Aatawehike Fire Services, they won the Partnership of the Year Award; and the Gawuhigaewin Community Development Corp., they won the Development Corporation of the Year Award.

The celebration took place late in November and drew more than 300 people to the Senator Hotel in Timmins and was hosted by the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.