NADF Nishnawbe-Aski

History

Jul 6, 2020
NADF was incorporated in 1984 and officially established in 1987.  Today, we service 89 First Nations and their members, on or off-reserve, as well as all Aboriginal entrepreneurs and wholly-owned or majority-owned Aboriginal businesses operating in Northern Ontario.
 
Key Milestones Timeline
 
1984 - NAN Chief's Resolution passed mandating the establishment of NADF. NADF established as a corporation.
 
1985 - Frank Price & Associates hired to complete a feasibility study on NAN communities.
 
1986 - Bentley Cheechoo hired as NADF’s first President/CEO.
 
1987 - NADF opens an office on the Fort William First Nation. NADF receives $7M in capitalization. NADF hosts official opening ceremonies. ‘Loan Guarantee Program’ established in partnership with CIBC and Bank of Nova Scotia to increase loan maximum to $250,000 for the NAN membership.
 
1989 - Dennis Franklin Cromarty hired as President/CEO.
 
1991 - NADF hosts the “1st Annual NADF Business Awards” in Thunder Bay. Direct Loans Program” introduced, allowing NADF to administer term, bridge and youth loans.
 
1992 - Industry Canada tops up NADF’s loan fund with an additional $1.5M.
 
1993 - Harvey Yesno hired as President/CEO. NADF partners with Industry Canada and is designated an External Delivery Office (“XDO”) and begins delivering the programs and services of the Aboriginal Business Canada program.
 
1994 - NADF opens sub-office in Timmins, ON.
 
1997 - Neegani Investment Management Inc.,” a subsidiary of NADF, is established to provide equity and conventional financing of up to $1M, allowing Aboriginal entities to participate in joint ventures.
 
2002 - NADF receives designation as a “Community Futures Development Corporation” (CFDC) and begins providing business counselling, investment and community strategic planning services to NADF’s clients. NADF relocates to Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation.
 
2004 - Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI’s) across Canada, including NADF, reach the $1 billion milestone for total loans disbursed.
 
2005 - NADF relocates to 106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor in the City of Thunder Bay.
 
2007 - NADF hosts 1st Annual “Fairways for the Future Charity Golf Classic.
 
2009 - NADF celebrates 25th Anniversary.
 
2010 - NADF hosts its “20th Annual Business Awards” in Thunder Bay.
 
2011 - NADF and Lac Seul First Nation formalize partnership to initiate micro-loan fund. NADF hosts two inaugural events: “Mining Ready Summit” and “Strategic Mineral Exploration and Mining Training Course.” NADF moves back to Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation.
 
2013 - Brian Davey hired as Executive Director.
 
2014 - $4.4M FedNor funding for a 3-year project to enhance NADFs programs and services to support business development and opportunities related to mining development; particularly the Ring of Fire. NADF begins administering the Aboriginal Business Contribution Program.
 
2015 - $2.5M Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs funding for a three-year project under the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), to support Business Financing and Community Economic Grants.
 
2016 - NADF can now match interest rates from other lending institutions and begins offering commercial mortgages and micro-loans ranging from $1000 to $7500.
 
2017 - Comprehensive Community Planning welcomed by First Nations.
MOU in place for the delivery of the ABFP Grant program with:
 
- Rainy Lake Tribal Area
- Metis Voyageur Development Fund
- Wakanegan C.F.D.C
 
2018 - NADF updates branding, unveiling a new logo.
 
2019 - NADF Thunder Bay office relocates to Fort William First Nation
 
 

Source: http://www.nadf.org/history

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