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For Immediate Release
December 10, 2002

News Release

2002 Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award Winner

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TORONTO – The partnership among Moose Deer Point First Nation, Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd and The Schad Foundation is the winner of the third annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young announced today.

"Ontario is proud to recognize the leaders who are making joint ventures happen. These leaders are boosting Aboriginal economic development throughout the province," said Young. "The ground-breaking partnership being celebrated today resulted in the development of Niigon Technologies Ltd, a precision injection molding operation on reserve. It is a world-class facility showcasing manufacturing, automation, efficiency and environmental responsibility."

The corporation is wholly owned by Moose Deer Point First Nation which provided land, human resources and $2 million in funding for the business. Husky provided technical resources and engineering services. The Schad Foundation donated $5 million as a charitable contribution.

Moose Deer Point First Nation benefits from the partnership through learning opportunities, training and employment for nine Aboriginal people. As the business grows, so will employment prospects. Having Niigon Technologies on reserve also increases business for other Aboriginal contract services in the community. The First Nation will be able to invest profits into social, environmental, infrastructure and wellness projects within the community. Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd benefits from increased revenues and shareholder value, as well as by having use of the Niigon facility as a world-class demonstration site.

"The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award helps build awareness of Ontario's support for innovative and effective approaches to economic development in Aboriginal communities," said Young. Ontario works with Aboriginal communities and the corporate sector to create market-driven partnerships that support the mutual goals of Aboriginal self-reliance, entrepreneurship and the creation of long-term employment.

"Niigon Technologies is a good example of how joint ventures between Aboriginal and other Ontario companies and entrepreneurs can bolster economic development and growth for Aboriginal communities. I am pleased this initiative is providing job training, real jobs and revenue generation for the community," said John Kim Bell, Founder and President, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. "Recognizing successful business partnerships through this award is an effective means for encouraging further joint ventures."

Ontario established the Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award in 1999 in co-operation with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. The award celebrates a successful Ontario-based business partnership between an Aboriginal business, community, or organization and either a non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal business, community or organization.

Ontario launched the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy and its centrepiece program Working Partnerships in 1998, to promote job creation and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in Ontario. The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award is one of more than 35 Ontario government programs and services focused on four strategic directions: increasing partnerships, removing barriers, creating opportunities and improving access.

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Merike Nurming
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4079

Judy Tobe
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
416-926-0775
1-800-329-9780

Related link: National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation