Wade Cachagee, from the Chapleau Cree First Nation, always planned to go into business. He always enjoyed working with computers too. In 1995, he found a unique way to combine the two.

That year, Wade and his partner started a company called Cree-Tech Inc. He was just 21 years old.

Today, Cree-Tech is the most advanced Aboriginally owned company in Canada that specializes in geographic information system (GIS) technology and the forestry sector.

GIS technology combines hardware, software and data so people can collect, manage and analyze geographic information.

It can be used to create maps that help people find places with the features they're looking for. These maps can be used in environmental studies, city planning and archaeology.

After studying this new technology at Algonquin College, Wade was ready to use his expertise to help others.

His company provides clients with maps and data for using and managing land wisely. First Nations organizations, forestry companies and the Ontario government are just some of his clients.

Based on the Fox Lake reserve in northern Ontario, Cree-Tech also provides a much-needed service for Aboriginal people.

Cree-Tech can create something called "traditional ecological knowledge studies." These studies show how Aboriginal people have used the land for many generations. They also map out family trap lines, hunting and harvesting sites, burial sites, medicinal plant areas and other cultural sites.

In 2007, Wade started a cedar processing facility, which is expected to become one of the largest eastern white cedar facilities in eastern Canada.

Wade also served as Chief of the Chapleau Cree First Nation for two three-year terms.

Wade has been recognized nationally for using technology to enhance and promote Aboriginal land use.

Some of his awards include the:

• 1996 Anishnawbe-Aski Nation's Youth Entrepreneur Award
• 1998 National Aboriginal Achievement Award
• Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award for the year 2000

Today, Wade keeps busy running the company, teaching GIS technology to Aboriginal people and remaining active in the community.