Corporate Vision: An elder named Albert Mamakwa from Kingfisher Lake First Nation had the foresight and vision that the First Nation communities in north-western Ontario should get involved in the economic and business development activity in the region. Albert mentioned the need for the First Nation communities to take on economic development and business development initiatives in their local communities as well as regionally. From that concept, the formation of an economic development corporation emerged. In 1988 representatives from six First Nation communities gathered together at the Friendship Centre in Sioux Lookout, Ontario to explore economic possibilities that might bind the communities closer together and produce a viable business opportunity to benefit their people. Residents of the communities who for many years had been contemplating such initiatives put many ideas forward at this, and at subsequent gatherings, by sharing their visions of what form an economic venture might take…and what the fruits of their labour could mean for their community members. Some important benefits envisioned by the communities were pride of ownership & management, the ability to compete in an open marketplace, enhanced employment opportunities, business training for community members - especially the growing youth population, distribution of profit, enhancement of community programs and the possibility of additional economic spin-offs in the future. Subsequent meetings were held in various locations with a variety of organizations and business leaders. As a result, the idea to start-up, own, and manage an aviation business was birthed and the rest as they say “is history.” In 1989, the group approached V. Kelner Air Services in Pickle Lake and in exchange for $49 in pocket cash and exclusive air-freighting rights to their communities, the group received 49% of the small air-freight business. Wasaya Airways was the first of the Wasaya Group of Companies. Today Wasaya Group’s vision remains the same as Albert’s original vision: to create economic opportunities and develop business initiatives and partnerships for the primary benefit of our First Nation communities both on and off reserve.

---