John Bernard is Recipient of the Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Chiefs, Business Leaders and Community representatives were on hand to attend Atlantic Canada's Aboriginal Entrepreneur awards gala show hosted by the Ulnooweg Development Group on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Nova Scotia.
For being an outstanding role model and for his numerous contributions to the Aboriginal Community from an economic, technical, and service perspective, John Bernard was a recipient of the 2nd Annual Atlantic Canada Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Award.
The Awards are presented to deserving Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and Businesses to acknowledge and celebrate their hard and success.
Chief Joanna Bernard, Madawaska First Nation, New Brunswick, nominated John for the award in the Business of the Year category. National Chief Phil Fontaine from the Assembly of First Nations and Anna Molley sent letter to support John's nomination.
"John has shown personal and professional dedication to the First Nations business community. John's high regard for economic independence and entrepreneurship in First Nation communities is practiced and not preached. He is a supportive partner to many informally, has been an advocate, and role model for the First Nation business community. It is a pleasure that I congratulate John Bernard in being acknowledged by his peers as a candidate for this award." National Chief Phil Fontaine
"As a Mi'kmaq from the Listuguj First Nation, eight year employee at Donna Cona and personal friend, I am proud of my association with John Bernard and have witnessed first hand the impact and positive influence he has made in the Aboriginal community and as an Aboriginal business success story. Congratulations John for being acknowledged by your peers in Eastern Canada!" says Anna Molley.
The nomination process is open to all Aboriginal business and Aboriginal Entrepreneurs that have a tie to the Atlantic region (John is from Madawaska First Nation in New Brunswick). The winners in each category are chosen by an independent jury and were announced at the Awards show.