NAABA News

Printed NAABA Member Directory coming soon


Dear NAABA Members, 


As NAABA members reconnect with friends and colleagues during the AGM presented by Bouchier, it’s also a time to review the organization’s Annual Report. In this year’s 2023/2024 edition we’re excited to share that a printed Membership Directory will be included.  


While this information is also available online at NAABA.ca under the “Memberships” tab, having the information easily accessible to all members is important. To ensure the printed version is as accurate as possible, please submit the following:


Certified Members:

  • Membership dues paid
  • RMWB Business Licence
  • Annual Return paperwork
  • Updated logo
  • Category of work selected


Associate Members:

  • Membership dues paid
  • Indigenous Business Relations Policy
  • Statement of Commitment for Indigenous Business
  • Updated logo


Information can be updated and logos uploaded through member login NAABA Net Login - Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association. If you need assistance with logging in please email experience@naaba.ca


Information must be submitted by August 30 to meet the printer deadline. If you have any questions, please reach out to experience@naaba.ca  


This also serves as a reminder that AGM tickets are now on sale to attend the annual organization reflection and celebration. The AGM hosts NAABA members, associates and business colleagues for an evening to celebrate, support and connect. We’ll honour our region’s Indigenous business community and highlight the key successes from the past year. It will also be a time to connect and look to the year ahead, to explore how the path for the future is shaped.  


Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this important event. 


Tickets are now on sale, and more information is available about the event on September 19 at Shell Place. Find out more.


Michelle Toner

Executive Director

NAABA

AGM Keynote speaker, Dr. Ken Coates

You have questions? We have answers!


A 'Question and Answer' period with special keynote speaker Dr. Ken Coates will be part of the AGM presented by Bouchier, on September 19.


Scan the QR code to submit your questions to Ken in advance. Learn more about him here.


NAABA Members Reporting Deadline


NAABA has a story to tell about Indigenous business in the Wood Buffalo region and to tell it as accurately as possible, a reporting assessment is critical for Certified and Associate members to validate the information.  

 

What is reporting? 

The way an organization, such as NAABA, collects, processes, stores and presents information. It allows information to be collected and used to guide decision making and forecast future organizational needs.  

 

Who participates in reporting at NAABA?  

Accurate reporting requires representatives from all NAABA member businesses – Certified and Associate – to submit their reporting information. The more members report, the more accurate the overall statistics will be.   

 

Why is reporting important to NAABA? 

Detailed engagement reporting will allow NAABA to identify members who may require assistance or support. Identifying weaknesses in their Indigenous business engagement and provide the resources and support necessary to actively participate in the Indigenous business economy. Overall, reporting helps NAABA achieve its goals of telling an accurate story of the impact and capacity of Indigenous Business. 

 

When does NAABA reporting take place?  

Period 2 reporting was scheduled to be completed by the end of August and encompasses the period of January 1 – June 30. We recognize this is a new process for the organization and are ready to support members as needed.  


Reporting information will also be used to determine the award winners for our new categories of celebration to be presented at the Annual General Meeting in the fall. If you have any questions about how the information is being requested or how it will be used, please contact NAABA directly.  

  

Certified Full Aboriginal Business Member Reporting

  

Associate Member Reporting



Discounted rates for Oil Sands Expo for NAABA Certified Full Members


NAABA is partnering with the Oil Sands Expo to offer a limited number of exhibit spaces to members within the NAABA pavilion. The pavilion showcases the association and the participating members in a branded and professional way, located in the heart of the show. 


Learn more about the event and opportunities here:



For more information, please contact sales@eventworx.ca

Nomination Form
Board Package

Board of Directors Open House


NAABA is hosting an Open House for individuals interested in joining the Board, on September 10 at 6 p.m. at the NAABA office. 


Meet and mingle with Board members to learn more about the organization and the role the Board plays.

Share your voice as NAABA Board of Directors member


Join NAABA's Board of Directors and help to unify our Indigenous entrepreneurial community. Use your voice to support and shape the direction of NAABA for all members' benefit. There are 7 Board spaces available for election during the 2024 AGM Election – five Board positions and two Advisory positions. 

 

Did you know? 

  • NAABA is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of Member Directors who hold office for three-year terms.  
  • Member voting for the Board takes place on September 18 
  • The 2024 AGM will be held on September 19, 2024  
  • Visit Naaba.ca to learn more about Board opportunities. 

 

Nominations for Board Members are currently being accepted.


Any individual seeking election must be present at the NAABA Annual General Meeting and Voting 2024, September 18 at 9917 Biggs Avenue, NAABA Office at 8 to 10:30 a.m.  

Fort McKay First Nation Trade Show a success


NAABA staff were happy to be part of the Fort McKay First Nation Trade Show on July 30. They had the opportunity to chat with current NAABA members and share information about the organization.


Overall the event saw excellent participation with more than 150 community members, 36 companies and organizations with booths, and four different FMFN departments. More than 100 people from all the participating organizations came to support the booths and represent their respective organizations. To top it off, the event catering was delicious and kept event-goers full of energy.  

 

Thank you to Fort McKay First Nation for hosting this excellent event.  


Member Highlights

Wood Buffalo region plans for

workforce of the future


As part of ongoing efforts to support our local businesses and residents, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT), in partnership with the Regional Labour Market Committee, is undertaking a Workforce Development Strategy. It’s important to have community input into the strategy as we cannot develop it without the first-hand knowledge of your workforce challenges. 

  

An online survey is available for your confidential responses. The survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available online until September 6, 2024. 

 

The purpose of this survey is to gather data on the current labour market conditions that will feed into the development of the strategy. The questions in the survey will explore gaps and opportunities related to: 

 

  • Current skills demand and supply; 
  • Future skills demand; 
  • Qualifications/certifications that are hard to find; 
  • Supply and demand for skills development and training programs, and; 
  • Perceptions on local resources that support the workforce (i.e. broadband, housing, transportation, childcare services, career development opportunities, etc.). 


Take the survey here  



Member Benefits

Industry Insights

Procurement Canada to host Supplier Session on Sept. 17


Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC), part of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in partnership with NAABA, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), will be hosting a Supplier Information Session in Fort McMurray on September 17, 2024.


The aim of the session is to provide key information on the federal procurement process, upcoming procurement opportunities. It will also include time for attendees to participate in discussion around how we can support diverse businesses and organizations to work with the federal government now and what federal procurement should look like in the future.  


Click here to register for this event. Find out more information about Procurement Canada for small businesses.


Please contact us at PAC Western Region if you have any questions related to the upcoming event.

Save the Dates for NAABA

Sponsor opportunities for 2024/2025 now available


We are pleased to launch the new Sponsor Package for annual events such as AGM, Aboriginal Business Week, Golf Tournament, and NAABA Business Summit (name changed from Business Showcase).


Click here to view the full package, located at NAABA.ca.

NAABA Events Calendar


2024

  • Board of Directions Open House: September 10 at 6 p.m., at the NAABA Office
  • AGM 2024 Voting: September 18 from 8-10:30 a.m. at the NAABA office
  • AGM 2024 presented by Bouchier: September 19, 2024, at Shell Place
  • NAABA Christmas Luncheon – Making Spirits Bright: December 5 at the Fort McMurray Golf Course



2025

  • Indigenous Business Week:  January 27 to Feb 1
  • NAABA Business Summit:

March 26 to 27

  • NAABA Golf 2025: June 5 at Miskanaw Golf Course 

Sharing Circle

Does your business or organization have news to share with NAABA members? Please send your Sharing Circle news to communication@naaba.ca to include in future e-newsletters.

Willow Lake Métis Nation and Fort McMurray #468 First Nation are partnering to host the Career Exploration Fair: Discover and Connect. To be held on October 17 at the Anzac Rec Centre. Click here to learn more.

Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) Cultural Festival: Save the date for this annual event, being held September 12 to 15 at the Snye Point Park.  

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