NADF returns to Thunder Bay on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 to present the 33rd Annual NADF Awards Gala. The awards gala showcases Northern Ontario’s Indigenous business community and celebrates the determination and perseverance of individuals and businesses that continue to bolster the economy under these very challenging times.
Get ready to celebrate in style at an awards night designed for the stars! We are more excited than ever to celebrate their achievements and contributions, and we invite you to get involved in the celebration by submitting your nomination(s), becoming an event sponsor to promote your company to a targeted audience, or purchasing gala tickets to network with like-minded people.
The NADF Awards Gala celebrates the strength, creativity, and resilience of Indigenous businesses and leaders across Northern Ontario. Each year, we honour individuals and organizations who embody the values that guide our communities and inspire prosperity.
We honour those who act with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all that they do.
We celebrate leaders who treat others with dignity, foster positive relationships, and uphold cultural values.
We recognize the businesses and individuals who strengthen Indigenous communities, create opportunities, and build lasting impact.
We highlight those who overcome challenges with determination and courage, inspiring others to keep moving forward.
We showcase role models who drive growth, creativity, and opportunity for Indigenous peoples and businesses.
We value those who uplift Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and ways of doing business, ensuring culture remains at the heart of success.
Brent Edwards “Mooselegs” Founder of Mooselegs Consulting is a proud member of Fort Albany First Nation, he also has deep roots in Thunder Bay, where he grew up and now raises his family. He has earned an Ontario Teacher’s Diploma from Nipissing University, a Business Administration diploma from CDI College, and a Business Management Certificate from Northern College.
Brent is a seasoned Emcee and facilitator known for bringing energy, enthusiasm, and seamless professionalism to every event. With over 20+ years of experience in the industry, Brent has hosted a diverse range of events including corporate and youth conferences, gala dinners, and community gatherings.
Brent’s dynamic stage presence and ability to engage diverse audiences make him a sought-after choice for both intimate gatherings and large-scale productions. He has a natural talent for creating a lively atmosphere while ensuring that every event flows smoothly and according to plan.
Beyond his Emcee skills, Brent is also a skilled facilitator adept at moderating panel discussions, conducting interviews, and guiding interactive sessions. His ability to connect with speakers and participants alike ensures that discussions are insightful and engaging.
Whether it’s setting the tone for an event, keeping the audience captivated throughout, or facilitating meaningful conversations, Brent “Mooselegs” excels in creating memorable experiences that leaves a lasting impression.
Howie Miller is a veteran of the most respected stages in the comedy world. He has been a featured performer at all of Canada’s major comedy festivals, including the internationally renowned Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and the Halifax Comedy Festival.
His television career is equally impressive, with significant credits in both Canada and the United States. He made a major splash in the U.S. market with his feature performance in the groundbreaking Showtime special, The Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations Needed. This program was a landmark event, celebrated as the first all-Native stand-up comedy show in American television history. In Canada, he has been a fixture on television for years. He starred in his own half-hour special, Comedy Now!, on The Comedy Network and has made numerous appearances on CBC specials, including the Alberta Comedy Spectacular and Winnipeg Comedy Festival: Welcome to Turtle Island 1 & 2.
Beyond stand-up specials, Miller showcased his acting and writing talents as a lead in the hit sketch comedy show Caution: May Contain Nuts, which aired for five seasons on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). He is also a familiar voice to radio listeners through his appearances on CBC’s popular and witty debate program, The Debaters. Complementing his broadcast work, he has toured extensively, notably as a key member of the acclaimed comedy troupe Pow Wow Comedy Jam, which earned rave reviews across the United States.
Celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in Northern Ontario by nominating a deserving individual or business
for the 2025 NADF Awards. With six categories recognizing achievements in business growth, community involvement,
and leadership, this is your chance to show appreciation for outstanding efforts. Nominations are open to those residing or operating
within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Treaty #3, and Robinson-Superior 1850 territories. Self-nominations are welcome!
This award recognizes an Indigenous youth (Status, Inuit, or Métis) ages 18-39, who has paved a space for themselves through their hard work and dedication to their business. This entrepreneur shows us why you should never give up on your goals and is an inspiration for others.
The nominee must be 39 years and younger to be nominated in this award category.
This award recognizes two or more individuals or entities who have formed a partnership built on mutual respect and common goals, and who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, thoughtful planning, and growth potential. These partners best exemplify the true meaning of partnership.
Partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners are eligible provided the Indigenous partner is the majority partner (minimum 51%).
This award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated excellence in leadership involving people, events, programs, projects, and/or teams. Passionate and creative, they take the initiative and think outside the box when running their business or managing their team. Through their strong leadership skills, and innovative management strategies, this leader will be an inspiration for all leaders to follow.
Leaders of non-profits are eligible to be nominated in this award category.
This award recognizes a startup business that has shown significant promise through their growth since starting their business.
Businesses operating for less than 2 years, but for more than 10 months, are eligible to be nominated in this award category.
This award will recognize overall achievements and excellence in company growth including sales, profitability, employment creation, and innovation.
This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated innovation, leadership, thoughtful planning, and growth potential.
Awards Disclaimer: NADF reserves the right to disqualify a nominee if credible, verifiable evidence of misconduct emerges. Any concerns must be submitted in writing to the Chief Privacy Officer at cpo@nadf.org.
We are looking forward to celebrating the 33rd Annual NADF Awards with you! If you would like to attend, please register below.
Refund Policy
We offer a full refund, less a $50 administration fee, for cancellations made on or before September 27. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued after this date. However, tickets are fully transferrable, allowing you to transfer your registration to another individual if you are unable to attend.
The NADF Awards present a variety of unique opportunities for our sponsors to make new contacts, solidify relationships, generate leads, increase exposure, and connect with small business.
The NADF Awards offer different levels of sponsorship with different benefits that will complement your marketing strategy.
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