NADF returns to Thunder Bay on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 to present the 34th 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.
Patrick Cheechoo is a Cree (Mushkego) comedian and professional emcee from Constance Lake First Nation in Ontario. He is married to Dr. Keri Cheechoo, who also helps co-write his material, and is a proud father of five and grandfather of three. He has also had the pleasure of watching his daughters, Caitlin and Nadia, perform and share their own unique styles of humour.
Patrick performed his first comedy set in 2012 and was named Thunder Bay Comic Idol in 2014. Since then, he has performed across Canada and the United States, earning a reputation for connecting naturally with audiences through his confidence, adaptability and relatable humour. He has also supported and headlined Got Land?, an Indigenous comedy showcase produced by comedian Janelle Niles.
With more than 20 years of experience as an emcee, Patrick brings humour, professionalism and strong audience engagement to every event.
Ron Kanutski is a late-blooming comedian who turned a midlife crisis into a new career. In 2009, he decided to revisit a middle-school passion and enter a local comedy competition. After finishing as runner-up, comedian John Caponera encouraged him to return the following year and win—which he did in 2010.
Rather than follow the traditional comedy-club circuit, Ron began producing his own shows, creating opportunities for himself while discovering new talent along the way. He soon moved into corporate and casino comedy and has since worked with several rock and country music festivals across the United States.
Along the way, Ron has had the chance to meet and become friends with many of his musical heroes from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He was crowned Thunder Bay’s King of Comedy in 2015 and kept audiences laughing through the COVID-19 pandemic with online performances.
Now he is here with you—so let’s get down to business!
Nomination Deadline: August 31, 2026
Celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in Northern Ontario by nominating a deserving individual or business
for the 2026 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 34th 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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2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 0E7
www.marriott.com
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