Edit Content

About Us

The NADF Awards are an annual awards program that recognizes individuals and businesses that demonstrate leadership, innovation, sustainability, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction in six (6) award categories.

Award recipients will be recognized for overall business management, performance and growth, products and services offered, community involvement, and highlighting excellence in leadership.

let's connect

Contact Info

October 23rd, 2025

Location: Thunder Bay, ON
Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott

Celebrating Indigenous Prosperity

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.

Download 2024 Press Release
Download 2024 Souvenir Program

Proceeds from this year's event will support

the
NADF Community Care Fund The fund provides more than sponsorships – it also supports youth (i.e. sports registrations), community events (i.e. pow-wows), and offers support in times of crisis (i.e. community fire, death, etc.)
and the NADF Bursary Fund for Indigenous Students, two powerful initiatives creating real change in Northern Ontario First Nation communities. The NADF Community Care Fund provides funding for cultural, wellness, and community-based events that celebrate First Nation identity and promote healthy, vibrant living. The NADF Mikinaak Bursary for Indigenous Students supports Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education by easing financial barriers and investing in future leaders.

Nominations are OPEN!

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!

 

Ready to nominate? Review the criteria and submit your form online today!

Nomination Form

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes an Indigenous youth (Status, Inuit, or Métis) under the age of 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.

Partnership of the Year

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%).

Excellence in Leadership

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.

Startup Business of the Year

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.

Business Excellence Award

This award will recognize overall achievements and excellence in company growth including sales, profitability, employment creation, and innovation.

Small Business of the Year

This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated innovation, leadership, thoughtful planning, and growth potential.

So Glad You Can Join Us!

We are looking forward to celebrating the 33rd Annual NADF Awards with you! If you would like to attend, please register below.

Individual Dinner Ticket
$150.00

Add to Cart

Table of 10 Dinner Tickets
$1200.00

Add to Cart

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Engaging with existing or potential clients
  • Promoting brand/company
  • Company name/brand presence on social media
  • Supporting community
  • Networking with like-minded people
  • Showcasing corporate social responsibility

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.

Diamond Sponsor

Sold

  • Exclusive “Presented By” sponsor (sponsor logo and/or name incorporated within event name and/or logo)
  • Prominent “Presented By” sponsor recognition on all event promotion and program materials
  • Splash page “Presented By” displayed for 5 seconds on event homepage
  • Prominent placement of company logo and hyperlink on event website sponsor page
  • Dedicated “Presenting By” sponsor post recognition on NADF social media
  • Engagement with sponsor’s Facebook/Instagram pages on NADF social media
  • Opportunity to deliver a 3-minute Welcome Address
  • Sponsor acknowledgement during Opening and Closing Remarks
  • Opportunity to present 1 of 6 awards and announce award winner
  • Double-page center spread full color ad in digital souvenir program
  • Ten (10) complimentary tickets
  • VIP Seating
  • Additional tickets at discounted rate
  • Quote and company profile included in pre/post-event media releases
  • First right of refusal for next year’s event
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Platinum Sponsor

$5000.00

Add to Cart
  • Premium Platinum Sponsor recognition on all event promotion and program materials
  • Premium placement of company logo and hyperlink on event website sponsor page
  • Dedicated Platinum Sponsor recognition post on NADF social media
  • Engagement with sponsor’s Facebook/Instagram pages on NADF social media
  • Sponsor acknowledgement during Opening and Closing Remarks
  • Opportunity to present 1 of 6 awards and announce award winner
  • Full-page full-color ad in digital souvenir program
  • Ten (10) complimentary tickets
  • VIP Seating
  • Additional tickets at discounted rate
  • First right of refusal for next year’s event
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Gold Sponsor

$3500.00

Add to Cart
  • Company logo and hyperlink on event website sponsor page
  • Dedicated Gold Sponsor recognition post on NADF social media
  • Company logo displayed on event sponsor board and slide deck
  • Company logo displayed on sponsor page in event program
  • Half-page full-color ad in digital souvenir program
  • Six (6) complimentary tickets
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Silver Sponsor

$2000.00

Add to Cart
  • Company logo and hyperlink on event website sponsor page
  • Dedicated Silver Sponsor recognition on NADF social media
  • Company logo displayed on event sponsor board and slide deck
  • Company logo displayed on sponsor page in event program
  • Quarter-page full-color ad in digital souvenir program
  • Three (3) complimentary tickets
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Bronze Sponsor

$1000.00

Add to Cart
  • Company logo and hyperlink on event website sponsor page
  • Company logo displayed on event sponsor board and slide deck
  • Company logo displayed on sponsor page in event program
  • Business card full-color ad in digital souvenir program
  • One (1) complimentary ticket
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Friend Sponsor

$500.00

Add to Cart
  • Company name on event website sponsor page
  • Company name displayed on event sponsor board and slide deck
  • Company name displayed on sponsor page in event program
  • Company name listed in souvenir program
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Supporter

Make a Monetary Donation
  • Company name on event website sponsor page
  • Company name listed in event souvenir program
AD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Our Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Awards Venue & Accommodation

Venue

Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder bay

Address

2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 0E7

Website

www.marriott.com

Accommodation

Delta Hotels Thunder Bay for 280.00 CAD per night
Last Day to Book : Monday, September 22, 2025

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Award Ceremony Room Block
Start Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
End Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

MARRIOTT REQUIRES 72-HOUR NOTICE FOR CANCELLATIONS; LATE CANCELLATION INCUR FEE. 
Reservations will be charged for ALL NIGHTS INCASE OF LATE CANCELLATION, NOSHOW or EARLY DEPARTURE. 

Have Questions?

Please fill out our contact form and someone from
our team will get back to you as soon as possible!

    Need to Speak to
    Someone Directly?

    Dawn Willoughby, Event Manager

    Phone: 807-623-5397
    Toll-Free: 1-800-465-6821
    Email: events@nadf.org
    Website: www.nadf.org

    Celebrating Indigenous Prosperity

    © 2025, NADF Awards, All Rights Reserved.