JEDI’s Indigenous Impact Awards Nominations 2025
JEDI is excited to announce the 2025 Indigenous Impact Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Indigenous leaders, businesses, and initiatives driving economic growth, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities in New Brunswick. These awards recognize individuals and projects that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Award Categories:
Employment Training Officer (ETO) Award – This award celebrates an Indigenous Employment Training Officer who has made an outstanding impact on workforce development within Indigenous communities. They have empowered individuals to gain meaningful employment and build sustainable careers. Their dedication to fostering strong community relationships and partnerships with local businesses and organizations has created new pathways for Indigenous employment. By advocating for culturally sensitive practices, and demonstrating adaptability, this officer has played a crucial role in advancing long-term economic development and enhancing the lives of those they serve.
Economic Development Officer (EDO) Award – This award honours an Indigenous Economic Development Officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering economic growth and empowerment within Indigenous communities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and culturally respectful practices, they have created pathways for sustainable business development, job creation, and wealth-building opportunities. Their commitment to community-centered initiatives, environmental stewardship, and capacity-building reflects a deep understanding of both the economic and cultural priorities of the communities they serve. This officer has significantly contributed to the economic strength of Indigenous communities.
Community Economic Development Award – The Community Economic Development Award honours a transformative initiative that has achieved significant economic benefits for its Indigenous community, fostering job creation, income growth, and pathways toward economic self-sufficiency. This award celebrates a project that not only prioritizes community engagement, with input from Elders, leaders, and members but also builds meaningful partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations to drive sustainable development.
This initiative demonstrates visionary leadership and dedication to capacity building, providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for skills development. Through these efforts, the project enhances social well-being, improves quality of life, and strengthens community resilience for generations to come.
Entrepreneur Start-Up Award (Under 3 Years) – The Entrepreneur Start-Up Award recognizes an exceptional Indigenous-owned business operating for under three years. This award celebrates a start-up that has shown early success, a sustainable business model, and significant growth potential. The recipient exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating creativity, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future.
Established Entrepreneur Award – Indigenous Business Excellence (Over 3 Years) – This award honours an Indigenous-owned business that has operated successfully for over three years, demonstrating long-term sustainability, growth, and a commitment to community impact. The recipient reflects outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and strategic vision, serving as a model for Indigenous entrepreneurship and contributing to economic development.
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📅 Nomination Deadline: April 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM ADT
Employment Training Officer (ETO) Award
This award celebrates an Indigenous Employment Training Officer who has made an outstanding impact on workforce development within Indigenous communities. They have empowered individuals to gain meaningful employment and build sustainable careers. Their dedication to fostering strong community relationships and partnerships with local businesses and organizations has created new pathways for Indigenous employment. By advocating for culturally sensitive practices, demonstrating adaptability, this officer has played a crucial role in advancing long-term economic development and enhancing the lives of those they serve.
CRITERIA:
1. Impact on Employment Outcomes
Demonstrated success in increasing Indigenous employment rates and helping clients secure stable, meaningful jobs.
Evidence of client growth, such as improvements in skills, certifications, or advancement to higher roles.
2. Community Engagement and Partnership Development
Development of strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, educational institutions, and government agencies to create sustainable job opportunities.
3. Innovation in Program Delivery
Implementation of flexible and accessible training programs that address the specific barriers faced by Indigenous job seekers.
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Advocacy
Promotion of Indigenous culture, language, and traditions within training programs and workplaces.
Advocacy for culturally inclusive policies and practices within partner organizations.
5. Professional Development
Demonstrated commitment to their own professional growth and the development of their peers.
6. Client Feedback and Success Stories
Positive testimonials and success stories from participants, showcasing the impact of their work.
7. Commitment to Long-Term Economic Development
Contributions toward sustainable economic growth within Indigenous communities.
Demonstrate how programs that have fostered long-term, positive change in the local workforce landscape.
Nomination Form
Economic Development Officer (EDO) Award
This award honours an Indigenous Economic Development Officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering economic growth and empowerment within Indigenous communities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and culturally respectful practices, they have created pathways for sustainable business development, job creation, and wealth-building opportunities. Their commitment to community-centered initiatives, environmental stewardship, and capacity-building reflects a deep understanding of both the economic and cultural priorities of the communities they serve. This officer has significantly contributed to the economic strength of Indigenous communities.
CRITERIA:
1. Economic Growth and Business Development
Demonstrated success in initiating and supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, including new ventures and expansion of existing businesses.
Contributes to increased economic activity, job creation, and capital-building opportunities within Indigenous communities.
2. Community-Centered Development Initiatives
Development of projects that reflect community needs, values, and priorities.
Involvement of community members in decision-making processes, ensuring initiatives are inclusive and benefit the whole community.
3. Innovation and Problem-Solving
Introduction of innovative economic solutions that address unique challenges.
Development of creative programs or services that help overcome barriers to economic participation for Indigenous individuals and businesses.
4. Strategic Partnership Building
Success in creating and maintaining strong partnerships with government bodies, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to promote economic opportunities.
Demonstrated ability to utilize these partnerships for community benefit, accessing resources, and maximizing impact.
5. Capacity Building and Skills Development
Dedication to increasing local capacity through training, mentorship, and skills development programs, empowering community members to participate in and lead economic initiatives.
Establishment of opportunities for youth to develop skills and gain experience in economic development.
6. Measurable Impact and Success Stories
A record of measurable successes, such as the number of businesses launched, jobs created, or increased revenues within the community.
Positive feedback from community members, leaders, and partners, showcasing the lasting impact of their work.
7. Adaptability
Demonstrated the ability to adapt strategies to address evolving economic conditions, community needs, and market trends.
Nomination Form
Community Economic Development Award
The Community Economic Development Award honours a transformative initiative that has achieved significant economic benefits for its Indigenous community, fostering job creation, income growth, and pathways toward economic self-sufficiency. This award celebrates a project that not only prioritizes community engagement, with input from Elders, leaders, and members but also builds meaningful partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations to drive sustainable development.
This initiative demonstrates visionary leadership and dedication to capacity building, providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for skills development. Through these efforts, the project enhances social well-being, improves quality of life, and strengthens community resilience for generations to come.
CRITERIA:
1. Economic Impact
• The project or initiative demonstrates significant, measurable economic benefits to the Indigenous community, such as job creation, income generation, or increased access to resources.
• Contribution to economic self-sufficiency within the community.
2. Community Engagement and Collaboration
• Community involvement, including the participation of Elders, leaders, and community members in planning, decision-making, and implementation.
• Partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations that promote sustainable development and mutual benefit.
3. Innovation and Sustainability
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
4. Capacity Building and Skills Development
• Emphasis on capacity building, including training, mentorship, and opportunities for skills development for community members.
5. Cultural Integrity and Preservation
• Dedication to promoting and preserving Indigenous culture, language, and traditions through economic activities, and as part of the initiative’s core values.
6. Leadership and Vision
• Visionary leadership that has inspired community members and driven the success of the project.
• Commitment to the long-term economic prosperity and well-being of the community.
7. Positive Social Outcomes
• Contributions to social well-being, such as improved health outcomes, education access, housing, and quality of life.
Nomination Form
Entrepreneur Start-up Award (Under 3 years)
The Entrepreneur Start-Up Award recognizes an exceptional Indigenous-owned business operating for under three years. This award celebrates a start-up that has shown early success, a sustainable business model, and significant growth potential. The recipient exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating creativity, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future.
CRITERIA:
1. Business Viability and Growth Potential
Demonstrates a sustainable business model with potential for long-term success and growth.
Clear evidence of early-stage achievements, such as revenue generation, securing customers, or building a positive brand reputation within the community or beyond.
2. Innovation and Creativity
The business applies creative and innovative solutions, products, or services that address a specific market need or gap.
Demonstrates unique approaches that distinguish it from competitors or traditional business models.
3. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Shows dedication, adaptability, and resilience in overcoming challenges commonly faced by start-ups, especially those unique to Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Commitment to business growth.
4. Job Creation and Skills Development
Efforts to create employment or skills development opportunities for others, either currently or in its future growth plans.
5. Future Vision and Strategic Goals
Clear, articulated vision for the business’s future, including strategies for growth, market expansion, and community impact.
Nomination Form
Established Entrepreneur Award –Indigenous Business Excellence (Over 3 Years)
This award honors an Indigenous-owned business that has operated successfully for over three years, demonstrating long-term sustainability, growth, and a commitment to community impact. The recipient reflects outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and strategic vision, serving as a model for Indigenous entrepreneurship and contributing to economic development.
CRITERIA:
1. Long-Term Business Viability and Growth
Have a well-established business model with a record of sustained success and growth.
Evidence of financial stability, consistent revenue generation, and operational efficiency.
Record of successfully adapting to market changes and scaling the business over time.
2. Innovation and Adaptability
Demonstrates innovation through unique products, services, or approaches that have evolved over time to meet market demands.
A commitment to ongoing innovation and a willingness to adapt strategies to changing market conditions or customer needs.
3. Entrepreneurial Leadership and Community Impact
Exemplifies strong leadership, resilience, and dedication to overcoming challenges, particularly those unique to Indigenous-owned businesses.
Demonstrates a commitment to giving back through community involvement, partnerships, or social responsibility initiatives.
Actively contributes to Indigenous economic growth, either through direct community impact or by inspiring other Indigenous entrepreneurs.
4. Job Creation and Workforce Development
Has created employment opportunities and actively contributes to the skill development of team members.
Prioritizes hiring within the community, contributing to local economic development and skill-building.
Demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive work environment that values Indigenous culture and supports employee growth.
5. Strategic Vision and Future Goals
Outlines a clear, strategic vision for future growth, including specific goals for expansion, innovation, or community impact.
Displays a forward-thinking approach with plans to adapt and scale in alignment with community and market needs.