Wasaya marks 20 years with celebration

Wasaya Group Inc. is planning a 20th anniversary celebrations in Wunnumin Lake July 28 and is offering discounted flight rates for anyone wishing to attend.
The group, first started in 1989, has expanded into a variety of subsidiary businesses aside from its flagship air passenger service, Wasaya Airways.
“Our biggest achievement is we have been able to survive for 20 years as a First Nation business,” said Wasaya Airways LP president and CEO Tom Morris.
“We come from the poorest region in Ontario, yet we are successful. For us to grow as a company, we had to do it the business way. We did it the right way, the hard way, the business way.”
The celebration, coinciding with its annual general meeting July 27-29, will feature aircraft tours, company displays, live entertainment and a variety of guest speakers.
“This celebration is important to showcase our community ownership,” said Tom Kamenawatamin, president and CEO of Wasay Group Inc.
“In doing this we want to particularly express to our youth that if they put their minds and energy towards accomplishing their goals, whether in aviation, management or other meaningful career paths, that they will be successful too.”
Owned by 10 remote fly-in First Nations, Wasaya Group consists of Wasaya Airways LP, Wasaya Weecheewaywin Inc., Wasaya Petroleum LP, Wasaya Community Economic Development Corporation, Wasaya Prop Shop LP and Metal Ahnokeewin LP.
Wasaya ownership communities
Bearskin Lake First Nation
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Nibinamik First Nation
Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Keewaywin First Nation
Pikangikum First Nation
Wapekeka First Nation
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Kasabonika Lake First Nation