SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Dozens of representatives from aboriginal-owned businesses gathered for a luncheon at the First Air's Yellowknife headquarters Friday to see the unveiling of the Northern Aboriginal Business Association's (NABA) first aboriginal business directory..

Christy Sinclair, co-chair of the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, presents Mike Olson, director of sales for First Air, with the first edition of the NWT Aboriginal Business Directory 2011 during a luncheon at the First Air headquarters in Yellowknife April 15. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL photo

"We've been planning this for nine months. It's been a long time coming and we are really excited. It's a great accomplishment," said Jeanne Morrison, executive director of NABA.

NABA was started in 2010 to promote, create and develop NWT aboriginal business opportunities.

At 232 pages long, the new directory is the most comprehensive list of aboriginal-owned businesses that's been compiled for the NWT.

"We think this is a great tool for aboriginal businesses to get to know one another and network, having these listings at their fingertips," said Morrison.

She said she noticed while making the directory more aboriginal Northerners are looking to start their own businesses.

"People are becoming more educated and business-savvy and have a desire to create their own employment opportunities," said Morrison.

First Air is one of the newest members of the Northern Aboriginal Business Association.

"For us this is pretty important. It's very important for us to see aboriginal companies succeed and do well, and this directory will help," said Mike Olson, director of sales for First Air. "We work very closely with the aboriginal business community, so it is important for us to be able to meet with them. This list gives us the ability to go out and talk with them, and learn about companies we may not have known about or known how to contact."

Tli Cho Logistics was also there to celebrate the release of the directory.

"I think this is very positive. It's been a long time coming. It's something that's been frequently discussed and it's great to see it come to fruition," said said Lana Roeland, general manager of Tli Cho Logistics.

"Networking is very important because it leads to other opportunities with other businesses," said Roeland. "I recently took a trip to Manitoba, and one of the first things I looked for was a business directory."

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