Det'on Cho Group of Companies Wins National Indigenous Award
[Yellowknife, NT, May 29, 2024.] The Det’on Cho Group of Companies (Det’on Cho) has been named the 2024 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). This award recognizes a development corporation’s “profound work and ability to increase the prosperity and sustainable economic development of entire communities,” according to the CCAB website.
“This award is an extraordinary honour for Det’on Cho and validates our approach to build and grow our corporation around Dene Laws, combining Traditional Knowledge with modern business practices,” remarked Mark Lewis, Det’on Cho’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “This award was only achieved through the collaboration and dedication of our team members, board of directors, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, our partners, and our clients.”
Chief Ernest Betsina, Dettah Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, noted, “On behalf of the Yellowknives Dene, I am proud to see Det’on Cho earn this national recognition. It reflects how our Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Det’on Cho have created a shared vision for building prosperity and improving the lives of our members.”
“From its early humble start with a $15,000 grant, Det’on Cho has grown into a strong organization that directly employs more than 300 people. This is the result of the strong relationships and respect between the Yellowknives Dene Chiefs and Council, the Det’on Cho Board of Directors, and the Det’on Cho management team. I look forward to seeing Det’on Cho continue to grow and bring more prosperity and jobs to our people,” stated Chief Fred Sangris, Ndilo Chief, Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Det’on Cho was honoured at CCAB’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on May 29, 2024, in Toronto, ON. Chief Betsina, Chief Sangris, Mark Lewis, and team members were present in Toronto to accept the award.
