By Anita Boyle

 

Helen Ward- Wakelin is one busy lady!  She recently was awarded Ulnooweg Development Corporations’ Women Entrepreneur of the Year in Atlantic Canada adding to a growing list of notable accomplishments for this highly motivated aboriginal EDO, leader and business woman.

 

Helens’ story began some years ago in a small First Nation community of Eel Ground, N.B.  After completing her degree in business, Helen opened up “Craft and Grow” now known as “Helens’ Pool and Garden Supply Center”.

In addition to juggling a career, a family  and a business Helen was elected Band Councillor earlier this year, fulfilling yet another dream to help  her community grow and to become economically sustainable. 

 

In 2009, Helen was enrolled in one of CANDO’s Technicians Level Certification Courses through Algoma University . The course “Community Economic Development and Social Development” allowed her to put her ideas for change down on paper.  She submitted an assignment to her professor on a project idea that would produce changes on the ground for her community.  Her project involved taking the old abandoned dump site in her community, and cleaning it up.  Nine months after her project was submitted to the Chief and Council of Eel Ground First Nation, the site is now a reusable and safe area  which  serves  as a sliding hill and Skate Park for her community.  Working closely with partners  Health Canada and the NB Environmental Trust Fund ,the project  proceeded taking all precautions necessary to ensure a healthy and safe environment for community use.

 

When I asked Helen how she finds the time for all of this, she said “you have to make time for the things that mean something to you.  I also take time to be involved in other projects that assist women in business. I have recently been re-elected as President of the Women of Miramichi Entrepreneurial Network, and I also serve  on the  Miramichi Young  Professionals and involved Entrepreneurs Network” (MYPIE) . MYPIE is  a non-profit organization completely self-sufficient and self-governed. It targets the young people of the greater Miramichi region, from entrepreneurs, to professionals or simply civic-minded individuals. This organization may provide support and information to you or simply enable you to have a voice in the region.