Previous Board of Directors
Ray Ahenakew
Ray Ahenakew
Dates Served on the Board of Directors:
Role:
Ray is one of the leading spokespeople for Saskatchewan’s First Nations business community. His experience in both the public and private sectors provides him with the experience and the know-how to create and sustain business opportunities for First Nations investors and entrepreneurs. Ray is the former CEO of Meadow Lake Tribal Council and in that capacity played a key role in establishing a group of successful enterprises and joint ventures.
Ray is sought after by both the public and private sectors due to his extensive experience in forestry, petroleum, mining, distribution and environmental management. Ray has been a Director at Peace Hills Trust, President of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, President of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Co-Chair of the National Labour Training Market Board, Chairman for NorSask Forest Products and the President’s Task Team for Industry Matters.
Ray was profiled as one of Saskatchewan’s top most influential businessmen and in 2009 he was honoured with the Raj Manek Above and Beyond Award for work that exemplifies extraordinary commitment, creativity to promote entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan.
January 2, 1943 — September 27, 2024
Ray was a tireless leader and advocate for First Nations people, removing barriers and opening doors in countless areas. As a member of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the participation of Saskatchewan’s First Nations in the provincial economy. His efforts led to groundbreaking achievements, including his tenure as President of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Chair of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, and involvement in the National Labour Training Market Board of Human Resources Development Canada.
Ray was not only a great leader but also an exceptional athlete. He was a passionate golfer, cherishing every opportunity he had on the golf course. His skills extended beyond golf, as he was a highly respected hockey player. In fact, Ray had the opportunity to play in the NHL, but his deep connection to family led him to forgo that career path, choosing instead to return home. That decision, while difficult, proved to be a blessing for all Indigenous people in the province. His return allowed him to focus on leaving a lasting impact on the community, helping to shape a brighter future for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Ray spearheaded self-government negotiations with Ottawa and secured a $40 million bank loan to purchase Norsask Forest Products, which paid off within five years and created numerous jobs in logging, trucking, and forestry. Ray was also involved in many other ventures, including Peace Hills Trust, Makwa International, and Contigo International Inc., Canada’s first Indigenous NGO.
Jay and I are honored to continue nurturing the seed Ray planted, expanding on the legacy he built through his groundbreaking work. His leadership and values have laid a strong foundation, and we are committed to ensuring that his vision for the Urgent Care Centre and Medical Campus—and his broader mission to empower Indigenous communities—continues to thrive.
Ray’s passing is a profound loss, but his contributions to education, economic development, and community building will never be forgotten. His influence will live on through the work we do, and we are all privileged to be part of that legacy.
For more about Ray’s legacy:
Saskatchewan First Nations leader who helped thousands attain higher education has died
Ray Ahenakew remembered as economic development pioneer for First Nations
Niel Ahenakew
Dates Served on the Board of Directors:
Role:
Neil Roy Ahenakew (1963 – 2017)
A Legacy of Vision and Leadership
Neil Roy Ahenakew, a proud member of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, was an extraordinary visionary whose contributions shaped the future of AC Developments. His sudden passing on July 16, 2017, at the young age of 53 years, left a profound impact on his family, colleagues, and the community he tirelessly worked to uplift.
Ahenakew was more than a leader—he was a trailblazer, dedicated to fostering growth, creating opportunities, and paving the way for innovative development projects. His passion for economic empowerment, strategic partnerships, and sustainable progress helped AC Developments expand its influence and strengthen its mission.
His legacy is woven into the fabric of the organization, ensuring that his vision continues to inspire future generations. Though he is deeply missed, his spirit lives on through the lasting impact of his work and the people whose lives he touched.