Aboriginal Awareness Week: “Celebrating Success” May 23, 2012 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email Kendal Netmaker and Neechie Gear Please join the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Aboriginal Awareness Week from May 22 to 25, 2012. Aboriginal Awareness Week was first introduced in 1992 with the purpose of increasing awareness of Aboriginal peoples and cultures within the Canadian mosaic and the public service. Since that time, it has evolved and grown into a nation-wide celebration giving Canadians the opportunity to participate in a week of activities that highlight the unique and diverse Aboriginal cultures in Canada; including Métis, Inuit and First Nations. Today, the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission is proud to celebrate Mr. Kendal Netmaker and Neechie Gear, “A Canadian brand with a social conscience!” Founder and CEO of NeechieGear, Kendal Netmaker, grew up on Sweetgrass First Nation, Saskatchewan. He was single-parented, came from a low income family and had little opportunity to be involved in any extra-curricular activities as a youth. It wasn’t until in elementary that he had met a life-long friend from South Africa who literally changed his life forever. His friend noticed a talent in Kendal and wondered why he wasn’t playing on the same sports teams that he was playing on. Kendal had told his friend that he had no way of paying the registration fees and had had a means travelling to and from the games/practices. Soon after, his South African friend pulled him aside and said, “Kendal, I told my parents what you told me and they want to pay for your fee to play on my soccer team and we can even drive you to the reserve after all games/practices”. Kendal was astounded that someone so kind would do this for him and accepted the extremely kind offer. This allowed Kendal to be part of many sports teams and continue with his education. This family eventually gave Kendal’s family a running vehicle which enabled him and his sisters to become involved in sports that carried them through high school and into university. Kendal has been part of, and witnessed what sports can do for youth by developing elite athletes and future leaders! Neechie Gear’s Achievements 1st place in SIFE’s AYIC business plan competition 2010 Finalist at the Big !dea2 National Pitch Competition 2010 ACE 2011 Saskatchewan Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champion 3rd place in the 2011 W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence i3 Idea Challenge A runner up and finalist in the 2011 Progress2Capital Business Planning Competition Founder and CEO was a nominee for the 2011 Saskatchewan Young Professional of the Year Award 1 of 6 in Canada selected for the 2011 CANDO National Youth Panel Neechie Gear was chosen to represent Canada at the 2011 G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit in France 2011 CANDO Economic Developer of the Year Award- Aboriginal Private Sector Business Award Neechie Gear was nominated for 2 ABEX Awards – Community involvement and Aboriginal Parternship Award 2012 Saskatoon’s Finest Entrepreneur Neechie Gear is fostering friendships! NG is a purpose driven clothing company that is outfitting youth athletes across Canada and promoting the positive aspects of sports among youth! This Aboriginal award-winning company is continually making waves throughout Canada! – 30 – Follow Neechie Gear on Twitter and on Facebook. *Note 1: Participation does not imply affiliation to or endorsement of any political party or entity* *Note 2: Published in the language it was received*