Conrad King - Eh-gnaag-jewon Custom Photo Print and
Design
Vera
Tabobondung - Broom Riders
As a home-maker for the First Nation, Vera Tabobondung saw the need for more cleaning services than the program provided. Seizing the opportunity to fill the gap, Vera applied for a start-up loan from WLI to purchase a vacuum cleaner, a steam cleaner and supplies to get a cleaning business underway.
Today, Broom Riders employs three part-time staff to provide residential, commercial and cottage cleaning services for Parry Island and Parry Sound. Services, which are discounted for seniors, include heavy cleaning such as walls, carpets, ceilings, windows, cupboards and floors.
Broom Riders open and close cottages, and specialize in spring and Christmas cleaning. Estimates are free.
Conrad King - Eh-gnaag-jewon Custom Photo Print and
Design
Well-known at Parry Island for his artistic talent, Conrad King started Back Yard Printing in a shed behind his house with assistance from WLI. As his business has evolved, the new name is a more accurate description of the growing range of services he provides.
Sole proprietor of Eh-gnaag-jewon Custom Photo Print and Design, Conrad says, "Although the set-up is small, my goal is to remain independent and self-sustaining and to promote Nish nabae traditions and culture through photo print and design."
Services range from photography to design and print-making. Conrad also uses art and photo print techniques therapeutically to guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery through a variety
of workshops and seminars.
Louis Rice - First Nation Taxi
First Nation Taxi got off to a rocky start, but Louis Rice was confident he could make a go of it if he had dependable transportation.
Determined to try again, Louis bought a new car with a boost from WLI. As a result, Parry Island enjoys the taxi service provided by Louis and three other drivers seven days a week.
Ray and Audrey
Tabobondung and Wally
(Pud) Gognavec - The Islands Gas and Variety Centre
Ray Tabobondung and his good friend, Jerry Williams, planned to build a strip mall that would house a gas station, store and post office. With the passing of Jerry, however, these plans went by the wayside until Audrey came along. After many months of planning and arranging, The Islands Gas and Variety Centre finally became a reality, with help from the Aboriginal Business Corporation and WLI.
Besides Ray, Audrey and Pud, Island Gas provides part-time employment for six community members.
Randy and Cyndi Tabobondung
- Waasnoodeg-Northern Lights Tree Service
Randy got started doing tree work in Toronto, and did occasional tree removal service for residents and cottagers after moving back home to Parry Island.
When Randy got more business than he could handle, he asked WLI to help with some additional equipment so he could hire more workers. Waasnoodeg-Northern Lights Tree Service now employs five community members. Pictured (left to right) are Carl Tabobondung, Randy, and his son, Derek.