Dawn Madahbee Leach is a proud member of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation and has served on her community’s elected Council. Since 1988, she has been General Manager of Waubetek Business Development Corporation, investing over $160 million in nearly 4,000 Indigenous businesses across Northeast Ontario, with a 94% success rate.
Dawn holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Law from Laurentian University. She serves as Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board and sits on the boards of Peace Hills Trust, TC Energy, Des Nedhe Group, and the Indigenous Centre of Excellence for Mineral Development.
She played a key role in developing Canada’s 2022 National Indigenous Economic Strategy and has advised on trade, procurement, housing, and international Indigenous economic inclusion.
Her many honours include the 2023 CCAB Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020 INDSPIRE Award, and 2018 Meritorious Service Medal. Dawn is also a traditional dancer and a passionate advocate for Indigenous prosperity.