Dawn Madahbee Leach

Director

Dawn Madahbee Leach, an Anishinabe-Kwe from the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, brings decades of leadership in Indigenous economic development to the Des Nedhe Board of Directors. As General Manager of Waubetek Business Corporation, she has been instrumental in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northeast Ontario. She also leads Indigenous Business International, which provides strategic guidance to Indigenous organizations globally.

Since 2000, Ms. Madahbee Leach has served as Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, advising the federal government on policies that advance Indigenous prosperity. She played a key role in creating Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy, published in 2022. Her governance experience includes serving on the boards of Peace Hills Trust, NioBay Metals Inc., TC Energy, and various advisory committees in manufacturing, energy, and mining.

Her achievements have earned her recognition with the 2023 Business Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and the 2020 Indspire Award for Business and Commerce. She was also named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2018.

Ms. Madahbee Leach holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Law from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Economic Developers Program. Her extensive experience and network strengthen Des Nedhe’s commitment to innovation and growth.