A night recognising local enterprise and community contribution
The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce marked its 80th anniversary with a sold-out awards gala at the Chateau Nova Hotel on Saturday, handing out prizes that span the city's small businesses, large employers and charities. The evening celebrated both established companies and newcomers, and for the first time included an award specifically for non-profit work.
Tugáh Northern Experiences, a kennel operating dog-sled tours and aurora-viewing trips, took home the award for Outstanding Indigenous Business. The business, which runs about 40 dogs, has expanded significantly in the past three years, according to the owner.
“It means a lot. It means a lot to my family. We share our culture every day,”
The winner said the accolade reflects not only business growth but an opportunity to share cultural knowledge with visitors and with family. Their remarks captured the evening’s theme: the linking of entrepreneurship with community and culture in the North.
Winners across sectors
Other major awards recognised a mix of retail, construction and charitable work, underscoring the diversity of Yellowknife’s economy. The Chamber named Aurora Decorating Centre as Small Business of the Year and Northern Industrial Construction as Large Business of the Year. A new category, Non-Profit of the Year, was introduced this year and the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation was the inaugural recipient.
- Breakout New Business: Oak & Olive (Métis-owned charcuterie company)
- Outstanding Indigenous Business: Tugáh Northern Experiences
- Small Business of the Year: Aurora Decorating Centre
- Large Business of the Year: Northern Industrial Construction
- Non-Profit of the Year: Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation
Representatives for the foundation highlighted the importance of partnerships and creative fundraising in supporting northern healthcare. A sponsor’s representative praised the foundation’s efforts to convert generosity into tangible results for patients and families across the region.
The foundation’s executive director described the nomination process as an all-in effort and reacted with frank surprise and pride on learning they had won, underlining the emotional investment non-profit groups place in community service in Yellowknife.
Local context and consequences
The awards week that culminated in the gala capped a series of events aimed at boosting local commerce and celebrating entrepreneurship. For Yellowknife, recognising both Indigenous-led enterprises and large employers sends a message about the breadth of economic activity in the city — from tourism tied to cultural experiences and the aurora, to construction and retail that support daily life.
For small operators such as the kennel and the charcuterie business, the exposure and validation from the Chamber can translate into greater visibility with residents and visitors, potential partnership opportunities, and a stronger platform for growth. For non-profit groups, the new award elevates fundraising work that underpins health and social services in the North.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Breakout New Business | Oak & Olive |
| Outstanding Indigenous Business | Tugáh Northern Experiences |
| Small Business of the Year | Aurora Decorating Centre |
| Large Business of the Year | Northern Industrial Construction |
| Non-Profit of the Year | Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation |
The Chamber’s anniversary gala also serves as a reminder of the interconnected roles businesses and charities play in sustaining northern communities — economically, culturally and socially. As winners take their awards back into their workplaces and volunteer networks, the ripple effects may be felt in employment, tourism and charitable programming across Yellowknife.
During a week focused on small business, the gala affirmed one persistent reality: in Yellowknife, business success often intersects with community identity and the land itself, whether that connection is shown through food, construction, healthcare fundraising or sharing traditional practices with visitors beneath the northern lights.
