Photo courtesy Facebook
It was quite a birthday surprise for a La Ronge businesswoman. Anne Calladine, the owner of Northwinds Bus Lines learned she had been named Indigenous businesswoman of the year by a national organization on the same day she celebrated her 40th birthday last week.
She was whisked off to Halifax for the awards presentation which were held last night. She was humble in her acceptance and grateful for family who helped her believe in herself.
“So I always want remember where I came from and where my family came from because I think that is what makes us so remarkable today, “ She said.
Calladine grew up in La Ronge and as a child worked trap lines with her grandmother. She says despite a good upbringing she lost her way as a teen and made many bad choices, but is now back on track.
“Now I love my love, I am actually grateful I went through those struggles because it makes me appreciate so much more what I have,” she said. “It makes me want to work harder because if someone just gives you something you don’t appreciate it as much.”
In addition to running bus services for a number of northern school divisions, her company is also a major commercial recycle with several large customers including the La La Ronge Indian Band.
She says people will always needs school buses to drive their kids to school and people will always need their garbage picked up so she says it’s a good fit.
The award was presented to her by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations association.