After delivering cultural support services and facilitating work placements for a Winnipeg Construction Association Training Project, First Nations entrepreneurs E.J. Fontaine and Eva Wilson-Fontaine identified a void in the market. In 2006, E.J. and Eva founded AMIK, Canada’s Original Indigenous Job Board. AMIK immediately filled a niche within the market, simplifying work placement between the country’s fastest growing labour force and employers.  

AMIK has since grown to become Canada’s #1 Leader in Indigenous Workforce Engagement & Training services. Through innovative strategies and customized solutions, AMIK continues to develop strong partnerships across the country, building a stronger Indigenous future – Today!

MISSION

AMIK™ is dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic participation of Canada’s Indigenous demographic through respectful collaboration.

VALUES

The foundation of our business is based on the 7 Sacred Teachings, which will continue to guide us into the future. 

• Love
• Wisdom
• Truth
• Respect
• Honesty
• Humility
• Courage

GOALS

1. Helping Canada’s Indigenous demographic access employment OPPORTUNITIES
2. Helping Canada’s EMPLOYERS recruit and retain an Indigenous workforce
3. Providing customized INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS and training to promote Canada’s Indigenous workforce

TEAM

E.J. Fontaine (Sagkeeng First Nation)

In 2003, E.J. Fontaine founded Anishinabek Consultants Inc. dedicated to promoting Indigenous socio-economic development through Business Development and HR initiatives. In 2006, E.J. and his wife Eva co-founded Canada’s first Indigenous job board - AMIK™. It immediately filled a void within the market, bridging the gap between Indigenous job seekers and employers using innovative solutions. 

• 2011 U of M Asper School of Business, Aboriginal Business Leadership Award
• 2012 U of M Faculty of Agriculture & Food Sciences, Certificate of Merit – Recognition of contributions to Manitoba’s Agricultural community
• Board Member of Food Matters Manitoba
• Board Member of the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Council for the City of Winnipeg.
• Certified Master Facilitator - Smart Work Ethics curriculum

Eva Wilson-Fontaine (Peguis First Nation)

As the Team Leader for ANISH Corporation, Eva Wilson-Fontaine has a long professional career working with Indigenous communities in social services and human resources. ANISH Corp. has become a valuable resource to survivors of the Indian Residential School system through the delivery of cultural awareness sessions and workshops on the effects and impacts caused by these events.

• 2011 U of M Asper School of Business, Aboriginal Business Leadership Award
• Former Trustee of the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation
• Former Co-Chair for the Women as Career Mentor Gala Dinner Event
• Former Board Member of Ikwe Widdjiitiwin Women’s Shelter
• Member of the Manitoba First Nation Wellness Advisory Committee
• Certified Master Facilitator – Smart Work Ethics curriculum

Amanda Fredlund (Tlicho Dene Nation)

Operations & Team Assistant

Amanda is AMIK’s first point of contact and responsible for AMIK.CA’s overall administrative duties, website management, communicating with Amik.ca customers, and providing administrative support. If you would like to know about AMIK.CA’s services and advertising packages, or just need help navigating our website, please give Amanda a call. 

Amanda is Tlicho Dene and grew up in Churchill, MB. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies and enjoyed working in student advocacy and community while at the University of Manitoba. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, Amanda worked with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and became familiar with its mandate and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She enjoys supporting Indigenous Grass Roots initiatives that empower and promote success.

Sherman Kong

Sherman has been closely involved with the Indigenous community for nearly two decades. He holds a degree in Economics & Business from the University of Manitoba and has worked at many large Canadian corporations such as RBC, First Nations Bank, The Business Development Bank of Canada, as well as private for-profit and non-profit organizations. In all his roles, Sherman has always had a connection with the Indigenous community in a variety of capacities including as a board member and consultant.

As an entrepreneur, Sherman has worked with businesses stretching from Japan, China, Scotland, and the United States. After working with Polar Bears in Churchill, Sherman founded Maple Leaf Survival™ - Manitoba’s Leader in Survival Training - where he teaches mostly private industry on Wilderness and Extreme Cold Weather Survival Tactics. His clients have included Manitoba Hydro, Stantec Consulting, First Nation communities, arctic research teams, and military service members from the U.S. Airforce to name a few.

Sherman is currently the Chief Executive Officer for AMIK Inc. assisting companies such as CN Rail, Air Canada, Payworks, Canada Life, Assiniboine Credit Union, PCL Construction, Rio Tinto, and others with strategic Indigenous Engagement Solutions. 

Angela Bair (Peguis First Nation)

Indigenous Liaison

Angela is responsible for client coordination, project management, and effective engagement with AMIK’s valued partners.

Angela began her journey in 2006 working for an independent consulting firm building capacity for Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba. Afterwards, she started her own consulting business to further assist these communities with professional and financial development. Angela later worked for her home community where she was directly involved with project launches with Enbridge, Manitoba Hydro, and MMTP.

After completing her Business Administration in 2005, Angela worked in various project management & coordination roles and helped guide economic development initiatives with Indigenous communities.