Derek and Cody Bruno

Visionaries

Recipients of the inaugural Syncrude Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Award (handed out at the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction in February), Derek and Cody Bruno know a thing or two about achievement. In 2001, the brothers started their business, Cree Convenience & Peace Hills Pure Water, on the Samson Cree Nation Reserve in Hobbema, and today supply water to local residents as well as to clients in and around Edmonton. But success hasn’t necessarily been defined by profit alone. “Being young Aboriginal entrepreneurs has been really gratifying because we’re helping to create a sense of pride in our community and its youth,” says Derek, who is also the youngest-ever chairman of the board of the Samson Cree Nation Holding Company. Cody meanwhile not only runs the day-to-day operations, but mentors youth on business skills and development as well. And if that wasn’t enough, both brothers are pursuing Bachelor of Commerce degrees. All in a day’s work for this exceptional duo. “The biggest thing to remember is that you dictate your own path,” says Derek.