![Wasaya Airways](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Wasaya-Aircraft.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – Business – There is uncertainty in the air over Wasaya Airways. The parent company Wasaya Group’s former CEO and President Tom Kam brought to light the serious concerns on alleged mismanagement at the First Nation owned and operated airline last week.
The Wasaya Group which oversees the operation of Wasaya businesses has seen the Chiefs of the 12 Wasaya owners, all First Nations replace the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors were in place to represent the Wasaya as a business and oversee Wasaya’s investment and business activities.
MaryEllen Thomas, who was the Wasaya Group’s Vice President, was appointed the Wasaya Group Acting CEO.
![MaryEllen Thomas, Acting CEO Wasaya Group Inc.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MaryEllen-Thomas-Wasaya-Group-Inc-610px-300x194.jpg)
Thomas had been attempting to provide concrete business solutions to fix the apparent problems within the Wasaya and steer toward a direction to find its way back to its vision and focus on the customers, a real solution-based customer service.
Those efforts appear to have been sunk as Thomas is now been removed and in the position of sitting on the outside, worried that the Wasaya she has worked at for over ten years may now be losing its way.
Wasaya Can Be Turned Around
She still believes that Wasaya can be turned around through ethical practices, keep it business, commitment to work hard and be accountable and preserve the integrity of the vision.
The vision of Wasaya Group is to create economic opportunities and develop business initiatives and partnerships for the primary benefit of our First Nation communities both on and off reserve.
Former Wasaya Group Inc. CEO and President Tom Kam stated in an interview with NNL, “The bad decisions and mismanagement by Wasaya Airways LP (WALP) senior management that have come to light is a very serious concern to me. The abuse of company credit cards and company credit policies have resulted in a loss of profit for my community for the fiscal year”.
“This allegation can be proven by professional accountants. These allegations will need to be investigated by proper authorities,” continued Kam.
Message to Youth – Don’t Lose Hope
Thomas states, “I need to communicate to the communities, and especially to the youth, not to lose hope or focus. These are times we face hard challenges even in business but if you have the determination, lead with faith and confident in yourself, you will preserve in anything you do in life. Just have to keep moving forward, believe in yourself and make your goals and dream happen.”
Thomas was notified that there is a statement prepared for the community members of Wasaya communities and First Nations youth that will be delivered. The membership, the true owners deserve and have the right to know what is going on, their questions and concerns should be answered with the truth and facts.
Thomas states, that statement of truth and facts will come from the community level. Wasaya would not exist if it weren’t for the support of the 12 Wasaya First Nations and guidance of former Board of Directors and most especially the customers and employees for their support and patronage.