Fontaine honoured for lifelong dedication
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business has announced that the 2013 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is Phil Fontaine O.C., O.M. He will be recognized for his lifelong dedication to the Aboriginal community at CCAB’s 11th annual Vancouver Gala on September 23, 2013.
The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is presented to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through his or her professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal people and Canada’s business community.
Phil Fontaine has been instrumental in facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people from the time he was first elected to public office as Chief, at the age of 28. He is a citizen of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba and still plays an active role in the support of his community.
In the early 1980’s he was elected to the position of Manitoba Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. When his term expired in 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs where he served three consecutive terms. In 1997 he stepped onto the national stage where he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for an unprecedented three terms in office.
JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB says, “Phil Fontaine has been a role model for the Aboriginal community as well as the Canadian population. CCAB is proud to be recognizing Mr. Fontaine for his dedication to building bridges across sectors. He truly is the kind of leader the Award for Excellence was designed to honour.”
For more information about the CCAB and an overview of the Award for Excellence, visit www.ccab.com
About the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders led by Murray Koffler. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.