CALGARY—Dawn Madahbee-Leach, general manager of Waubetek Business Development Corporation, was honoured by her peers at a Calgary gala held earlier this month.
AFOA Canada (formerly the Aboriginal Financial Officer Association of Canada) named Ms. Madahbee-Leach as winner of the MNP-AFOA Canada Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Regional Award, which was handed out on Thursday, February 9 during the AFOA 17th Annual National Conference at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary.
“I am extremely humbled to receive the MNP-AFOA Canada Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award,” said Ms. Madahbee-Leach. “Our collective efforts in advancing indigenous people in the fields of economic development, business and finance is one of the most effective means of building our capacity to secure the future of our people, our lands and our rightful place in Canada’s economy. Through our work, we can make a difference in building hope for our youth, assisting with the good governance that our people expect and in providing the necessary services our communities require. I am sincerely thankful for the good work of the AFOA and its members as they help us strive to make this positive impact. Miigwetch!”
The Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Awards were created in 2004 and are designed to recognize and celebrate Inuit, Métis and First Nation achievements in aboriginal finance, management and leadership.
Award recipients are selected based on their vision for excellence and innovation, and have demonstrated advanced expertise, outstanding professionalism and leadership in the aboriginal community. Their contributions rise above and beyond their job descriptions to enrich the lives of aboriginal people, communities and all Canadians. Recipients have been nominated by their peers, selected through a committee and approved by the AFOA Canada Board of Directors.
