FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 28, 2024 – Three Indigenous youth from across Canada have been chosen as this year’s recipients of the Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Award and scholarship. AFOA Canada will honour the recipients during a special luncheon and ceremony on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the AFOA Canada National Conference in Winnipeg, Man.

The awards will be presented to:

AIDAN BERNARD of Eskasoni, N.S.

CAEDMON KOVACS of Langley, B.C.

BRETT RUNDLE of Winnipeg, Man.

“At Nutrien, our purpose is Feeding the Future and one way we can achieve that is by increasing the number of finance and management professionals in Indigenous communities and our workforce,” says Chris Reynolds, Nutrien EVP & President, Potash. “We are working to engage youth and support them on their journey – to help inspire hope for our collective future. This impressive group embodies the talent, dedication and drive that is needed for long term success.”

“These students are the next generation of Indigenous finance, management, and governance professionals. Their academic accomplishments and leadership involvement are commendable. We look forward to their future successes and the positive impact they will undoubtedly have in their communities,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO of AFOA Canada. “With the generous support of Nutrien, we have been successful in opening many doors for Indigenous youth.”

About the Award

This award was created by AFOA Canada to address demand in our communities for Indigenous financial management professionals. With the generous sponsorship and support of Nutrien, we are celebrating 17 successful award cycles.

The Awards are open to all Indigenous youth in grades 11 and 12. Applicants are required to submit an essay, which is reviewed and ranked by a selection committee.

Recipients will be flown to Winnipeg to participate in AFOA Canada’s 22^nd National Conference and a special youth program. Students are introduced to career opportunities in financial management, meet financial management and academic professionals, as well as Indigenous Leaders. All award recipients also become eligible for a scholarship of up to $5,000.

About AFOA Canada

Now in its 25th year as an Indigenous Institution, AFOA Canada is the center for excellence and innovation in Indigenous management, finance, and governance.  It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management.

AFOA Canada’s premise is that one of the keys to successful self-determination, creating a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people and a better future for the next generation lies in improving the management skills of those responsible for the stewardship of Indigenous resources.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

AFOA Canada
Toni Baggos
tbaggos@afoa.ca