AFOA Canada Announces 2026 Recipients of the Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 5 – AFOA Canada is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards, who will be honoured at a special ceremony and luncheon at the AFOA Canada National Conference in Montreal, Que. on February 11.
The awards will be presented to:
- William Kaysaywaysemat III from Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Sask.
- Khyleenah Poorman from Yellow Quill First Nation, Sask.
- Ryan Swasson from Elsipogtog First Nation, N.B.
With growing demand for Indigenous financial management professionals in communities and off-reserve, this award helps encourage more youth to explore education and careers in Indigenous finance and management. Recipients will attend AFOA Canada’s National Conference, participate in a dedicated Youth program, and receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 to support their studies.
Through this initiative, AFOA Canada and Nutrien are working together to encourage the next generation of Indigenous financial leaders.
“At Nutrien, our purpose is Feeding the Future. One way we can achieve that is by increasing the number of Indigenous finance and management professionals in Indigenous communities and our workforce,” says Julie Ann Wriston, Director, Indigenous Relations. “We are working to engage Indigenous 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.”
“Indigenous youth carry incredible potential and vision,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “This award helps remind them that their goals are possible and that there is a whole network ready to support them as they pursue careers in financial management.”
About AFOA Canada
After 27 years 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.
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Toni Baggos, Acting Director, Marketing and Communications
tbaggos@afoa.ca
