FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 26, 2024 – AFOA Canada is pleased to announce Gladys Christiansen of Lac La Ronge Indian Band as the 2024 recipient of the AFOA Canada Indigenous Leadership Award, sponsored by TD Bank, which recognizes leadership and achievement in Indigenous management, finance, and governance.

Gladys Christiansen posed at a desk, sitting in front of a laptop with Indigenous artwork behind her. She is a older Indigenous woman with short, wavy brown hair. She is smiling.

“My immediate thoughts [are] of all the years working for my First Nation… thinking of where we were 43 years ago and where we are now,” says recipient Gladys Christiansen. “It has been such a journey; I have been so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work in management for most of my career. I am very thankful to the leadership and the management team and very honoured to have been selected for such a prestigious award.”

The award is presented to an individual who has shown a long-term commitment to excellence, has made significant contributions to the management, finance, and governance fields, and has had a measurable impact on the performance of an Indigenous community or organization.

Christiansen began working for her community in 1977 and is currently the Executive Director of Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The award will be presented at a ceremony on March 7, 2024, during AFOA Canada’s 22nd National Conference in Winnipeg, Man.

“This award is an example of TD’s ongoing commitment to initiatives and programs that support Indigenous Peoples.  It recognizes Indigenous Peoples who are committed and dedicated to financial excellence with a focus to creating stronger communities.” says Doris Bear, Vice President of Indigenous Banking for TD Bank Group

 “The Indigenous Leadership Award is an honor bestowed on those individuals within Indigenous communities who are exemplary leaders,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “Gladys Christiansen has shown a long-term commitment to her community and this award recognizes her dedication.”

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
www.afoa.ca

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