FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 20 – AFOA Canada is pleased to announce Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation as the recipient of the 2025 MNP-AFOA Canada Indigenous Community Excellence Award. It recognizes an Indigenous community that has demonstrated significant change through governance, leadership, and management excellence.

“As Indigenous people, our greatest sacrifice and greatest honour is to be of service to our people, our community, and our Nation! In whatever capacity or role we find ourselves in, whether it is as a child, youth, parent, resident, or as an elder, elected leader, or staff member, we lend ourselves and our efforts to the greater good,” says Chief Ira McArthur, Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation.

“Never is it more humbling of an experience than when your sacrifice is recognized and acknowledged by others, especially organizations such as AFOA Canada who promote and encourage best practices in administration and governance. We are honoured to be selected as the recipient of the 2025 MNP-AFOA Canada Indigenous Community Excellence Award. This award and acknowledgment belongs to our Nation and our community, but most importantly it belongs to our children and future generations.”

The Award is an example of MNP and AFOA Canada’s commitment to helping Indigenous leaders reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management.

“Rooted in strong governance, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation, continues to drive meaningful progress and long-term prosperity,” says Clayton Norris, Vice-President of Indigenous Services at MNP. “Their dedication reflects the power of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in shaping a brighter future for generations to come. We are proud to stand alongside AFOA Canada in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Indigenous leaders who inspire change and strengthen communities across the country.”

“This award recognizes communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to best practices and positive change,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation has exemplified excellence across all areas, while staying deeply dedicated to their people, culture, and traditions.”

The awards ceremony takes place Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the AFOA Canada National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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
Acting Director, Marketing and Communications
tbaggos@afoa.ca