FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 21 – AFOA Canada is pleased to announce Dr. Christine Bird as the 2025 recipient of the AFOA Canada Indigenous Leadership Award, sponsored by TD Bank, which recognizes leadership and achievement in Indigenous management, finance, and governance.

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.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected for the AFOA Canada Indigenous Leadership Award. This award is shared with the amazing team we have established in SȾÁUTW̱,”
 says Dr. Bird, who is the Chief Executive Officer at SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation in B.C., “Our accomplishments are the direct result of a solid, committed, supportive Chief and Council, senior management team, and staff. I am extremely grateful for SȾÁUTW̱ leadership and staff who continue to support and uphold a collective vision for the Nation and have allowed all of us to do what we do best.”

The award will be presented at a ceremony on February 27, 2025, during AFOA Canada’s 23rd National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“TD is committed to initiatives and programs that support Indigenous Peoples.  This award is one way that we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of leaders from the Indigenous community.  It recognizes Indigenous Peoples who demonstrate commitment to financial excellence, with a focus on creating stronger, more resilient communities.” says Doris Bear, Vice President of Indigenous Banking for TD Bank Group.

 “The Indigenous Leadership Award celebrates outstanding leaders within Indigenous communities who demonstrate dedication and vision,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “Dr. Bird’s commitment and lasting contributions exemplify the values this Award represents.”

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