Aboriginal Finance and Management Leadership Recognized at the 11th Annual AFOA National Conference

February 17, 2011
For Immediate Release

Vancouver, February 17, 2011 – The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is pleased to announce the 2011 recipients of the AFOA/Xerox Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award at the annual AFOA national conference at the Westin Bayshore Hotel.

The two recipients for the 8th year of the award are: Mr. Terry Goodtrack, Chief Operating Officer, Aboriginal Healing Foundation located in Ottawa and Mrs. Alana Dixon, Band Administrator, Canim Lake Band, British Columbia.

Alana Dixon receives the AFOA/Xerox Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award -community/regional category – for her many years of dedication and leadership.With more than 25 years experience as Band Administrator, Alana has earned the admiration and respect of Council, staff, partners and stakeholders. Providing leadership and direction to several managers who oversee more than 100 programs and services, Alana has built a strong team within the administration who take pride in preparing quality, timely and detailed reports to support contribution agreement requirements. Alana is characterised by her peers as professional, ethical and compassionate about her work and community. Her dedication to building community capacity extends beyond the administration office to include youth, the elderly and disabled. She is always prepared to lend a hand and provide guidance to new administrators. She was instrumental in setting an inventory of community skills, establishing an Aboriginal 4H Club and planning for the construction of new cultural centre. Alana has been an key player in building community relations and has opened her home to many foster children over two decades. She is a founding member and president of the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Centre and representative of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council’s Administrators Network to advance tribal governance and policy including finance and management best practices.

The national category award is presented to Terry Goodtrack for his commitment, leadership and support in leading financial, management and governance initiatives that span the country over many years.

A well known and respected senior manager, Terry joined the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in 2004. The establishment of effective practices and standards in relation to financial accountability, efficiency and transparency is a direct result of his considerable financial and management leadership. Terry’s commitment to continuous improvement, setting the highest standards and developing practical solutions at the Foundation has earned him the trust and confidence of staff and board members alike. His extensive knowledge and experience combined with his unwavering devotion to the community has had a positive impact on numerous Aboriginal communities in all parts of Canada. Apart from his responsibilities at the Foundation, Terry has contributed countless hours of his own time to the National Centre for First Nations Governance and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. His operational, policy and financial management experience spans many years and roles including CFO for Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Assembly of First Nations. Prior to joining the Healing Foundation, Terry was President and Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Gaming Regulators Inc. where was responsible for developing the First Nations Gaming Regulatory Authority in his home province of Saskatchewan.

“Presented in partnership with one of Canada’s leading technology companies, Xerox Canada, these annual awards help us to recognize and celebrate leadership in Aboriginal finance and management” states Ernie Daniels, AFOA President and Chief Operating Officer. “Without these awards many accomplishments would go unnoticed”

About the Award

The Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award was created in 2004. It is designed to recognize and celebrate Inuit, Métis and First Nation achievements in finance and management. Award recipients are selected on the basis they have supported a vision for excellence and innovation, and demonstrated advanced expertise, outstanding professionalism and leadership. Typically their contributions rise above and beyond their job descriptions to enrich the lives of Aboriginal people, communities and all Canadians.

There are two categories for nominations for the AFOA-Xerox Excellence in Leadership Award. The National category recognizes individuals who have contributed to the Aboriginal financial management profession on a national or institutional level. The Regional category recognizes those individuals who have made their contributions at the regional, local or community level.

Contact:
AFOA Canada – Suzanne Seebach
sseebach[at]afoa.ca
www.afoa.ca
613-722-5543

Xerox Canada – Thomas R. Maracle
Tom.maracle[at]xerox.com
613-783-5913