Phil Fontaine recognized for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations

GLOBE-Net, August 29, 2013 –  The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Sodexo Canada are pleased to announce this year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is Phil Fontaine O.C., O.M.

He will be recognized for his lifelong dedication to the Aboriginal community at CCAB’s 11th annual Vancouver Gala on September 23, 2013. 

The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is presented to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through his or her professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal people and Canada’s business community. 

Phil Fontaine has been instrumental in facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people from the time he was first elected to public office as Chief, at the age of 28. He is a proud member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba and still plays an active role in the support of his community. 

[stextbox id=”custom” float=”true” width=”300″ bcolor=”dbdbdb” bgcolor=”dbdbdb” image=”null”]Phil Fontaine was a Speaker at the GLOBE 2012 Town Hall Panel on Energy Infrastructure – The Environment and Economy Debate[/stextbox]

In the early 1980’s he was elected to the position of Manitoba Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. When his term expired in 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs where he served three consecutive terms.

In 1997 he stepped onto the national stage where he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for an unprecedented three terms in office. 

Sodexo Canada is pleased to partner with CCAB to create an award that recognizes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders who have championed positive change for the Aboriginal community through business.  Dean Johnson, President of Sodexo Canada, says “Phil Fontaine is an articulate advocate for the future of Canada and for our indigenous peoples. We are proud to recognize his tenacious and solution-oriented leadership with this award.” 

‘The Aboriginal Advantage’ will be a major Theme at GLOBE 2014, the next in the celebrated  GLOBE Series of Conferences and Trade Fairs on the business of the environment taking place in  Vancouver Canada, M arch 26-28, 2014. Reserve your place now.  Check here for more details.

JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB says,”Phil Fontaine has been a role model for the Aboriginal community as well as the Canadian population. CCAB is proud to be recognizing Mr. Fontaine for his dedication to building bridges across sectors. He truly is the kind of leader the Award for Excellence was designed to honour.”