Fontaine recognized for lifetime achievements

Former Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine is being recognized for his lifelong dedication to the Aboriginal community.
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Sodexo Canada plans to present Fontaine with the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations at CCAB’s 11th annual Vancouver Gala on Sept. 23.
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.
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, for Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.
In the early 1980’s he was elected as Manitoba regional chief for the AFN. 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 was elected national chief for the first of an unprecedented three terms in office.