BACKGROUND

Now in its seventh year, the Annual National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Training Conference brings together women from across Canada to develop leadership skills, network, exchange information, empower each other and recognize the accomplishments and talents of Aboriginal women.  We want to celebrate women's accomplishments publicly and the Aboriginal Women in Leadership Distinction Awards are an effective way to do this.  The awards will be presented at the 7th Annual National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Training Conference to be held in October 2006.

*Past Recipients:

• Susan Aglukark, Music & Entertainment
• The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Political Leadership & Children's Issues
• Professor Verna J. Kirkness, Education & Leadership
• Bea Shawanda, Culture, Health & Wellness
• CP02 Debbie Eisan, Leadership
• Corrine Stone, Health & Wellness

• Achievements
• Innovations
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Excellence
• Inspiration
• Health
• Leadership
• Vision and accomplishments in their lives, in their families, in their work and in their communities

The awards recognize women who have been leaders in their families and communities; role models for other women and men; and mentors for our youth - the leaders of tomorrow.  The awards recognize women in one of the following categories:

• Leadership
• Education and Training
• Arts & Culture
• Business
• Health and Wellness
• Environment
• Science
• Entertainment
• Political Governance

• she consistently displays leadership qualities
• she provides inspiration and motivation to others as a mentor or role model
• she demonstrates vision, innovation or creativity and the courage to take risks
• she demonstrates excellence in the category in which she is nominated
• she enriches and improves the quality of life for herself, family and others
• she has overcome personal or societal barriers to achieve her goals
• she shows a significant commitment to society in her own field and beyond
• she promotes and supports improved opportunities and choices for women and girls in her community
• she insires and motivates other women and girls as a mentor or role model
• she encourages positive changes in society through the impact of her activities, particularly for women and girls

• Nominator completes the nomination letter and assembles supporting material.
• All nomination packages will be reviewed by the Selection Committee for completeness.  Only complete nomination packages will be included in the selection process.
• Nominees and nominators will be notified whether their package has been included in the Selection process.
• The Selection Committee will choose the award recipients from among selected nominees.

Nomination Requirements

• Women can be nominated in only one category.
• Nomination packages must be for individuals only.  Group nominations are not eligible.
• A women can be re-nominated in any future year.
• Nomination packages must be complete and submitted by the deadline to be eligible.
• All nomination packages will be treated confidentially.
• The Aboriginal Women of Distinction Awards Committee reserves the right to limit the number of selected nominees or to withhold an award in any category.
• Packages will not be returned.

The Nomination Package

• Letter of Nomination
  Describe why this women merits recognition in the chosen category.  Describe the relevant points of her character including:
  1. Background
  2. Education
  3. Training
  4. Activity or organizational involvement including depth of involvment, recognitions, awards, achievements and/or contributions to her community.
• Short Profile
  Nominators are asked to briefly complete the following four statements:
  1. Her major contributions in the award category include...
  2. The breadth and depth of her contributions include...
  3. Her outstanding characteristics include...
  4. Three key influences in her life include...
  5. Three letters in support of the nomination
  
  *Although the September 29, 2006 date has past, We are still accepting nominations, please send as soon as possible.

To view and print a copy of the WIL Criteria, click here.

To view and print a copy of the WIL Nomination Form, click here.