The Banff Centre will conduct groundbreaking research on the critical success factors behind leading Aboriginal communities and organizations in Canada, thanks to a $1-million investment by Nexen Inc.
Nexen is donating $1 million to the Centre to establish the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership. The Chair will work with Aboriginal communities to identify their research needs and to conduct case studies of successful Aboriginal organizations, businesses, and leaders in Canada, focusing on success factors and best practices. Key findings will be shared with Aboriginal communities, published through an on-line library, and incorporated into The Banff Centre’s leadership programs.
“Nexen is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities,” says Charlie Fischer, president and CEO of Nexen Inc. “Our contribution will provide learning opportunities to develop and strengthen Aboriginal leaders and help foster sustainable communities. The Nexen Chair will develop practical action-based research that will document and support social, economic, and educational success stories.”
“The Nexen Chair will inform and strengthen our Aboriginal leadership programming,” says Mary Hofstetter, president and CEO of The Banff Centre. “More importantly, it will provide an invaluable resource for Canadian Aboriginal communities, based upon real-life examples drawn from our own experiences.”
The Chair will be an accomplished Aboriginal leader or academic with linkages to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. The Chair will work closely with Banff Centre faculty and the Aboriginal Program Council, a broad based advisory group to Aboriginal Leadership at The Banff Centre. It is anticipated that several different candidates will occupy the Chair position during its ten-year term.
Established in 1972, The Banff Centre’s Aboriginal Leadership and Management programs serve participants from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Canada, by providing capacity-building leadership training.
— 30 —
Information for prospective applicants.
High-resolution photo available.
About Nexen: Nexen is a Canadian-based, global energy company.
About The Banff Centre: The Banff Centre is a globally respected arts, cultural, and educational institution and conference facility.