In an exciting recognition of her leadership, vision, and commitment to community empowerment, Stella Lavallee, Executive Director and President of Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Stevie Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year in the Government or Non-Profit category. This esteemed accolade, to be awarded in New York City early next month, shines a global spotlight on Stella’s groundbreaking contributions to governance and Citizen support for the Nation. What Are the Stevie Awards? The Stevie® Awards were established in 2002 to honor and promote outstanding achievements in the workplace, focusing on exceptional contributions across industries, business practices, and roles. Known as the “Oscars of Business,” the Stevies recognize visionary leaders, innovative thinkers, and impactful initiatives that drive positive change within organizations and communities worldwide. The awards program spans a variety of categories, including leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, across different sectors such as government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. The Female Thought Leader of the Year Award, for which Stella is nominated, is a category dedicated to honouring women in leadership roles who have significantly impacted their organizations or communities. These finalists are selected for their exemplary dedication, influence, and ability to inspire change. For Stella to be named a finalist in this highly competitive category is a testament to her profound influence on WLMN and her transformative work in community development and advocacy for Métis Citizens in Canada. A Visionary Leader for Willow Lake Métis Nation Stella Lavallee’s journey with Willow Lake Métis Nation began in 2022, when she assumed the role of Executive Director and President. Her leadership has been marked by a blend of strategic foresight, cultural pride, and an unyielding commitment to the well-being of WLMN’s Citizens. As a leader, Stella possesses an exceptional ability to unite people around a shared vision, bringing together diverse ideas and perspectives to create a governance model that not only serves her community but also elevates it as a model of progressive Indigenous governance in Canada. Since Stella took on her leadership role, WLMN has undergone significant growth and transformation. Her leadership style combines a forward-thinking approach with deep respect for Métis heritage, creating a dynamic framework that addresses both current needs and long-term aspirations. Under her guidance, WLMN has made strides in areas such as governance, policy development, education, health, and infrastructure—each of which reflects her commitment to sustainable growth and Citizen empowerment. Setting a New Standard for Métis Governance Stella’s accomplishments are both numerous and impactful, reflecting her strategic vision for WLMN and her dedication to the community’s prosperity and well-being. Some of the most notable initiatives that Stella has spearheaded include: Seven Pillars of Governance One of Stella’s earliest and most transformative achievements at WLMN was the establishment of the Seven Pillars of Governance . These pillars serve as the foundation for all decision-making within the Nation, ensuring that policies and programs align with the values and priorities of the community. This governance framework is a powerful tool for decision-making that integrates traditional values with modern governance, helping WLMN to navigate the complexities of community development in a rapidly changing world. Health Spending Account for Elders In a groundbreaking initiative, Stella led the creation of a health spending account specifically for WLMN Elders, making WLMN the first Métis Nation in Canada to implement such a program. Recognizing the often-overlooked health needs of Elders, Stella worked tirelessly to secure funding and navigate regulatory challenges to make this support possible. This initiative not only provides essential health resources to Elders but also reinforces a fundamental principle of Métis culture: honouring and caring for the community’s Elders. Financial Support for Education and Families Stella’s commitment to eliminating barriers to education is another significant hallmark of her leadership. Under her direction, WLMN now provides funding to cover tuition costs for all WLMN Citizens, ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent anyone from pursuing higher education. Additionally, Stella introduced a back-to-school allowance for each child Citizen, a practical step that helps families meet the costs associated with education. These initiatives position WLMN as a leader in educational support, demonstrating a powerful model for other Indigenous communities and organizations. Fibre Optic Internet Access for the Community Bridging the digital divide has been a central priority for Stella. Recognizing that connectivity is essential for education, employment, and access to information, Stella played a key role in implementing fibre optic internet access across the WLMN community. This infrastructure development empowers Citizens to participate in the digital world, providing access to resources that were previously out of reach and supporting the community’s social and economic growth. Each of these achievements has a unique impact on WLMN, transforming it into a community that not only meets the immediate needs of its Citizens but also empowers them to pursue long-term success and well-being. These initiatives are emblematic of Stella’s commitment to holistic community support, creating opportunities and resources that foster resilience, unity, and pride within WLMN. Why This Nomination Matters Stella Lavallee’s nomination for the Stevie Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year is significant not only for her personally but for Willow Lake Métis Nation as a whole. This recognition serves as an acknowledgment of the innovative and compassionate work that Stella has undertaken on behalf of her community. Her ability to lead with vision and empathy sets her apart as a thought leader whose influence extends beyond the borders of WLMN, reaching other Indigenous communities and advocates across Canada. Her nomination highlights the importance of Métis leadership in setting new standards for governance and community empowerment. It also emphasizes the positive impact that Indigenous women in leadership roles have on their communities and on society at large. As more Indigenous leaders like Stella are recognized on international platforms, the visibility and understanding of Indigenous governance, values, and contributions are elevated. Looking Toward the Future: A Legacy of Leadership As we look forward to the Stevie Awards ceremony in New York next month, Willow Lake Métis Nation is filled with pride and excitement. Stella’s work has established a legacy of progressive governance that is rooted in Métis cultural heritage and driven by a forward-thinking vision. Her achievements not only enhance the quality of life for current Citizens but also lay the foundation for future generations to thrive in a supportive, well-resourced community. Stella’s leadership serves as a blueprint for effective Indigenous governance, demonstrating how a balance of cultural integrity, strategic planning, and innovation can create sustainable growth and progress. Her accomplishments remind us of the importance of nurturing leadership within our communities, fostering a culture of resilience, and supporting initiatives that uplift everyone. Join Us in Honouring Stella! As we eagerly await the results of the Stevie Awards, we invite the Willow Lake Métis Nation Citizens, our partners, and supporters to join us in celebrating Stella Lavallee’s remarkable achievements. Her leadership is not only a source of pride for WLMN but also an inspiration to communities and organizations dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change. Stay tuned for updates on the Stevie Awards and join us in honouring Stella’s achievements, which continue to set a powerful example for community-driven leadership. Her nomination reminds us that transformative leadership can arise from our own communities, rooted in the values, heritage, and resilience that define us. Stella Lavallee is indeed a thought leader, a community champion, and a proud representative of Willow Lake Métis Nation on the global stage.

Every year the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN) proudly honours two exceptional individuals as the Citizens of the Year. The Citizen of the Year awards aim to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the Nation and the communities in which they live, work, and play. These awards highlight their commitment to Métis culture, community involvement, and leadership. This year’s recipients, Mary McKenzie and Deacon VanEe, have truly gone above and beyond in their contributions to the social and cultural life of Willow Lake Métis Nation and beyond in their commitment to hard work, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

Willow Lake Metis Nation's (WLMN) Sustainability Department has a proactive approach to environmental monitoring, particularly concerning water quality in lakes within the region. The Oil Sands Monitoring Program is assisting WLMN to conduct comprehensive water quality monitoring across Cheecham, Surmont, Sucker, and Kinosis Lakes. Assistance from such programs is crucial for facilitating effective environmental monitoring and management initiatives, particularly in regions where industrial activities like oil sands operations are present. With this support, WLMN can continue their efforts to assess and monitor the health of these lakes, which is essential for understanding any potential impacts from nearby industrial activities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the environment. It's a great example of collaboration between government initiatives and Indigenous communities working towards common goals of environmental stewardship and protection.

We are thrilled to share an exciting development for Willow Lake Métis Nation. We have been awarded a grant of $480,000 through the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program to develop our Indigenous Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Pathway. This transformative initiative represents a significant step forward in blending Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives into a comprehensive framework. Our goal is to enhance environmental responsibility, attract sustainable investments, and foster meaningful Indigenous participation in the natural resource sectors. Integrating Indigenous Knowledge The Indigenous ESG Pathway will prioritize the integration of Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that our traditions and values are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. By incorporating these perspectives, we aim to create a framework that not only meets but exceeds conventional environmental standards. Attracting Sustainable Investments In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, sustainability is a key driver of investment decisions. Our ESG Pathway will position Willow Lake Métis Nation as a leader in sustainable development, attracting investments that align with our values and long-term vision for responsible resource management. Fostering Indigenous Participation One of the core objectives of this project is to drive meaningful participation of Indigenous communities in Canada’s natural resource sectors. We believe that true sustainability can only be achieved when Indigenous voices are included in decision-making processes. With this in mind, the new initiative will empower our community, ensuring that our contributions are recognized and valued. Collaboration with Natural Resources Canada This project is made possible through the support of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) . Their commitment to fostering sustainable development and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives is a testament to the importance of collaboration in achieving our shared goals. Looking Ahead The Indigenous ESG Pathway is not just a framework, but a vision for the future of our community. By blending our rich heritage with modern sustainability practices, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. We invite you to learn more about this transformative project and join us on this journey towards sustainable development. Together, we can create a future where environmental responsibility, economic prosperity, and social equity go hand in hand. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and the positive impacts this initiative will bring to Willow Lake Métis Nation and beyond.