The Willow Lake Métis Nation proudly announces that Stella Lavallee, Executive Director and President, has been honoured with the Bronze Stevie® Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year in the Government or Non-Profit category at the 21st annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The awards ceremony took place on November 8 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, celebrating outstanding achievements by women in leadership roles worldwide. The Stevie Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Business,” recognize excellence in leadership, innovation, and community impact across various sectors. Lavallee’s accolade highlights her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Willow Lake Métis Nation. Since assuming her role in 2016, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the establishment of the Seven Pillars of Governance, the creation of a health spending account for Elders, and the implementation of educational support programs to eliminate financial barriers for Citizen students. Under her guidance, the Nation has also achieved significant infrastructure advancements, such as the deployment of fiber optic internet, bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to essential resources for all Citizens. “Receiving the Bronze Stevie Award is a profound honor,” said Stella Lavallee. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our community and our shared commitment to preserving Métis heritage while fostering growth and resilience. I am deeply grateful to the Willow Lake Métis Nation for their trust and support.” The Willow Lake Métis Nation extends heartfelt congratulations to Stella Lavallee for this distinguished achievement. Her leadership continues to inspire and set a benchmark for Indigenous governance and community development.

Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the countless Indigenous men and women who bravely served in Canada’s armed forces. Their stories are not only of courage and resilience but also of an enduring dedication to their communities and country. One such individual, who embodies the spirit of service and bravery, is Bill Woodward. Bill’s story is one of remarkable courage and sacrifice. In 1943, at only 19 years old, Bill left the familiar lands of Northern Alberta to join the Royal Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. Lying about his age to enlist, he was soon shipped off to Europe, where he would be tested in some of the most grueling combat scenarios of the war. The most notable engagement of his military career was at Monte Cassino in Italy—a pivotal and bloody battle in the Italian Campaign that cost around 55,000 Allied lives. In this clash, Bill and his platoon fell into a German ambush despite Bill—his bush savvy coming in handy in wartime—having warned his lieutenant that something was wrong. This resulted in heavy casualties and his capture. For 108 harrowing days, Bill endured captivity, while back home his mother, Mary Victoria McKenzie held onto hope despite having received a letter stating that her son was missing in action and presumed dead. For weeks and months, she would meet every train arriving in town with the belief that her son would come home. Against all odds, her faith was rewarded, and Bill returned to his family—a hero with a lifetime of stories to tell. His acts of bravery continued well beyond the battlefield. Bill’s lifelong commitment to helping others shines in stories of his everyday heroism. From rescuing accident victims over the edge of a cliff to saving co-workers with a broken hip after a railroad accident, he continually put others’ safety before his own. These selfless acts earned him numerous accolades, including a Sharpshooting Award, a Humanitarian Award, and the Alberta Centennial Medal for Lifetime Achievement. For Bill, however, his most cherished token was his volunteer pin, a testament to his proud spirit of service. It symbolized not only his contributions on the front lines but his unwavering dedication to helping others throughout his life. Today, we reflect on the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans like Bill Woodward. These men and women joined the ranks of Canada’s armed forces, driven by loyalty to their communities and the desire for a better future. Indigenous soldiers have served with distinction in both world wars and in conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide. Their contributions often went unrecognized, but their stories and sacrifices have left an enduring legacy. Willow Lake Métis Nation honours the memory and spirit of Indigenous veterans who, like Bill, embody the strength, resilience, and selflessness of our communities. This Indigenous Veterans Day, we stand united in respect, remembrance, and gratitude for their sacrifices and for the freedoms they safeguarded for future generations. Lest we forget.

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 2016, 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.