Dene Tha’ Chief receives award for promoting education

During his career and as chief of Dene Tha’ First Nation, James Ahnassay has been a strong promoter of education and on June 1, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology presented him with the Alumni Award of Distinction.

The award recognizes living alumni who have made outstanding professional accomplishments and demonstrated significant service to NAIT, as well as the community. As a graduate of NAIT’s Civil Engineering Technology program in 1988, Ahnassay’s resume includes working with the federal government, the North Peace Tribal Council, and Dene Tha’ public works prior to becoming chief.

 “The alumni award is given out at NAIT annually and is used to recognize people who’ve progressed in their careers and community since they graduated,” said Della Paradis, a manager with advancement services at NAIT. “We use it to thank ambassadors to the institute.”

As part of the award selection committee, Paradis determined Ahnassay met the appropriate criteria.

“James is a huge supporter of education by encouraging students to come to NAIT and bringing NAIT educational programs to his community,” she said.

Ahnassay is currently serving his fourth term as chief. In 2008, he helped arrange project management training from NAIT for senior management and support staff. The training develops skills such as managing budgets and timelines, handling staffing issues, and conflict management.

“A lot of times, First Nation organizations deal with projects and it’s good to have staff with an understanding of project management,” said Ahnassay, “Some projects we manage are water management, housing, and cultural - like powwows. This type of learning provides staff with the skills they need, like staffing and budget.”

After a band election in 2009, new council members and frontline staff successfully completed project management and project leadership training from NAIT.

Ahnassay and his fellow council members are also identifying ways to promote education among their youth. Since 1990, the Dene Tha’ First Nation has held an annual cultural and educational assembly, which includes round dance and drum dance.

“The assembly recognizes graduates from grade nine to high school and all post-secondary students,” said Ahnassay. “By doing that, we are exposing the achievements accomplished by students.”

This summer, the Dene Tha’ First Nation will offer a pilot program for their high school and post-secondary students in cooperation with NAIT. The youth leadership training course will give students the opportunity to learn project management principles they can apply to their educational goals.

In the meantime, the alumni award is a proud accomplishment for Ahnassay. “I feel good about receiving the award. It’s another kind of milestone, a nice surprise,” he said.

“We like to recognize people who are making the world a better place,” said Paradis. NAIT first handed out the award in 2008.