b'NACCA BOARDWelcomingDana SooniasPaving the way for Indigenous prosperity on the NACCA Board of DirectorsI n the vibrant landscape of Indig- Services Manager, Acting GeneralDana wears many hats as the Chair of enous leadership, Dana SooniasManager and, later, as a board mem- both STC Industrial Contracting and emerges as a trailblazer, bringing aber. Notably, he spearheaded theKeys Welding Service, two Indigenous wealth of experience and a profounddelivery of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurmetal fabrication companies. These commitment to advancing the visionProgram, demonstrating a commit- for-profit enterprises collaborate with of a thriving Indigenous economy. Asment to fostering entrepreneurshipnational and international mining the newest member of the Nationalwithin Indigenous communities. companies and Crown corporations, Aboriginal Capital Corporations Asso- One of the brilliant highlights of Danascontributing to economic growth and ciation (NACCA) Board of Directors,achievements is when he became thedemonstrating the capabilities of Indig-Dana is set to contribute his diversefirst Indigenous CEO of Wanuskewinenous businesses on aexpertise and unwavering passion toHeritage Park. During his decade- global stage.the mission of Indigenous prosperitylong tenure, he led the institution fromHis commitment extends beyond the for the benefit of all. near bankruptcy to national acclaim.boardroom; Dana has lent his exper-A proud member of Red PheasantUnder his guidance, the Thunderingtise to various boards and committees First Nation in Treaty Six territory,Ahead campaign not only rescued theacross the country. Notable appoint-Saskatchewan, Danas journey spansorganization but also earned it a placements include the National Indigenous two decades, marked by his roles inon Canadas Tentative List for WorldEconomic Development Board (NIEDB), financial, Indigenous and governmentHeritage Sites. Aboriginal Financial Officers Associ-organizations. His extensive experi- Currently, as the Senior Indigenousation (AFOA) Canada, First Nations ence encompasses leadership in Advisor for Lands and Corporate Ser- Financial Management Board (FMB), retail, finance, business, manufac- vices in the Saskatchewan Ministry ofSaskatchewan Indigenous Enterprise turing and economic development,Energy and Resources, Dana contin- Foundation (SIEF) and Muskeg Lake reflecting a multifaceted approach toues to champion economic develop- Cree Nation Investment Management community growth. ment. His previous role as the Direc- Corporation.Danas journey with Indigenous eco- tor of Economic Development andDanas academic achievements are as nomic development began a decadeEmployment Training Services at theimpressive as his professional journeyago when he joined the SaskatchewanSaskatoon Tribal Council underscoreshe holds a Certified Aboriginal Financial Indian Equity Foundation (now thehis dedication to serving over 33,000Manager (CAFM) designation through Saskatchewan Indigenous EnterpriseFirst Nations people, both urban AFOA Canada and an Institute of Cor-Foundation), serving as the Businessand rural. porate Directors (ICD) designation from the Rotman School of Management at With his wealth of experience and the University of Toronto. As Dana Soonias takes on his new role a commitment to collaboration, with the NACCA Board of Directors, his journey stands as a testament to excel-lence in Indigenous leadership in the Dana is poised to play a pivotal role pursuit of prosperity. With his wealth of experience and a commitment to collaboration, Dana is poised to play in shaping the future of Indigenous a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous economic development a future that promises prosperityeconomic development. for all. 20INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #1, 2024'