Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

George Poitras

Edmonton,AB

Summary

A career individual, primarily in First Nation management. I have served in positions including lead of projects and higher management like Chief Executive Officer. With my work experience, coupled with my academic background, a degree, Bachelor of Administration from Athabasca University in 1997, my career record has shown excellence as outputs. A career highlight includes securing the position of Chief, of the Mikisew Cree First Nation from 1999 to 2002 and my subsequent victory against Canada (Mikisew Cree v Minister of Heritage) resulting in a unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court of Canada decision in November 2004.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

PROJECT LEAD, ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS DATA STRATEGY

ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS INFORMATION GOVERNANCE CENTRE
2022.04 - 2023.05
  • Led project planning sessions to define objectives and deliverables of the Alberta First Nations Data Strategy
  • Developed and maintained project documentation for First Nations/stakeholder communication
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed
  • Developed comprehensive project documentation, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all First Nations/stakeholders
  • Facilitated workshops for Alberta First Nations/stakeholder engagement, ensuring buy-in and support for project initiatives
  • Coordinated with Alberta First Nations/stakeholders to define project scopes, aligning objectives with business goals
  • Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to Executive Director & Board of Directors

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2020.01 - 2020.10
  • Developed strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and participation
  • Oversaw financial management of the Nation, ensuring sustainable budget practices and resource allocation
  • Collaborated with leadership team of Managers to periodically review and implement policies promoting self-sufficiency
  • Fostered partnerships with external organizations to advance community health, housing, education, Elders programs
  • Streamlined operational procedures, improving efficiency in service delivery across all Nation departments
  • Directed strategic planning sessions, aligning Nation goals with community needs and aspirations
  • Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs
  • Drove continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the Nations departments
  • Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic Nation objectives
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with Managers and leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices
  • Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance
  • Implemented strong financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting, solid decision-making capabilities and compliance
  • Cultivated a positive organization culture, promoting employee engagement and retention through tailored initiatives
  • Engaged positively with Nation staff and leadership, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit
  • Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction, forward-thinking, inclusiveness and a performance-oriented culture
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations and budgets
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions

ASSOCIATE REGISTRAR

NATIVE EDUCATION COLLEGE
2015.08 - 2017.07
  • Managed student registration processes ensuring compliance with institutional policies
  • Developed and maintained accurate student records utilizing database management systems
  • Coordinated course scheduling and enrollment activities to optimize resource allocation
  • Trained staff on best practices for student information management and system usage
  • Analyzed enrollment trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes
  • Trained new staff members on office procedures, ensuring consistent adherence to departmental guidelines and best practices
  • Collaborated with faculty to develop accurate degree plans, ensuring timely graduation for students
  • Contributed to the development of campus-wide academic policies through participation on various committees and task forces
  • Acted as a liaison between the Registrar''s office and other campus departments, facilitating communication and collaboration for institutional success
  • Developed strong relationships with academic departments, fostering cooperation in managing curriculum changes and updates
  • Managed sensitive student information securely by adhering to strict confidentiality protocols as mandated by regulations
  • Provided exceptional customer service to students, addressing concerns promptly and professionally while navigating complex academic policies
  • Greeted every student with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service
  • Resolved student registration issues to reduce acceptance, enrolment and payment delays
  • Increased profitability and productivity by minimizing downtime and streamlining quality control procedures

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2012.01 - 2014.12
  • SEE PREVIOUS CEO WORK EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL/TREATY MATTERS

SELF-EMPLOYED
2009.12 - 2011.12

After a very successful campaign in the United Kingdom, representing my community of Fort Chipewyan, I resigned my job of 3+ years working as Government Consultation Coordinator with my nation, the Mikisew Cree. My resignation was forced, although a personal decision, after the CEO of Syncrude Canada Ltd flew to my community to meet with my leadership, my employer, the Chief & Council. The CEO of Syncrude requested that my leadership terminate my employment with the nation or at the minimum, silence me for travelling on work time to generate negative publicity on the tarsands industry globally. He was referring to my recent trip to the UK where I was an invited guest by the UK Climate Camp which took place in London’s Blackheath district. This action triggered my leaving my employment, to do the advocacy full-time, without strings attached to the Nation so as not to jeopardize their credibility, etc. This allowed me to be available to travel globally, often at the invite of Environmental Organizations, or communities affected like that of my trips to Aamjiwnaang, Ontario and the Indigenous communities affected by Canadian mining companies in the Amazon, namely Ecuador, South America. In total my achievements/activities numbered close to 100 locally in Alberta, national in Canada, internationally including but not limited to Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, the United Kingdom (England & Scotland), France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Ecuador, the USA which included speaking engagements, protests, media engagements, etc. Also collaborated and hosted Hollywood Movie Directors like James Cameron and Leslie Iwerks. Featured in many documentaries which were featured in film festivals in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.

GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION COORDINATOR

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2006.01 - 2009.11

Accountable and reporting to the Director, Government & Industry Relations, was responsible for the oversight of the Nations consultation with federal, provincial, municipal governments, and third party entities ensuring the legal requirement to consult was meaningfully carried out, ensuring the protection and accommodation of the Nation’s Treaty 8 Rights

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ALBERTA TREATY 8 HEALTH AUTHORITY
2005.01 - 2006.03
  • Developed strategic initiatives to enhance Alberta First Nations community engagement and participation
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring sustainable budget practices and resource allocation
  • Collaborated with Treaty 8 Board of Directors and leadership team to implement policies promoting healthy development and community self-sufficiency
  • Fostered partnerships with external organizations to advance First Nation community health and education programs
  • Streamlined operational procedures, improving efficiency in service delivery across all health department
  • Led staff training sessions focused on leadership development and organizational growth strategies
  • Engaged with Alberta First Nation stakeholders to gather feedback, driving continuous improvement in community health related services
  • Directed strategic planning sessions, aligning organizational goals with Alberta First Nations community needs and aspirations
  • Addressed employee concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance
  • Maintained open communications and regular written reporting to the Board of Directors

MANAGER/ACTING DIRECTOR, MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTIONS

HEALTH CANADA
2003.01 - 2004.12

As the National Manager and Acting Director of the national Mental Health & Addictions programs, provided support to regional offices across Canada primarily for the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program or NNADAP Programs and Treatment Services/Centre’s , the Youth Solvent Abuse Program, and the National Native Tobacco Program. Worked in partnership with the Assistant Deputy Ministers office, Treasury Board, Prime Ministers Office, Privy Council of Canada

DULY ELECTED CHIEF

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
1999.06 - 2002.06

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES

LESSER SLAVE LAKE INDIAN REGIONAL COUNCIL
1998.11 - 1999.06

Accountable and reporting to the Executive Director, Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council. Responsible for the oversight of the Authority’s employees and global budget and working in collaboration with the member First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council on all matters related to health

Education

BACHELOR OF ADMINISTRATION - Health Administration

ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
EDMONTON, AB
1997-06

CERTIFICATE -

HEALTH DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
EDMONTON, AB
1996-06

High School Diploma -

BISHOP PICHE SCHOOL
FORT CHIPEWYAN, AB
1983-06

Skills

  • Effective Organizational & Leadership Skills
  • Effective Project Management & Coordination
  • Effective Meeting Facilitation
  • Community Advocate: Treaty Rights, Environment, Social Services, Human Rights
  • Exemplary Communication Skills (Written & Oral)
  • Above Standard Interpersonal Skills

Accomplishments

2013

GREAT CANADIAN GAME CHANGER AWARD (Recipient)

Presented by Alternatives Journal Magazine

February 2013

QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL (Recipient)

Presented by Linda Duncan, Member of Parliament for

Edmonton Strathcona

2011

ALBERTA’S 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE (Recipient)

Presented by Alberta Venture Magazine

Languages

Cree
Limited Working

Timeline

PROJECT LEAD, ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS DATA STRATEGY

ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS INFORMATION GOVERNANCE CENTRE
2022.04 - 2023.05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2020.01 - 2020.10

ASSOCIATE REGISTRAR

NATIVE EDUCATION COLLEGE
2015.08 - 2017.07

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2012.01 - 2014.12

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL/TREATY MATTERS

SELF-EMPLOYED
2009.12 - 2011.12

GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION COORDINATOR

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
2006.01 - 2009.11

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ALBERTA TREATY 8 HEALTH AUTHORITY
2005.01 - 2006.03

MANAGER/ACTING DIRECTOR, MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTIONS

HEALTH CANADA
2003.01 - 2004.12

DULY ELECTED CHIEF

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
1999.06 - 2002.06

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES

LESSER SLAVE LAKE INDIAN REGIONAL COUNCIL
1998.11 - 1999.06

BACHELOR OF ADMINISTRATION - Health Administration

ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY

CERTIFICATE -

HEALTH DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

High School Diploma -

BISHOP PICHE SCHOOL

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George Poitras