Previous Winners

Martha is proud to have roots with the Neskonlith Indian Band, which is one of the 17 communities within the Secwepemculecw (Shuswap territory). Her education includes Business Management, Public Administration, Critical Incident Management and is pursuing a Masters degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Business Leadership through Simon Fraser University (SFU). Much of what she’s learned about building effective community-industry relations was taught to her by her late father, Grand Chief George Manuel (founder of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples) and her mentor, the late John Jules of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc. She enjoys spending time on the land and believes that the water and mountains are the best medicine to help guide her work. She brings over 20 years of experience leading Indigenous related programs to new levels of success. Her team effort approach is crucial in developing communication strategies between community and industry. She considers personal development/wellness, education, traditional healing and land stewardship as essential in striving for sustainability with Indigenous communities. She began work as the First Nations Liaison in 2008 and has since transitioned to the Manager of Indigenous Relations. She is a member of the Mining Association of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs Committee (MAC AAC), the Industry Training Authority, Mining Sector Advisory (ITA MSA). And is a Board Member with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Martha recently received the Michelle Pockey Leadership Award which is named in honor of the memory of a prominent lawyer and community activist, Michelle Pockey, who dedicated herself to making a positive impact with energy, mining, environmental and Indigenous issues, increasing the economic success and impact of women. As she continues her work with communities and New Gold, she continues to strive for the development of strategic initiatives that will create long term benefits for the communities.