TNDC News

TNDC Founder Recognized With Indigenous Canada’s Highest Award

Jerry Asp, TNDC’s first President and CEO and a prominent Indigenous leader in western Canada, has been recognized with the 2017 Inspired Award in the Business and Commerce category. The Indspire awards honour extraordinary Indigenous People, recognizing professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding career achievement.

Jerry was one of 14 outstanding Indigenous Canadians selected as recipients. The awards were presented at a ceremony March 24, 2017 in Ottawa, and represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own achievers.

He was recognized for his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Indigenous peoples through the creation of new business opportunities and development of skills and capacity within Indigenous communities, while also reflecting his proud Indigenous culture and close ties to the land.

Jerry was one of the founding members of TNDC and served as its first President and CEO from 1985 to 1993. He is also a founding member of the National Indian Businessman’s Association (now the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business), the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association where he also served as Vice President, and co-founder of the National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association. He served as President of the all-Native United Steelworker’s Local in North America and was appointed to the Yukon Mine Minister’s Advisory Board in 2011.

Indspire is an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire disburses financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources with the goal of closing the gap in Indigenous education.

TNDC congratulates Jerry on this impressive accolade. To learn more about Jerry’s career accomplishments and watch his message of inspiration to Indigenous people, visit:http://indspire.ca/laureate/phillip-jerry-asp/