Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 23, 2008
• Invested on: June 18, 2010

Nellie Cournoyea represents one of our most striking northern success stories. As premier of the Northwest Territories, she was the first Aboriginal woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada. A dynamic force for Inuvialuit and Inuit empowerment, she has diversified and consolidated her region's economic base, mainly through the resolution of land claims and effective resource management. She has provided clear vision and steadfast leadership to numerous organizations, such as the Committee of Original Peoples' Entitlement, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. She is an inspiration to all Northern peoples, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, and especially to women.