Coates awarded national honour for Aboriginal relations

The CCAB Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations recognizes an individual—Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal—who has contributed, through professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society, making a substantial impact across all sectors, socially, culturally, and politically. The award highlights the efforts of people who have been ambassadors in working with Aboriginal peoples and communities.

"Ken Coates is truly an outstanding advocate for Indigenous peoples," said JP Gladu, president and CEO of CCAB. "His academic insights on Indigenous issues is helping shape industry and government approaches to building sustainable business relations with Indigenous peoples. His wealth of knowledge informs and enriches all Canadians. As an organization, we look forward to celebrating his life’s work and achievements."

Coates, a Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, has long-standing professional and personal interests in Aboriginal rights, northern development, northern Canadian history, science, technology and society, and Japan studies. He has written extensively on Aboriginal history, Indigenous-newcomer relations and post-secondary education and has worked with Aboriginal peoples and organizations and with government agencies responsible for Indigenous affairs across Canada and in New Zealand and Australia.

CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit, non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.

Coates will be honoured at the CCAB Gala next month in Vancouver.