YELLOWKNIFE (20 July, 2006) - The Tlicho Community Service Agency has been selected as one of top three finalists for the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) Award for Innovative Management 2006. The IPAC award, first introduced in 1990, recognizes and encourages innovative managerial initiatives within the public administration sector. The theme for this year’s award is Sharing Governance: Citizens, Partners and Networks.

Nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services, the Tlicho Community Service Agency submission was selected as one of three top entries out of 71 from across Canada. Tlicho representatives impressed a panel of judges, including public servants, academics and business people, during a recent interview in Toronto. 

Judges agreed this year’s theme is exemplified by the management approach implemented by the Tlicho Community Service Agency. The Agency, governed by a board of community representatives, appointed by the Tlicho Aboriginal Self-Government, manages GNWT social programs, including education and health and social services, with a focus on traditional culture and language.

“Congratulations to the Tlicho Community Service Agency", said Education Minister Charles Dent, "with their focus and emphasis on educational success, which is in concert with community leadership, we are seeing a large number of Tlicho students enrolled in post-secondary studies.”

“Being recognized among the top three leaders for innovation is an outstanding achievement. The Tlicho have shown incredible innovation through their Healing Path Wellness Strategy, which has fostered community capacity and partnerships. Also the Tlicho continue to work to improve the health of their citizens on many fronts including their vaccination program that has achieved the highest take-up rate of any NWT region” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Michael Miltenberger.

Gold, silver and bronze awards will be announced and presented to the top three finalists at the IPAC Annual Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on August 30, 2006. 


For more information, please contact:

Tricia Melander
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
(867) 920-6222

Damien Healy 
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
(867) 920-8927