ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL CONGRATULATES KARLA BUFFALO FOR RECEIVING THE U OF A’S ALUMNI INNOVATION AWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(September 13, 2023, Fort McMurray, AB) – The Athabasca Tribal Council is thrilled to congratulate Karla Buffalo on being awarded a University of Alberta (UofA) Alumni Innovation Award!  

Karla is a UofA alum of the Faculty of Native Studies. The Alumni Innovation Award recognizes an innovative program, process or product created, and implemented by a University of Alberta alumnus. The program, process or product has significantly impacted their profession, community, and society at large.

As CEO of Athabasca Tribal Council, Karla is being recognized for her work to guide culturally-led solutions impacting education, social services and health care. Specifically, Karla’s leadership and proficiency in building partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in first-of-their-kind Indigenous isolation care centres opened in Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan. And more recently, the groundbreaking agreement signed between ATC and Alberta Health Services to establish an Indigenous health clinic at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray. The clinic will address the Indigenous community's barriers to accessing health care with culturally informed providers and services.

“I am personally very proud of this recognition of Karla’s accomplishments, and her innovative nature to create collaborations and partnerships. On behalf of the Board of Directors of ATC, I congratulate Karla on this well-deserved award,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “I know Karla is the right person to have leading the team at ATC as they support our communities once again through an urgent health crisis.“
For more information on the Alumni Awards visit the website here.

-30-

About ATC

Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves our First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca.

For more information:

Karla Buffalo
Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council
karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538