The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is pleased to welcome the Honourable Judy A. White to its Board of Directors.
A Mi’kmaq member of the Flat Bay Band on the west coast of Newfoundland, Senator White is the first Indigenous senator appointed from Newfoundland and Labrador. A King’s Counsel lawyer, she brings extensive experience in Indigenous governance, law, human rights, public policy and legislative matters.
Before her appointment to the Senate, Senator White served as Chief Executive Officer of the Assembly of First Nations, Director General with Indigenous Services Canada, and Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. She was also a partner in an Indigenous law firm, serving Indigenous groups across the country.
Her governance experience includes serving as Chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, Chair of the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board, Chairperson of the First Nations Centre on Governance, a member of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and Indigenous Co-Chair of Equal Voice’s Newfoundland and Labrador chapter.
Senator White’s contributions have been recognized through the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, the Gordon M. Stirling Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and her induction into the Bertha Wilson Honour Society at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
“Indigenous prosperity is built through opportunity, self-determination, and the strength of our communities. I am honoured to join the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation Board and support the inspiring work being done to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs, youth, and women.”
— The Honourable Judy A. White, Board Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
For Senator White, Indigenous prosperity extends beyond economic success. It includes healthy communities, strong cultures, thriving languages, meaningful employment, educational opportunities and the ability of Indigenous Peoples to determine their own futures.
She feels especially connected to initiatives supporting Indigenous youth leadership, entrepreneurship and opportunities for Indigenous women. She joins the Board with a commitment to service, collaboration and ensuring Indigenous knowledge, values and voices remain at the centre of decision-making.
“The Honourable Judy A. White brings an extraordinary depth of experience in Indigenous governance, law, public policy and advocacy. Her commitment to self-determination and community well-being will strengthen IPF’s governance and help guide our work as we create more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, youth and communities across Canada.”
— Michelle Okere, Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Senator White’s appointment strengthens the leadership, knowledge and relationships guiding IPF’s work. We are honoured to welcome her to the Board and look forward to the contributions she will make as IPF continues advancing Indigenous prosperity across the country.