Saka Pembleton receives First Nations Health Managers National Award of Excellence

On the evening of March 18, First Nations Health Managers honoured two of their own, with the first National Awards of Excellence. 

Sakakohe Pembleton, Mohawk of the Wolf Clan, Akwesasne First Nation in Ontario was honored.

In 1973, she received a Bachelor of Arts from her studies at Nazareth College of Rochester and, in 1979, a Masters of Education from her studies at St. Lawrence University.  Her early jobs grounded her in business methods and ethics:  she learned from Japanese bankers, from American builders, from professional researchers, and minority business owners. She returned to her First Nation in 1975, and continued to build on her education and experience. In 1984, the Grand Chief came to her home and asked if she’d like to work as his Band Administrator for a few weeks. Later she’d joke that he picked her because he wanted a work horse.  Luckily, for the Grand Chief that’s exactly what Sakakohe Pembleton is.

Over the next years, she would fill many roles, primarily as Office Manager and Special Projects Officer.  Four years ago she took the position of Health Director, a role she says has increased her compassion for the people that she serves. In this role Saka has helped to document personnel policies, to create planning & budgeting practices with variance and performance reporting.  She supported the creation of an information access and protection regulation; facilitated the orientation of incoming Councils and staff; and she supported a management review of the organization.  As Health Director, Saka requested that Council undergo scrutiny to obtain Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. Saka has also represented Akwesasne during formation of Ontario’s Champlain Local Health Integration Network, and has recently been appointed to represent the Independent First Nations to the Joint Management Committee of Ontario’s Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Strategy. Saka and her husband, Ray, are looking forward to her retirement in 2012.

Congratulations Saka and keep up the great work!