MCA DEPARTMENT OF TEHOTIIENNAWAKON'S KYLEE TARBELL NAMED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is proud to announce that the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association has presented Kylee Tarbell, Assistant Director of Tehotiiennawakon, with the Economic Development Officer of the Year Award! Kylee was nominated by Grand Chief Abram Benedict and received the award during the First Nations Economic Advancement Conference, which was held last week in Toronto.

The conference included a Presidents Gala, which included keynote speaker Dawn Mahdabee Leach, the award ceremony and a comedy show featuring Don Burnstick.

This year was the first year they opened up nominations for two awards: Economic Development Officer of the Year and Partnership of the Year.

"I am extremely happy and proud to receive this award as an Economic Development Officer. I want to thank Grand Chief Abram Benedict on the initial nomination. It's always nice to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication that goes into serving our community," said Kylee.

Kylee has been employed with Mohawk Councils' Department of Tehotiiennawakon for over three years overseeing the supervision of four programs, with Economic Development being her core program. She was nominated for her commitment to enhancing Akwesasne's local economy, developing community initiatives, and building positive relationships with our neighboring communities.

"Kylee has worked hard for our community businesses and to promote our community. I'm pleased to have nominated her and very excited that she was selected for Economic Development Officer of the Year," said Grand Chief Benedict.

Kylee is also committed to the Buy Local campaign that encourages buying from local entrepreneurs to stimulate local economic activity and promote job creation. She was also instrumental, as an original committee member, in the coordination of one of Akwesasne's biggest annual business celebrations – the Akwesasne Business Excellence Awards (ABEA).

"I accepted this award on behalf of Akwesasne to share with our leadership, the staff of Tehotiiennawakon, and our partners, because we are all one community and I can't do what I do without the assistance of everyone else. So congratulations Akwesasne for being a leader in Economic Development!" Kylee added.