September 18, 2025, Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) — The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI) is proud to announce that it has been named the recipient of the Visionary Award at the first-ever Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Awards Gala hosted by the Assembly of First Nations on September 17, 2025.
The Visionary Award celebrates efforts that go beyond employment and training to create positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. It recognizes MCPEI’s dedication to advancing employment opportunities for Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples living in Epekwitk through innovative, culturally grounded, and community driven approaches.
Accepting the award on behalf of MCPEI were Executive Director, Kateri Coade and Senior Coordinator of Employment Services, Curtis Reilly.

“On behalf of MCPEI, Abegweit First Nation, and Lennox Island First Nation, we’re honoured to receive the Visionary Award,” said Kateri Coade, Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. “This recognition reflects our commitment to advancing employment opportunities for Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples. Thank you to the partnerships that have helped our program grow and contribute meaningfully to the success of Epekwitk First Nations communities over the past 20 years.”
The awards gala took place at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, on the unceded and ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people. The evening brought together First Nations leaders, employment and training teams, government partners, and community members from across the country to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous programs and people.
To learn more about MCPEI Employment Services, visit www.mcpei.ca
To learn more about the Visionary Award, visit www.afn.awardify.io/
