Wanda Wuttunee

Position Director Department Aboriginal Business Education Partners Office 204B Isbister Building 352 Drake Centre Phone (204) 474-6405  (204) 474-9624 (Drake Centre) Fax (204) 474-7657 (204) 474-7544 (Drake Centre) Email wwuttun@cc.umanitoba.ca

My position involves overseeing the program and liaising with our
Advisory Committee. Advisory committee members come from corporations, our university and the Aboriginal community. They participate on committees, events, the internship process and of course ABEP scholarships. Corporate sponsors make commitments to support our program and the education of our students at $5 000 to $10 000 per annum for a five year period. These funds go directly to our scholarship fund and when necessary for our operating expenses. I oversee the program and staff, evaluate and encourage improvements to the program through the Building Personal Excellence and Leadership Initiative, recruitment efforts, and by encouraging advisory and sponsor participation. I also hold a full-time position as Department Head of the Native Studies Department in The Faculty of Arts. I have two kids, Cody 18 and Drew 15 and a funny cat named Coco.

My research interest encouraging a healthy Aboriginal economy, is supported by participation in this program and teaching some of the courses in the Aboriginal Business Studies major. I also teach courses in Native Studies, Faculty of Arts that explore aspects of economy. I have authored two books in this field, one book on northern entrepreneurship and another looking at the rhythms of Aboriginal community economic development.

My Personal Journey to Excellence:

I began my educational journey in the B. Comm. program at the University of Calgary and earned two other degrees there. I earned my LLB, got admitted to the Alberta Bar and then one month later entered the MBA program. In 1994, I was enticed to University of Manitoba to take a position in Native Studies and as ABEP’s Associate Director. I finished my PhD in 2000 where I examined the economic decision-making of Aboriginal communities in western Canada including issues of sustainability, tradition, gender and challenges in economic development.

For many students who want to successfully complete their program of study, they figure out that must make participation in our program a priority. Successful students meet with their colleagues, address personal problems immediately with the help of our Student Advisor and Program Coordinator as well as bring positive attitudes to various corporate and ABEP-sponsored events. Great employment opportunities and scholarships are more easily accessed when our students demonstrate commitment and live ‘reciprocity.’ It is a community of support that creates a winning situation for everyone. If this is not why you are in ABEP then perhaps our program is not for you.