Patricia Turner
Pat Turner is a member of the Misipawisitik Cree Nation, quality driven and an active community member committed to making a positive difference in the lives of all people in northern Manitoba. With 27 years of entrepreneurial experience, she is no stranger to the hard work that takes to run a successful business. Over the years, Pat has tried a number of ways to give back to her community and implement positive change. In 1977, she started off as a Band Administrator for the Misipawistik Cree Nation (MCN). From there she moved into a regional position with the Swampy Cree Tribal Council as a local government advisor. Unable to implement the results she thought were needed from this position, Pat decided to run for the leadership of her community and in 1985 became Chief of Grand Rapids. Pat completed one term as Chief of MCN and was also elected as the Grand Chief at MKO. Pat worked for the government, in the Department of Employment & Immigration Canada and Indian & Northern Affairs Canada. When she retired, Pat took her pension and invested it all in the business known as ET Development. Pat is a founding member and past President of The Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce; and a Board Member of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, The First Peoples Economic Development Growth Fund & the University College of the North. Inspirational, strong, and opinionated, Turner is a trailblazer and her pioneering spirit and visionary leadership is a compelling take of big-picture thinking and entrepreneurship.
