National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Case Study

The Client
Established in 1985, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has evolved its mandate to reflect the changing needs of Aboriginal students and the Aboriginal community. To address this growth, the Foundation now focuses its energies in four areas: educational programs; production of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards; Blueprint for the Future, a series of Aboriginal youth career fairs; and Taking Pulse, a program to get more people employed.

The Challenge
NAAF’s Board of Directed called on the Aboriginal Practise Group to assist in determining the current status and future direction of the Foundation, including governance structures and processes.

How KTA Helped
KTA worked with the Board to plan, design and facilitate the development of a policy document on the role of the Board and a set of action items related to aspects of the Foundation’s governance structure and processes. Governance reforms included the clarification of director responsibilities, obligations and liabilities; recommended actions to improve the effectiveness of Board meetings and to ensure Directors have the information they need; and, a recruitment and succession plan for the Board. KTA also worked with the Board and NAAF staff to develop mission, vision and value statements for the organization.