Ronald Ekdahl Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient
10/23/2018 3:58:00 PM - Public Relations

Ronald Ekdahl Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient

Award recognizes young Native American and Alaska Native leaders across the U.S.

Ronald F. Ekdahl has been named as a 2018 winner of the Native American 40 under 40 award. The National Center is celebrating the 10th anniversary of these awards. The award is bestowed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center), and awardees are nominated by members of their communities because they have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication in making significant contributions in their communities.

“Congratulations are certainly in order for Chief Ekdahl,” states Robert Juckniess, CEO of Migizi EDC. “His leadership for not only the Tribe, but for Migizi Economic Development Company has catapulted the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to new heights. Chief Ekdahl has accomplished so much in such a short period of time and has shown his utmost commitment to the Tribe’s future success.”

Award winners will be honored at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 29-30. The event, "Impacting Generations: Honoring a Decade of Exceptional Service and Leadership"  will be held in conjunction with the National Center's next Native Edge Institute (NEI), a one-day training session focused specifically on procurement. Past and present 40 under 40 awardees will have the opportunity to participate in programming with the goal of providing additional professional development, networking, leadership, and mentorship opportunities.

“We are thrilled to recognize the impressive achievements of Ronald Ekdahl,” said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center. “Ronald Ekdahl joins a diverse group of young women and men cultivated from across American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Each of these individuals has devoted their skills and resources to enhancing their communities. From business, academia, healthcare, tribal government, politics, non-profits, journalism, the law, finance, and marketing, 40 under 40 winners are shining examples for all of us to follow. For the 10th year in a row, it is an honor to recognize these individuals and leaders who will continue to define success for the future of Native American business."