National Aboriginal Achievement Award
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The Indspire Awards, until 2012 the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, are annual awards presented by Indspire in
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
. The awards are intended to celebrate and encourage excellence in the
Aboriginal Aborigine, aborigine or aboriginal may refer to: *Aborigines (mythology), in Roman mythology * Indigenous peoples, general term for ethnic groups who are the earliest known inhabitants of an area *One of several groups of indigenous peoples, see ...
community.


About

The awards were first established in 1993, and presented in 1994, in conjunction with the
United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and international security, security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be ...
declared International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The awards are intended to celebrate and encourage excellence in the Indigenous community. Awards may be presented in a variety of categories, depending on the particular achievements of Aboriginal people in the nominating period — 14 awards are presented each year including one for Lifetime Achievement and three special Youth Awards, one each for First Nations,
Inuit Inuit (; iu, ᐃᓄᐃᑦ 'the people', singular: Inuk, , dual: Inuuk, ) are a group of culturally similar indigenous peoples inhabiting the Arctic and subarctic regions of Greenland, Labrador, Quebec, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories ...
and
Métis The Métis ( ; Canadian ) are Indigenous peoples who inhabit Canada's three Prairie Provinces, as well as parts of British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the Northern United States. They have a shared history and culture which derives ...
, that comes with a cash prize of $10,000 and 10 career categories with not all individual career categories necessarily presented annually. To be eligible an individual must be of either First Nations, Inuit, or Métis heritage. Additionally they must demonstrate outstanding career achievement, and be a permanent Canadian resident or be Canadian born. The awards are broadcast annually on the
Global Television Network The Global Television Network (more commonly called Global, or occasionally Global TV) is a Canadian English-language terrestrial television network. It is currently Canada's second most-watched private terrestrial television network after ...
and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Since 1985 Indspire through its Education Program has awarded more than $87-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 25,00 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide.


Award categories

The award categories are: *Arts *Business and Commerce *Culture, Heritage and Spirituality *Education *Environment and Natural Resources *Health *Law and Justice *Politics *Public Service *Sports *Lifetime Achievement Award *Youth Award, First Nation *Youth Award, Inuit *Youth Award, Métis


Eligibility criteria

Individuals of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry who have reached a significant level of achievement in their respective occupations are eligible for nomination. Any person may nominate a candidate they deem to be worthy of this recognition with reference to the following criteria: * Of First Nations, Inuit or Métis heritage * Who demonstrate outstanding career achievement * Of any age with the exception of the youth category * Permanent Canadian resident or Canadian born * Youth achiever nominees must be 15–27 years of age


Indspire Awards recipients

Each year 14 recipients are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in various disciplines ranging from health, law, political science, culture, arts, and others, two of which are specific recognition to one outstanding youth achiever and one lifetime achievement recipient. The awards are recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the highest honours the community can bestow upon its own achievers.


1994

* William Lyall, Business *
Jean Cuthand Goodwill Jean Cuthand Goodwill OC (1928 – August 25, 1997) was a Canadian Cree nurse who, in 1954, became Saskatchewan's first Aboriginal woman to finish a nursing program. Biography Goodwill grew up on the Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan; she ...
, Community Service * Verna Kirkness, Education *Cindy Kenny-Gilday, Environment * Alanis Obomsawin, Film * Murray Sinclair, Justice * Bill Reid, Lifetime Achievement * Susan Aglukark, Performance *
Thelma Chalifoux Thelma J. Chalifoux (February 8, 1929 – September 22, 2017) was a Canadian teacher and senator. Biography Chalifoux was born in Calgary, Alberta on February 8, 1929. One of five children, her mother, Helené, helped support the family by tra ...
, Public Service *
Nellie Cournoyea Nellie Cournoyea (born March 4, 1940 in Aklavik, Northwest Territories) is a Canadian politician, who served as the sixth premier of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 1995. She was the first female premier of a Canadian territory and the sec ...
, Public Service *
Rosemarie Kuptana Rosemarie Esther Kuptana (sometimes Rose Marie Kuptana) , LL.D. (born 24 March 1954 near Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories, Canada) is a Canadian Inuvialuit politician, Inuit rights activist, broadcaster and journalist. Besides serving with ...
, Public Service *Art Solomon, Spiritual Leadership *
Ted Nolan Theodore John Nolan (born April 7, 1958) is a Canadian former professional hockey left winger, former head coach of the Buffalo Sabres and Latvia men's national ice hockey team. From July 2017 until May 2018 he was head coach of the Poland men' ...
, Sports


1995

*
Douglas Cardinal Douglas Joseph Cardinal (born 7 March 1934) is a Canadian architect based in Ottawa, Ontario. His flowing architecture marked with smooth curvilinear forms is influenced by his Indigenous heritage as well as European Expressionist architecture.< ...
, Architecture * Robert Davidson, Arts and Culture *Frank Hansen, Business and Culture *Louis Stevenson, Community Development * Ernest Benedict, Education * Marie Smallface Marule, Education *Ahab Spence, Education *
Matthew Coon Come Matthew Coon Come (born April 13, 1956) is a Canadian politician and activist of Cree descent. He was National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 2000 to 2003. Born near Mistissini, Quebec, Coon Come was first educated at LaTuque India ...
, Environment and Public Service *Maggie Hodgson, Health Services * Alfred Scow, Law and Justice * Kenojuak Ashevak, Lifetime Achievement *Noah Carpenter, Medicine *Sharla Tiakohatéhkwen Howard, Special Youth * Angela Chalmers, Sports


1996

* Maria Campbell, Arts *
Tom Jackson Tom or TOM may refer to: * Tom (given name), a diminutive of Thomas or Tomás or an independent Aramaic given name (and a list of people with the name) Characters * Tom Anderson, a character in ''Beavis and Butt-Head'' * Tom Beck, a character ...
, Arts *Rose Auger, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *James Watson Walkus, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Marlene Brant Castellano, Education * Mary Simon, Environment and Natural Resources * Frank Arthur Calder, Lifetime Achievement *
Yvon Dumont W. Yvon Dumont, (born January 21, 1951) is a Manitoba politician and office-holder. In 1993, he became the first member of Manitoba's Métis community to be appointed as the province's 21st Lieutenant Governor. He was born in St. Laurent, Man ...
, Public Service *
Phil Fontaine Larry Phillip Fontaine, (born September 20, 1944) is an Indigenous Canadian leader. He completed his third and final term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 2009. Early life Fontaine, an Ojibwe, was born at the Sagkeeng Firs ...
, Public Service *
Elijah Harper Elijah Harper (March 3, 1949 – May 17, 2013) was a Canadian Oji-Cree politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA) from 1981 to 1992 and a member of Parliament (MP) from 1993 to 1997. Harper was elected chie ...
, Public Service *Albert Charles Rock, Science and Technology *Robert E. Johnson Jr., Special Youth *
Alwyn Morris Alwyn Morris, CM (born November 22, 1957) is a retired Canadian sprint kayaker. A member of the Mohawk nation in Kahnawake, he is considered one of the most influential Indigenous athletes of all time. He is the first and only Aboriginal Canad ...
, Sports *
Mary Two-Axe Earley Mary Two-Axe Earley (born Mary Two-Axe; October 4, 1911 – August 21, 1996) was a Mohawk and Oneida women's rights activist from the reserve of Kahnawake in Quebec, Canada. After losing her legal Indian status due to marrying a non-status man ...
, Women's Rights


1997

*
Kiawak Ashoona Kiugak Ashoona (September 16, 1933 – 2014; also known as Kiawak; Inuktitut syllabics ᑭᐅᒐᒃ ᐊᓲᓇ) was a Canadian Inuk artist renowned for his sculptural work and his expansive artistic portfolio. He experienced the longest career of ...
, Arts *
Gil Cardinal Gilbert Joseph "Gil" Cardinal (July 19, 1950 – November 21, 2015) was a Canadian filmmaker of Métis descent. Born in Edmonton in 1950, and placed in a foster home at the age of two, Cardinal only discovered his Métis roots while making his d ...
, Arts *
Graham Greene Henry Graham Greene (2 October 1904 – 3 April 1991) was an English writer and journalist regarded by many as one of the leading English novelists of the 20th century. Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquir ...
, Arts *
Rita Joe Rita Joe, (born Rita Bernard; March 15, 1932 – March 20, 2007) was a Mi'kmaq poet and songwriter, often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people. Biography Rita was born March 15, 1932 in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton Island, N ...
, Arts *
Billy Diamond Billy Diamond (May 19, 1949 – September 30, 2010) was the Chief of the Waskaganish, Quebec Cree from 1970 to 1976, the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees from 1974 to 1984, and a successful businessman who founded Air Creebec. Diamond ...
, Business & Commerce * Charlie Watt, Community Development * Stanley John McKay, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Martin Gale McLoughlin, Health *Chester R. Cunningham, Law & Justice *
Harry S. LaForme Harry Smith LaForme (born October 31, 1946) is a Canadian judge. A member of the Mississaugas people, LaForme is the first appellate court judge in Canadian history with a First Nations background. He has served as the Commissioner of the India ...
, Law & Justice *
Olive Dickason Olive Patricia Dickason (1920–2011) was a Métis historian and journalist. She was the first scholar in Canada to receive a PHD in Indigenous history. She is known for writing one of the first textbooks about First Nations in Canada, ''Canada's ...
, Lifetime Achievement *
Stephen Kakfwi Stephen Kakfwi (born 1950 in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories) is a Canadian politician, who was the ninth premier of the Northwest Territories. His sixteen-year tenure in the cabinet of the Northwest Territories is the longest in the Territo ...
, Public Service *George Berthe, Special Youth *
Darren Zack Darren Zack (born 1960 in Garden River, Ontario, Canada), also known by his nickname "Z-MAN" is a fastpitch softball player.Chiefs and Champions Darren Zack'' (2006). Vancouver, BC : Moving Images Distribution Zack is an Ojibwa softball player and ...
, Sports


1998

*
Tantoo Cardinal Tantoo Cardinal CM (born Rose Marie Cardinal; July 20, 1950) is a Canadian actress of Cree and Métis heritage. In 2009, she was made a member of the Order of Canada "for her contributions to the growth and development of Aboriginal performing ar ...
, Arts *
Daphne Odjig Daphne Odjig, D.Litt LL. D. (September 11, 1919 – October 1, 2016), was a Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potawatomi-English heritage. Her paintings are often characterized as Woodlands Style or as the pictographic style. She was the ...
, Arts *
Tagak Curley Tagak Curley (born 1944) is an Inuit leader, politician and businessman from Nunavut. As a prominent figure in the negotiations that led to the creation of Nunavut, Tagak is considered a living father of confederation in Canada. He was born in ...
, Business & Commerce *Abel Bosum, Community Development *Emily Jane Faries, Education * Cornelia Wieman, Health *Joe Crowshoe, Heritage and Spirituality *
Roberta Jamieson Roberta L. Jamieson, OC is a Canadian lawyer and First Nations activist. She was the first Indigenous woman ever to earn a law degree in Canada, the first non-Parliamentarian to be appointed an ''ex officio'' member of a House of Commons committe ...
, Law & Justice *
Buffy Sainte-Marie Buffy Sainte-Marie, (born Beverly Sainte-Marie, February 20, 1941) is an Indigenous Canadian-American (Piapot Cree Nation) singer-songwriter, musician, composer, visual artist, educator, pacifist, and social activist. While working in these are ...
, Lifetime Achievement * John Amagoalik, Public Service *
Georges Erasmus Georges Henry Erasmus, OC (born August 8, 1948 in Behchoko, Northwest Territories) is a Canadian politician. He was the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 1985 to 1991. Erasmus was born in a Dene community of the Northwest ...
, Public Service *Dan E. Goodleaf, Public Service *Wade R. Cachagee, Special Youth * Bryan Trottier, Sports


1999

*
Dorothy Grant Dorothy Grant is an Indigenous fashion designer whose works have gained public recognition as expressions of living Haida culture. Biography Early life Grant was born in Hydaburg, Alaska, but was raised in Ketchikan. She is a Kaigani Haida ...
, Business & Commerce *David Gabriel Tuccaro, Business & Commerce *Dorothy Betz, Community Development *Theresa Stevenson, Community Development *
Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk Mitiarjuk Attasie Nappaaluk (1931–2007) was a Canadian Inuk writer. She was most noted for '' Sanaaq'', one of the first Inuktitut language novels; although written earlier, it was published later than Markoosie Patsauq's ''Harpoon of the Hunter ...
, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Howard Adams, Education *Malcolm King, Health *Edward Kantonkote Cree, Health *James Igloliorte, Law & Justice * Rose Toodick Boyko, Law & Justice * Allen Sapp, Lifetime Achievement *
James Bartleman James Karl Bartleman (born 24 December 1939) is a former Canadian diplomat and author who served as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2002 to 2007. Bartleman grew up in the Muskoka town of Port Carling, and he is a member of the ...
, Public Service *
Lillian Dyck Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, (born August 24, 1945) is a retired Canadian senator from Saskatchewan. A member of the Cree Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, and a first generation Chinese Canadian, she is the first female First Nations senator an ...
, Science *‘Alika LaFontaine, Youth


2000

*Art Thompson, Arts *John Charles Bernard, Business & Commerce *Roy Albert Whitney, Business & Commerce *Paul J. Birckel, Community Development *Simon Baker, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *
Edith Josie Edith Josie (December 8, 1921 – January 31, 2010)Jo-Ann Archibald, Education *Miles G. Richardson, Environment and Natural Resources *Fjola Hart-Wasekeesikaw, Health *
Steven Point Steven Lewis Point, (''Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl'') (born July 28, 1951) is a Canadian jurist and current chancellor of the University of British Columbia. He served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 2007 to 2012. He also served ...
, Law & Justice * Joseph Arthur Gosnell, Lifetime Achievement *Leetia Ineak, Media & Communication * Konrad Haskan Sioui, Public Service *
Waneek Horn-Miller Waneek Horn-Miller (born November 30, 1975) is a Canadian water polo player from the Kahnawake Mohwak Territory. She was a member of the Canadian women's water polo team that won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg. Horn-Mill ...
, Special Youth


2001

* Tomson Highway, Arts *Dolly Watts, Business & Commerce *Fred House, Community Development *Mariano Aupilardjuk, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Freda Ahenakew, Education *Mary Thomas, Environment and Natural Resources *Lindsay Crowshoe, Health * Harold Cardinal, Lifetime Achievement *
Roman Bittman Roman Norbert Bittman (June 5, 1941 - November 7, 2017) was a Canadian film and television producer, most noted as a longtime producer of news and current affairs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Born in Fort Vermilion, Alberta to a Germ ...
, Media & Communication * Zacharias Kunuk, Media & Communication *
Leonard Marchand Leonard Stephen "Len" Marchand, (November 16, 1933 – June 3, 2016) was a Canadian politician. He was the first person of First Nations status to serve in the federal cabinet, after being the first Status Indian elected and serving as a Memb ...
, Public Service *
Richard Nerysoo Richard Nerysoo (born 1953) is a territorial level politician from the Northwest Territories, Canada. He was a member of the Northwest Territories Legislature from 1979 to 1995 and served as the third premier of the Northwest Territories and Sp ...
, Public Service * Nick Sibbeston, Public Service *Lance Relland, Special Youth


2002

*Ohito Ashoona, Arts * Freda Diesing, Arts *Harry Deneron, Business & Commerce *Leonard (Len) G. Flett, Business & Commerce *George Kurszewski, Community Development * Noel Knockwood, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Roy Fox, Energy *Gilles Pinette, Health *
Alex Janvier Alex Simeon Janvier, LL.D (; born February 28, 1935) is a First Nation artist in Canada. As a member of the commonly referred to " Indian Group of Seven", Janvier is a pioneer of contemporary Canadian Aboriginal art in Canada. Career Alex Janv ...
, Lifetime Achievement *
Gail Guthrie Valaskakis Gail Guthrie Valaskakis (1939-2007) was a media studies scholar who taught in the Department of Communication Studies at Concordia University, where she also served as Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1992-1997). After leaving Concordia ...
, Media & Communication *Jonah Kelly, Media & Communication * Joseph Tokwiro Norton, Public Service *
Jordin Tootoo Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo (; born February 2, 1983) is a Canadian former professional hockey player, who played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. Of Inuit, Ukrainian and English descent, h ...
, Special Youth * Michael Nepinak, Sports


2003

*
John Arcand Jean Baptiste "John" Arcand, (born July 19, 1942 in Jackson Lake, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian fiddler, composer, teacher, and luthier. Arcand has been composing and performing since childhood, having learned the traditional Red River Métis t ...
, Arts * Tom King, Arts *Mel E. Benson, Business & Commerce *Gary Bosgoed, Business & Commerce * Mary Richard, Community Development *Charles Edward Lennie, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Leroy Little Bear, Education *Simon Lucas, Environment and Natural Resources *Judith Bartlett, Health *Jay Wortman, Health *John J. Borrows, Law & Justice *
Robbie Robertson Jaime Royal "Robbie" Robertson, OC (born July 5, 1943), is a Canadian musician. He is best known for his work as lead guitarist and songwriter for the Band, and for his career as a solo recording artist. With the deaths of Richard Manuel in ...
, Lifetime Achievement * Sophie Pierre, Public Service *Matthew Dunn, Special Youth


2004

*
Tina Keeper Tina Keeper, OM (born March 20, 1962) is a Cree actress, film producer and former politician from Canada.
, Arts * Susan Point, Arts *
Osuitok Ipeelee Osuitok Ipeelee (23 September 1923 Neeouleeutalik camp-2005 Cape DorsetClarence Louie Clarence Louie is a Canadian First Nations leader and businessman. Louie has been the chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia's Okanagan for ten terms, the first beginning in 1985. He has been credited with contributing to the econo ...
, Business & Commerce *
Basil Johnston Basil H. Johnston (13 July 1929 – 8 September 2015) was a Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) and Canadian writer, storyteller, language teacher and scholar. Biography Johnston was born July 13, 1929 on the Parry Island Indian Reserve to Rufus and Mary (n ...
, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Carl Urion, Education *
Sheila Watt-Cloutier Sheila Watt-Cloutier (born 2 December 1953) is a Canadian Inuk activist. She has been a political representative for Inuit at the regional, national and international levels, most recently as International Chair for the Inuit Circumpolar Counc ...
, Environment and Natural Resources * Stanley Vollant, Health *Muriel Stanley Venne, Law & Justice *Andrew T. Delisle Sr., Lifetime Achievement *
Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, (March 10, 1935 – March 4, 2006) was a Canadian Métis business woman. Biography Born in Sainte-Adèle, Quebec, she was the first aboriginal person in Canada to own and operate a private commercial radio station, Wel ...
, Media & Communication *
Pearl Calahasen Pearl Calahasen (born December 5, 1952) is a Canadian politician, who represented the electoral district of Lesser Slave Lake in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1989 to 2015. A member of the Progressive Conservative party and former ...
, Public Service *Lee Wilson, Science and Technology *Kristinn Frederickson, Special Youth


2005

*Joe Jacobs, Arts * Gerald McMaster, Arts *Douglas Golosky, Business & Commerce *
Judy Gingell Judy Gingell, (born November 26, 1946Eber Hampton, Education * Emma LaRocque, Education *Andy Carpenter Sr., Environment and Natural Resources *Thomas Dignan, Health *
Bertha Allen Bertha Allen ( Moses; 1934 – 7 May 2010) was a Vuntut Gwitchin women's rights and aboriginal rights advocate. She was a recipient of the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case and is a Member of the Order of Canada ...
, Lifetime Achievement *Brenda Chambers, Media & Communication *Lolly Annahatak, Social Services *Fauna Kingdon, Special Youth * Sharon Anne Firth, Sports


2006

*
Jane Ash Poitras Jane Ash Poitras LL. D. D.Litt (born 1951) is a Cree painter and printmaker from Canada. Her work uses the idioms of mainstream art to express the experience of Aboriginal people in Canada. Life Jane Ash Poitras was born in Fort Chipewyan Alber ...
, Arts *Bernd Christmas, Business & Commerce * Wendy Grant-John, Community Development *Gladys Taylor Cook, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Taiaiake (Gerald) Alfred, Education *Billy Day, Environment and Natural Resources *Herb Belcourt, Housing * James (Sakej) Youngblood Henderson, Law & Justice * Jim Sinclair, Lifetime Achievement *Myra Cree, Media & Communication *
George Tuccaro George Tuccaro (born May 12, 1950) was the commissioner of the Northwest Territories. He served in that position from May 12, 2010 until May 10, 2016. Biography George Tuccaro was born on May 12, 1950, in northern Alberta. A member of the Mikise ...
, Media & Communication *
Tony Belcourt Anthony "Tony" Belcourt OC (born May 11, 1943) is a Métis Rights leader and activist in Canada. He was the first president of the Native Council of Canada (1971-1974). He is best known for his work as the founding President of the Métis Natio ...
, Public Service *Andrea Dykstra, Special Youth * Shirley Firth Larsson, Sports


2007

*
Joane Cardinal-Schubert Joane Cardinal-Schubert LL. D (Kainai, 1942–2009) was a First Nations artist from Alberta, Canada. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. She was an activist for Native sovereignty. Early life Cardinal-Schubert was born in 194 ...
, Arts *
Jack Poole John Wilson "Jack" Poole, (April 14, 1933 – October 23, 2009) was a Canadian businessman who, as the head of the VANOC bid committee, was responsible for bringing the 2010 Winter Olympics to Canada. He died of pancreatic cancer shortly afte ...
, Business & Commerce *Alestine Andre, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Joe Michel, Education *David Walkem, Environment and Natural Resources *Joseph Couture, Health *Hugh Braker, Law & Justice *Bertha Clark Jones, Lifetime Achievement *Lisa Meeches, Media & Communication *Fred Carmichael, Politics *Lewis Cardinal, Public Service *
James Makokis James Makokis (born 1981 or 1982) is a Saddle Lake Cree Nation Physician, doctor. Career Makokis operates a clinic in the Enoch Cree Nation 135 serving the Kehewin and Enoch Cree Nations,Jonathan Charlton, Alberta doctor wants to bridge Cree and ...
, Special Youth * Wegadesk Gorup-Paul, Sports *Monica Peters, Technology & Trades


2008

* Shirley Cheechoo, Arts *Jim Boucher, Business & Commerce *Hubert Skye, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Marie Ann Battiste, Education *Elizabeth (Tshaukuesh) Penashue, Environment and Natural Resources *Jeff Reading, Health *David C. Nahwegahbow, Law & Justice *
Norval Morrisseau Norval Morrisseau (March 14, 1932 – December 4, 2007), also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Known as the "Picasso of the North", Morrisseau created works depi ...
, Lifetime Achievement *Paul Andrew, Media & Communication *
Joe Handley Joseph "Joe" L. Handley, MLA (born August 9, 1943), is a former teacher, politician and civil servant and was the tenth premier of the Northwest Territories. Early life Handley was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan in 1943. Prior to moving to ...
, Politics *Sylvia B. Maracle, Public Service *Boyd Wesley Benjamin, Special Youth * Reggie Leach, Sports


2009

*Melanie Jackson, Arts *Dennis Jackson, Arts *Allan C. McLeod, Business & Commerce *Stephen J. Augustine, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Cecil King, Education *Gordon W. Prest, Environment and Natural Resources *Candace Grier-Lowe, Health * Delia Opekokew, Law & Justice *Stan Cuthand, Lifetime Achievement *
Carol Morin Carol Morin (born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a media personality, writer and artist from Saskatchewan. Early life Morin was born in Regina, Saskatchewan but is originally from Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan. She is of Cree and Chipewyan descen ...
, Media & Communication *
Paul Okalik Paul Okalik ( iu, ᐹᓪ ᐅᑲᓕᖅ, ; born May 26, 1964) is a Canadian politician. He is the first Inuk to have been called to the Nunavut Bar. He was also the first premier of Nunavut. On November 4, 2010, he was elected Speaker of the Legi ...
, Politics *Joan Glode, Public Service *Chelsea Lavallée, Special Youth * Adam Sioui, Sports *Mervin J. Dewasha, Technology & Trades


2010

*
Kananginak Pootoogook Kananginak Pootoogook (1 January 1935 – 23 November 2010) was an Inuk sculptor and printmaker who lived in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, in Canada. He died as a result of complications related to surgery for lung cancer. Biography Pootoogook was bo ...
, Arts *Ellen Melcosky, Business & Commerce *Tom Crane Bear, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Raoul J. McKay, Education *Danny Beaton, Environment and Natural Resources * Madeleine Kētēskwew Dion Stout, Health *Donald Worme, Law & Justice *
William Commanda William Commanda OC (November 11, 1913 – August 3, 2011) (Algonquin name: ''Ojshigkwanàng'', normally written ''Ojigkwanong'', meaning "Morning Star") was an Algonquin elder, spiritual leader, and promoter of environmental stewardship. Command ...
, Lifetime *Kenneth Atsenhaienton Deer, Media & Communication * Eric Robinson, Politics *Edith Cloutier, Public Service *Skawenniio Barnes, Special Youth * Monica Pinette, Sports *Doug Henry, Technology & Trades


2011

*
Corrine Hunt Corrine Hunt (born 1959), also known as Nugwam Gelatleg'lees, is a Kwakwaka'wakw/Tlingit artist, carver, jeweller and designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Early life Hunt is a member of the Raven Gwa'waina clan from Ts'akis, or ...
, Arts *Joseph F. Dion, Business & Commerce *Paingut Annie Peterloosie, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Margo L. Greenwood, Education *Ronald Edward Sparrow, Environment & Natural Resources *Marcia Anderson DeCoteau, Health *Roger Jones, Law & Justice *Lillian McGregor, Lifetime *Jean LaRose, Media & Communications *
Audrey Poitras Audrey Mae Poitras ( née Audrey Mae Dumont; born 1950) has served as president of the Métis Nation of Alberta since 1996, the first female in that position. She also serves as vice-president on the Canadian Métis National Council and joined th ...
, Politics *
Cindy Blackstock Cindy Blackstock is a Canadian Gitxsan activist for child welfare and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is also a professor for the School of Social Work at McGill University. Early life an ...
, Public Service *Teyotsihstokwáthe Dakota Brant, Special Youth * Frederick G. Sasakamoose, Sports *Duncan Cree, Technology & Trades


2012

*
Adam Beach Adam Beach (born November 11, 1972) is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his roles as Victor Joseph in ''Smoke Signals'', Frank Fencepost in ''Dance Me Outside'', Tommy on ''Walker, Texas Ranger'', Kickin' Wing in ''Joe Dirt'', U.S. Marine C ...
, Arts *Victor S. Buffalo, Business & Commerce *Dave Courchene, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Leona Makokis, Education *Richard Stewart Hardy, Environment & Natural Resources *Janet Smylie, Health *Violet Ford, Law & Justice * Gerry St. Germain, Lifetime *
Richard Wagamese Richard Wagamese (October 14, 1955 – March 10, 2017) was an Ojibwe Canadian author and journalist from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Northwestern Ontario."Indian Horse is a dark ride". '' Calgary Herald'', February 28, 2012. He was be ...
, Media & Communications * Leona Aglukkaq, Politics * Edward John, Politics *Minnie Grey, Public Service *
Richard Peter Richard Peter (10 May 1895 – 3 October 1977) was a German press photographer and photojournalist. He is best known for his photographs of Dresden just after the end of the Second World War. Life Richard Peter was born and raised in Klein Je ...
, Sports *Earl Cook, Youth *Candace Sutherland, Youth


2013

* Jacqueline Guest, Arts *Charlie Evalik, Business & Commerce * Winston Wuttunee Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Education *Lloyd (Sonny) Flett, Environment & Natural Resources *Ruby Jacobs, Health *Viola Robinson, Law & Justice *Alex Van Bibber, Lifetime Achievement *Duane Smith, Politics *Gail Cyr, Public Service *
Theoren Fleury Theoren Wallace "Theo" Fleury (born June 29, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, author, and motivational speaker. Fleury played for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks of the ...
, Sports *Gabrielle Scrimshaw, Youth First Nation *Elizabeth Zarpa, Youth Inuit *Graham Kotowich, Youth Métis


2014

* Kent Monkman, Arts *Marie Yvonne Delorme, Business & Commerce *Maggie Paul, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Rita Bouvier, Education *Charlie Snowshoe, Environment & Natural Resources * Evan Tlesla II Adams, Health * Marion Meadmore, Law & Justice *James Eetoolook, Lifetime Achievement *Stewart Philip, Politics *Robert Watts, Public Service *
Mary Spencer Mary Spencer (born December 12, 1984) is a Canadians, Canadian boxer who competes as a 75 kilogram middleweight. She has won three World Championships, one Pan American Games gold medal, and eight Canadian Championships. Spencer's athletic career ...
, Sports *John Nicholas Jeddore, Youth First Nation *Sarah Arngna’naaq, Youth Inuit *Christie Lavallée, Youth Métis *Kristinn Frederickson, Youth Special


2015

*Ron E. Scott, Arts *Brenda La Rose, Business and Commerce *
Peter Irniq Piita Taqtu Irniq, formerly Peter Irniq, (born February 1, 1947) is an Inuk politician in Canada, who served as the second commissioner of Nunavut from April 2000 to April 2005. Biography Born in Lyon Inlet near Repulse Bay, Northwest Territ ...
, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Paulette C. Tremblay, Education *Gerald Anderson, Environment and Natural Resources *William Julius Mussell, Health * Wilton Littlechild, Law and Justice *Elsie Yanik, Lifetime Achievement *Kim Baird, Politics *
Madeleine Redfern Madeleine Redfern (born 1967) is a Canadian Inuit politician, who was elected mayor of Iqaluit, Nunavut in a by-election on December 13, 2010. She was the city's mayor until 2019. She was born in Iqaluit (then called Frobisher Bay, Northwest ...
, Public Service *
Gino Odjick Wayne Gino Odjick (September 7, 1970 – January 15, 2023) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1990 to 2002 for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelph ...
, Sports *Jordan Konek, Youth *Kendal Netmaker, Youth *Gabrielle Fayant, Youth Métis


2016

*
Joseph Boyden Joseph Boyden (born October 31, 1966) is a Canadian novelist and short story writer of Irish and Scottish descent. He also claims Indigenous descent, but this is widely disputed. Joseph Boyden is best known for writing about First Nations culture ...
, Arts *Clint Davis, Business and Commerce *Jim Ochiese, Culture, Heritage, & Spirituality *Mae Louise Campbell, Culture, Heritage, & Spirituality * Jo-Ann Episkenew, Education *Pat Mandy, Health *Mark L’Hirondelle Stevenson, Law and Justice *Robert Joseph, Lifetime Achievement *
Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell (or simply Mike Mitchell) is a longtime Canadian Mohawk politician, pioneering First Nations film director and a leading figure in First Nations lacrosse. First elected to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in 1982, he be ...
, Politics *
Leonard George Leonard George (born 1957) is a Canadian psychologist and schizophrenia researcher based in Vancouver, British Columbia, best known for his writing and lectures on varieties of anomalous phenomena, spirituality, psychology and history. In the 1 ...
, Public Service * Carey Price, Sports *Christian Kowalchuk, Youth Recipient *Killulark (Laura) Arngna’naaq, Youth Recipient *Zondra Roy, Youth Recipient


2017

*Cece Hodgson-McCauley, Politics *
Doreen Spence Elder Doreen Spence (born 1937) is a Canadian indigenous rights activist. She founded several indigenous rights organisations in Alberta and advises international organisations in indigenous rights issues. Life Spence was born in the Saddle La ...
, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *
Duncan McCue Duncan McCue is a Canadian television and radio journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He is Anishinaabe (Ojibway), from Ontario, a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. A longtime reporter for CBC Television's ' ...
, Public Service *Heather Kashman, Sports *Jan Kahehti:io Longboat, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Josh Butcher, Youth *Kimberly R. Murray BA, LL.B, IPC, Law & Justice *Maatalii Okalik, Youth *Nathan Matthew, Education *Phillip “Jerry” Asp, Business & Commerce *Senator Murray Sinclair, Lifetime Achievement *Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook, Health *Thomas Dymond, Youth


2018

*
Ashley Callingbull Ashley Callingbull (born October 21, 1989) is a Canadian model, actress, and television personality. She became the first Canadian and Indigenous woman to win the Mrs. Universe title on 29 August 2015. She and her stepfather participated in the ...
, Youth - First Nation Recipient *Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, Youth - Inuit Recipient *Dr. Evelyn Voyageur, Health *Dr.
Gloria Cranmer Webster Gloria Cranmer Webster (born July 4, 1931) is a Canadian First Nations activist, museum curator and writer of Kwakwaka'wakw descent. Biography The daughter of Dan Cranmer, a chief of the Kwakwaka'wakw, she was born Gloria Cranmer in Alert Bay, B ...
, Lifetime Achievement *Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, Education *Dr. Mike DeGagné, Public Service * Greg Hill, Arts *Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Michael Linklater, Sports *Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Business & Commerce *Paul Chartrand, Law & Justice *Theland Kicknosway, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Tracie Léost, Youth - Métis Recipient


2019

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Atuat Akittirq Atuat Akkitirq is a Canadian filmmaker, actress and costume designer. A partner in the filmmaking collective Arnait Video Productions, she was a shortlisted Genie Award nominee for Best Costume Design at the 22nd Genie Awards in 2002 for '' Atanar ...
, Lifetime Achievement *Barbara Todd Hager, Arts *
Billy-Ray Belcourt Billy-Ray Belcourt is a poet, scholar, and author from the Driftpile Cree Nation. Belcourt's works encompass a variety of topics and themes, including decolonial love, grief, intimacy and queer sexuality, and the role of Indigenous women in so ...
, Youth - First Nation Recipient *
Brigette Lacquette Brigette Lacquette (born November 10, 1992) is a Canadian ice hockey player, currently playing for the Calgary section of the PWHPA and the Canadian national team, playing defence. She participated at the 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship. I ...
, Sports *Dianne Corbiere, Law & Justice *Dr. Marlyn Cook, Health *Dr. Vianne Timmons, Education *Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson, Business & Commerce *
James Lavallée James Lavallée (born 6 October 1997) is a Métis sprint kayaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is a Canada Games multiple medalist and a member of the Canadian Junior National Kayak Team. Lavallée was the (male) recipient of the 2017 To ...
, Youth - Métis Recipient *Jijuu Mary Snowshoe, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *
Kelly Fraser Kelly Fraser (August 8, 1993 – December 24, 2019) was a Canadian Inuk pop singer and songwriter, whose second album, ''Sedna'', received a Juno Award nomination for Indigenous Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2018. Life and car ...
, Youth - Inuit Recipient *Peter Dinsdale, Public Service


2020

*Alicia Aragutak, Youth - Inuit Recipient *
Ta'Kaiya Blaney Ta'Kaiya Skoden Stoodis Kayden Gwanden Blaney (born 2001) is a singer, award-winning actress, speaker, and environmental activist from the Tla A'min Nation in British Columbia, Canada. She is an ambassador for the Native Children’s Survival In ...
, Youth - First Nation Recipient *Claudette Commanda, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *
Jeannette Corbiere Lavell Jeannette Corbiere Lavell (born June 21, 1942) is a Canadian and Anishinaabe community worker who focused on women's and children's rights. In 2018, she was honoured as a member of the Order of Canada. Biography She was born Jeannette Vivian Co ...
, Lifetime Achievement *Marian Jacko, Law & Justice *Karen Lawford, Health *Candice Lys, Education *Dawn Madahbee Leach, Business & Commerce *Alana Robert, Youth - Métis Recipient *
Cowboy Smithx Cowboy Smithx (born January 31, 1982) is a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. He has acted in, co-produced, and directed a few short films and music videos. His best known work is a full feature do ...
, Arts *Gina Wilson, Public Service


2021

*
Lesley Hampton Lesley Hampton is a First Nations Canadian fashion designer from Toronto. Early life Hampton was born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, but also lived in Calgary, Yellowknife, Australia, and Indonesia during her youth. She is part of t ...
, Youth *Mitchell MacDougall, Youth *Justin Langan, Youth *
Drew Hayden Taylor Drew Hayden Taylor (born 1 July 1962) is a Canadian playwright, author and journalist. Life and career Born in Curve Lake, Ontario, Taylor is part Ojibwe and part Caucasian. About his background Taylor says: "I plan to start my own nation. Bec ...
, Arts *Rosa Walker, Business and Commerce *Emily Angulalik, Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality *Lorne Gladu, Education *Catherine Cook, Health *Val Napoleo, Law and Justice *
Nahanni Fontaine Nahanni Fontaine (born 1971) is a Canadian provincial politician, who was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for the riding of St. Johns in the 2016 and 2019 elections. She held the seat for the NDP after incumbent MLA ...
, Public Service * Dallas Soonias, Sports * Qapik Attagutsiak, Lifetime Achievement


2022

*Shayla Oulette-Stonechild, Youth *Melissa Attagutsiak, Youth *Tristen Durocher, Youth * David Wolfman, Arts *Jenn Harper, Business & Commerce *Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth Phillips, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Annette Trimbee, Education *Melanie MacKinnon, Health *Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay, Law & Justice *Terry Goodtrack, Public Service *
Terry Felix Terry Felix (born 9 September 1959) is a Canadian retired soccer player who earned three caps for the national team in 1983. He played club soccer for the Vancouver Whitecaps competing in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He was the fir ...
, Sport *Marjorie White, Lifetime Achievement


See also

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Aboriginal Canadian personalities Over the course of centuries, many Indigenous Canadians have played a critical role in shaping the history of Canada. From art and music, to law and government, to sports and war; Indigenous customs and culture have had a strong influences on ...


References

{{reflist, 30em


External links


IndspireIndspire Laureates with biographies of each recipient

Nomination procedure