XXXV Keewaywin Awards honour achievements

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the NAN Executive Council, congratulates the recipients of the 2016 Keewaywin Awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions to NAN.

“On behalf of the Chiefs and Councils of NAN it is my honour to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients for their commitment to their communities and improving the lives of the people of NAN,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “The dedication, leadership and compassion of these outstanding individuals has made a tremendous impact on the lives of our.”

This year, NAN gave out a Special Recognition Award to Stanley Barkman from Sachigo Lake First Nation who walked from Sioux Lookout to Fort McMurray and raised $25,000 for the forest fires that happened in Fort McMurray, Alberta back in May.

Stanley has helped with many walks in the past but the walk to Fort McMurray was the most challenging and longest walk yet.

The recipients were honoured at a banquet Wednesday evening during the XXXV Keewaywin Chiefs Conference held August 9-11 in Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

Award recipients include:

NAN Special Recognition Award- Stanley Barkman, Sachigo Lake First Nation

NAN Elder Recognition Award- Madeline Mary Wheesk, Taykwa Tagamou Nation

Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership- Margaret Kenequanash, North Caribou Lake First Nation

NAN Woman Award- Betsy Connor, Tayka Tagamou Nation

NAN Youth Academic Award- Summer Wabasse, Webequie First Nation

Nan Youth Academic Award- Erickson Owen, Poplar Hill First Nation

NAN Youth Leadership Award- Monica Kataquapit, Attawapiskat First Nation

NAN Youth Athletic Award- Quintin Loon, Stewardson, Slate Falls First Nation

NAN Staff Recognition Award- Angela Carter, Michipicoten First Nation

NAN Host Community Award- Taykwa Tagamou Nation