NAN Honours Keewaywin Awards Recipients

Nishnawbe Aski Nation - Special to The Bulletin

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Deputy Grand Chiefs Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Bobby Narcisse, and Victor Linklater congratulate recipients of the 2023 Keewaywin Awards for their outstanding leadership and contributions to our Nations.
“These awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of NAN citizens and their contributions to our communities. It is important that we acknowledge the achievements of these youth, women, and Elders,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “We also acknowledge our crisis workers, who have worked tirelessly to support our communities, and we congratulate members of our youth council who are moving on to bigger and better things. We are grateful for the hard work and leadership that they, and everyone at NAN, provide to our Nations.”
2023 Keewaywin Award recipients include:

• Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership – Abraham Keesickquayash, Cat Lake First Nation
  
• NAN Elder Award – Teri Fiddler, Sandy Lake First Nation
  
• NAN Woman Award – Ardelle Kamenawatamin, Bearskin Lake First Nation
  
• NAN Youth Award (Leadership) – Austin Winters, Kingfisher Lake First Nation
  
• NAN Youth Award (Community Involvement) – Layla Metatawabin, Kashechewan First Nation
  
• NAN Staff Recognition Award – Ashley Jellema, Mental Health Training Coordinator
  

Recipients were honoured Wednesday evening during the 41st Keewaywin Conference, held August 15-17 in the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation.
Four members of the Oshkaatisak (All Young Peoples) Council who have completed their terms were acknowledged for their outstanding leadership over the past five years:

• Jericho Anderson, Kasabonika Lake First Nation
  
• Ashley Bach, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
  
• Janine Frogg, Wapekeka First Nation
  
• Linden Waboose, Eabametoong First Nation
  

Crisis Response Team members from the Community Wellness Department were acknowledged for their response to countless calls for assistance and support: Alarice Petawanikweb (Director), Lillian Suganaqueb, Stewart Kamenewatamin, Tina Scocchia, Destany Johns, Amanda Desaulniers, and Delores Walker.