Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: Truth and Reconciliation Recognition Gathering 2026

Tim Brody - Editor

Described as “an evening to celebrate changemakers in our community, to reflect on our history, and to build a stronger, respectful future together,” it was a full house at the Sioux Lookout Municipal Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s (TRC) Truth and Reconciliation Recognition Gathering on April 24 at the former Queen Elizabeth District High School.
“This event is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge individuals who have made a meaningful impact in our community by promoting awareness, demonstrating strength, supporting others, or driving positive change toward reconciliation. It is also a chance to reflect on where we have come from and continue building a strong foundation for working, learning, and living together with respect and understanding,” literature provided by the municipal TRC informed.
The committee had put out a call to the community to recognize such individuals in the community and committee representatives at the event said they were impressed with the number of nominations they received.
Categories for recognition included, Youth, Not-For-Profit Sector, Arts, Music, or Entertainment, Education, Corporate or Private Sector, Healing Through Action, Sports, Elders and/or Knowledge Keepers, posthumous, and Committee’s Choice Award.
“Truth and Reconciliation needs to be important here. Is important here,” stated Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance at the event.
Lac Seul First Nation Chief Clifford Bull provided an update on the Bringing Our Children Home Initiative Lac Seul First Nation is spearheading, sharing that the next step in that process involves overlaying results from multiple search methods with Survivor testimony and archival findings to guide future investigative steps.
The evening also included the lighting and serving of a special orange birthday cake – a recognition of lost birthdays.
Literature provided by the Municipal TRC explained, “At the TRC National Gathering in Saskatoon in 2012, a birthday cake was lit and Happy Birthday was sung to all Indian Residential School survivors who missed birthday celebrations while at residential school. The birthday celebration provided recognition and closure to survivors.
One survivor was inspired and said, “It’s been a lightning of a load that I carried for the entirety of my life.... To be able to give a voice to that little boy inside of me and to let all of those things go.”
Another said, “I’m walking away with a hope for my children and my grandchildren.”
The evening included an opening prayer from Elder Fred Thomas, an opening and closing drum song by drummers Victor Kowalow and group on the grandmother drum, Waabikwe Binesi Kwe, and a closing prayer by Barb Friesen.
Sioux Lookout’s Nadia McLaren, who is currently finishing her Masters of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary and Media Arts at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in Toronto, was the keynote speaker for the event.
Nadia McLaren is Anishnaabe Kwe (Bear Clan) with French-Canadian, Irish and Scottish ancestry whose family story is rooted in Bigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation) located on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
“McLaren is a published author, an accomplished international public speaker, educator, artist, director and storyteller with 20 years’ experience working in Indigenous community wellness and educational contexts. 
“She is the creator (writer/director/producer) of an award-winning documentary made in honour of her grandmother, Theresa McCraw entitled “Muffins for Granny,” (Mongrel Media 2007) which involved extensive research with community Elders and Residential School Survivors. “Muffins for Granny,” was the recipient of a prestigious Aboriginal Healing Foundation grant and is part of the esteemed Criterion Collection,” the Municipal TRC shared.
McLaren spoke about her grandmother, the creation of “Muffins for Granny”, and reconciliation.
McLaren said it was an honour to attend the evening.
“Most meaningful to be invited by your hometown, to be asked to come in this way. It was really healing for me too,” she shared.
“During that 20 years of working with reconciliation and just speaking about it and really haphazardly falling into the role of educator with these things, it’s just healing to come home and see a community so involved, wrapping so much care around it,” she stated.
Municipal TRC members said it was an amazing evening.
“So many people have been doing beautiful things in this community, that it is time to recognize how forward our community is. There’s not this kind of work everywhere,” stated Michelle Diston.
Joan Cosco added, “When you see some of the people, Ziggy Beardy for example, doing his work for 30 years and now he’s being recognized, there’s so many people…”
Brent Wesley commented, “Even though there can be some difficult subjects behind why we’re here, but to celebrate the people that help our community move forward is why we wanted to gather, these people make the community what it is.”
He added, “Reconciliation is a process, it’s not a milestone we’re trying to achieve.”
The evening was the vision of Darlene Angeconeb.
She commented, “I loved the awards, the reading of the nominations, and the winners, it was just inspiring.”
“It was so hard to pick the winners. It was so hard. Everyone was deserving,” Wesley said.
Members of the committee again stated how wonderful it was to see a full house for the event and commented on how amazing the support from the community was for the event.
Each award winner received a 2026 TRC Gathering Recognition Award designing and hand-carved by Jesse Fiddler. 

The following is a list of the event’s award winners and a summary of their nomination.

Youth Award

(Ages 5–17)

Nominees: Ethan, Christopher, and Donovan McCord and Miali VeeVee Terry.
Award Recipient : Ethan, Christopher, and Donovan McCord
From a young age, Ethan, Christopher, and Donovan McCord have shown what it truly means to be community. These three brothers have thrown themselves into virtually every corner of life in Sioux Lookout — painting and selling poppy rocks for the Legion, filling sandbags during flood threats, coaching wrestling and volleyball, organizing Easter egg hunts, hosting programs at the public library, and cleaning up litter throughout the community. They serve teas, host spaghetti dinners, dress up for Boo at the Bay, and show up year after year for the Blueberry Festival. Their pride in this community is exceptional, and they are already shaping the future as positive role models for their peers. Tonight, we are proud to honour Ethan, Christopher, and Donovan McCord.

Education Award
Nominees: Andy Schardt, Irene Shakakeesic, Jordyn Angeconeb, Lisa Mishibinijima, Nick Kowalow, and Tom Fiddler, Sharon Dumonski/Shannon Lawrance, Ted Binguis/Tamela Sanderson
Award Recipient: Andy Schardt, Vice-Principal, Sioux North High School
Andy Schardt has spent years building something rare in education: authentic, respectful relationships between Sioux North High School and First Nation education partners across the region, including Lac Seul Education Authority, IFNA, Windigo, Shibogama, and KOBE. He has championed restorative practices in place of colonial approaches to discipline, attendance, and mental health, ensuring First Nation partners are active voices in decision-making — not just invited guests. Andy facilitated the installation of a teepee on school grounds as a visible symbol of cultural respect, created an outdoor classroom for land-based learning, and is currently supporting a large-scale mural inspired by the work of Murray Sinclair. He has helped make Sioux North a school where all students are our students. Tonight, we are honoured to recognize Andy Schardt.

Corporate / Private Sector Award
Nominees: Rita Campbell (G&R Taxi), Darryl Hunter (KERC)
Award Recipient: Rita Campbell – Gord and Rita’s Taxi
Every Christmas, Rita Campbell quietly transforms her time and resources into something extraordinary. For years, she has spent weeks organizing, cooking, decorating, and cleaning up for a community Christmas dinner — open to anyone in Sioux Lookout who may be less fortunate — entirely funded by Rita and her husband. No fanfare, no recognition sought — just kindness and compassion, year after year. Rita Campbell makes Sioux Lookout a better place, and tonight we are proud to say so. This award belongs to Rita Campbell.

Not-for-Profit Sector Award
Nominees: Barb Ruotsalainen, Kai Koivukoski, Jordyn Angeconeb, Terry Lynne Jewell, Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre
Award Recipient: Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre
The Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre has been a consistent and caring anchor for Indigenous community members in Sioux Lookout. Year after year, they provide a safe, welcoming space through events, classes, and cultural programming — from Culture Nights featuring warm meals and drumming ceremonies to opportunities for people to reconnect with teachings that were taken from them. Whether you are keeping cultural connections alive or finding them for the first time, the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre opens its doors. Tonight, we are proud to recognize the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre.

Healing Through Action Award
Nominees: Barb Ruotsalainen, Jordyn Angeconeb, Kathy Storey, Nick Kowalow, Rita Campbell, Ziggy Beardy
Award Recipient: Ziggy Robert Beardy, Projects Manager – SLAAMB
Ziggy Beardy has called Sioux Lookout home for 30 years, and in that time he has dedicated himself to creating real, tangible pathways to opportunity for First Nation youth across 25 communities. Through the SLAAMB Carpentry Apprenticeship Training Program, Ziggy has helped young people from the north build their skills — and literally build their community, including duplexes, a three-storey Learning Centre, and residential housing. He has also coordinated training programs in plumbing, electrical, culinary, and many other trades, organized the annual Career Fair at Sioux North, and led Band Economic Development Officer Conferences. And in his own time, he coached the Michikan Lake Mavericks to back-to-back Northern Bands Hockey Tournament championships in 2023 and 2024. Ziggy Beardy lifts people up in every sense of the word. Tonight, we are proud to honour Ziggy Robert Beardy.

Sports Award
Nominees: Jesse Terry, Shane Sakchekapo
Award Recipient: Jesse Terry
Jesse Terry is an Anishinaabe musher from Lac Seul First Nation who lives in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. He began mushing as a teenager in regional sprint races and has since built an impressive career competing across North America. Together with his wife, Mary England, he operates On The Land Sled Dogs kennel and remains dedicated to promoting northern dog sledding traditions.
In 2026, Jesse earned Rookie of the Year honours at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, finishing 14th overall with the fastest time among first-year competitors in one of the world’s toughest endurance races. His racing accomplishments also include multiple victories at the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race, including wins in 2022, 2023, and 2026, along with participation in major events such as the Yukon Quest and John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
Beyond racing, Jesse is a strong role model who gives back through school visits, youth programs, and cultural outreach, inspiring young people to connect with the land and northern traditions. His achievements bring pride to his community and shine a spotlight on the strength of land-based sport.

Arts, Music, and Entertainment Award
Nominees: Jordyn Angeconeb, Jesse Fiddler
Award Recipient: Jordyn Angeconeb
Jordyn Angeconeb is an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit drag artist, educator, consultant, and community builder from Lac Seul First Nation — and she has been busy creating change. As the founder of Ever Sick! Arts and Ever Sick! Consulting, Jordyn has organized landmark events including Ever Sick! Drag on the Rez, Prairie Girls at The Yard, Slay in May Youth Gathering, and 2Spirit Awareness Week — creating spaces where Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people can safely express themselves and feel celebrated. She served as Pride Toronto’s 2024 Two-Spirit Ambassador, and has brought speakers into Sioux North High School so that youth know they are not alone. When tragedy struck the Trans community in British Columbia, Jordyn quickly organized a safe online space for youth to come together and heal. Her work connects art, culture, advocacy, and love — and it is saving lives. Tonight, we are proud to honour Jordyn Angeconeb.

Elder / Knowledge Keeper Award
Nominees: Kathy Wesley, Lorna Fiddler, Nick Kowalow, Romaine Wesley
Award Recipient: Nick Kowalow – Sioux Mountain School
Nick Kowalow is the kind of person a community is lucky to have. At Sioux Mountain School, Nick does far more than share cultural knowledge — he helps students navigate everyday stress, understand who they are, and feel genuinely seen. He created “Nick’s Nest,” an outdoor classroom that has become exactly that: a safe, nurturing space for children of all cultures, rooted in land-based learning. His approach sees every student as a whole person, and every student knows and loves Nick for it. He is a true role model, and his impact on this community cannot be measured. Tonight, we are honoured to recognize Nick Kowalow.

Elder / Knowledge Keeper Award – Joint Presentation
Award Recipient: Romaine and Victor Lyon
Tonight we have the honour of presenting a joint Elder and Knowledge Keeper Award to Romaine and Victor Lyon. Together, this remarkable couple has dedicated themselves to keeping Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and song alive — not just in formal settings, but in the everyday fabric of this community. Romaine has been a speaker and Elder at countless events, welcomed people into drumming circles and sunrise ceremonies with grace and love, and has been a graceful teacher of culture to all who have had the privilege of learning from her. Victor carries his spirit and traditions with deep pride and humility, creating space where everyone feels welcomed — students, staff, and community members alike — while remaining firmly rooted in traditional ways of knowing. Together, they show up for their children, their grandchildren, and their community in ways that inspire all who witness it. Their songs and teachings are a gift. Tonight, we are honoured to recognize Romaine and Victor Lyon.

Honourable Mentions and Committee Choice Award
Nominees: Shane Sakchekapo, Barbara Ruotsalainen, Jesse Fiddler, Kai Koivukoski, Terry Lynne Jewell.
Award Recipient: Shane Sakchekapo
Shane Sakchekapo, a young Indigenous athlete from Round Lake, Ontario who lives in Sioux Lookout, has shown remarkable resilience and determination. After an undiagnosed muscle condition ended his ability to play hockey and baseball, he discovered a new passion in darts in 2017 and began competing with the National Darts Federation of Canada in 2022. He has since consistently represented Team Northern Ontario and became Northern Ontario Provincial Champion in 2024.
During the 2024–2025 season, Shane reached #1 in Canada, won his first NDFC Singles title, and earned the honour of captaining Team Canada at the World Cup of Darts in Seoul. He also qualified for the World Masters in Hungary and the prestigious WDF World Championships 
in England.
Shane’s journey from a new player to the world stage is an inspiring example of perseverance, proving that with determination, anything is possible.

Posthumous Recognitions

Garnet Angeconeb - Lac Seul First Nation
Garnet Angeconeb was a man who saw what others had not yet imagined, and spent his life turning that vision into reality.
A survivor of Pelican Lake Indian Residential School, Garnet went on to complete his secondary education in Sioux Lookout and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario. He worked with Independent First Nations Alliance and Wawatay News, and in 1985 became the first Indigenous town councillor in Sioux Lookout.
Garnet was a founding force behind the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee — a voice against racism that spent 30 years building bridges through education and cross-cultural connection. He lobbied governments to formally recognize the legacy of residential schools, contributing to the eventual federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He served on the Healing and Reconciliation Committee and was an original member of the Mayor’s Committee for Truth and Reconciliation.
Perhaps less known, but no less significant, was Garnet’s vision for a formal relationship between the Town of Sioux Lookout and surrounding First Nations. It was Garnet who recognized the need, Garnet who encouraged others to act, and Garnet who worked side by side for two years — meeting with First Nations leaders, holding community conversations — until the Friendship Accord was signed in November 2011.
In 2012 he received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of Canada.
Garnet cared deeply for his community. We are honoured to keep his memory alive in this garden, and in the work that carries on because of him.

Peggy Sanders
When Peggy Sanders first arrived in Sioux Lookout, she noticed something that many others walked past — the quiet loneliness of women from northern communities, waiting far from home to deliver their babies.
She did something about it. For years, Peggy regularly picked up these women from the hostel, taking them shopping, to events, into the life of the town — offering companionship and dignity during what can be an anxious and isolating time. Her warmth was so genuine, so consistent, that she was adopted into many of the northern communities she served.
Peggy also began knitting a hat for every baby born at the Zone Hospital. She started alone. Over time, others joined her. That tradition continues to this day.
Her deep and trusted relationships with northern communities did not go unnoticed. She was called upon to serve as the liaison between the Meno Ya Win Foundation and those communities during the fundraising campaign for the new hospital, which opened in 2010.
Peggy was also a co-founder of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, working alongside Garnet Angeconeb, Ennis Fiddler, and Terry Lynne Jewell to build an organization that stood against racism and stood for one another.
She gave her time quietly, consistently, and with great love. We are grateful to honour her here today.

Ennis Fiddler
Ennis was a founding member of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, where he established and led its Conflict Resolution Committee. His contributions to the region were wide and lasting — he played a central role in the five-year process that resulted in the construction of Meno Ya Win Health Centre, helped establish the first community-based Mental Health Worker Program in the region, and created CBC Radio’s first native-language program in Ontario.
We are honoured to remember him here today.

A shared plaque honouring these individuals who are no longer with us will be placed in the TRC Sponsored Garden near the Travel Information Centre — a place to reflect, to remember, and to walk forward together.