Youth Achievement Awards
Peer Mentorship (O)
Individuals recognized for their commitment to providing guidance and support to youth.
Advocacy & Activism (O)
Individuals who have demonstrated commitment to activism and advocacy in student organizations, community action groups, advocacy campaigns and/or nonprofit organizations
Academic (E,J,S)
Individuals who have achieved academic excellence.
Athletic (E,J,S)
Individuals who have achieved excellence in an individual or team athletic activity.
Artistic (E,J,S)
Individuals who have achieved artistic distinction in any artistic expression such as visual, written word or performance.
Community Leadership & Volunteerism (E,J,S)
Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership and/or involvement in a volunteer capacity.
Employment in a Traditional Field (M, F)
Individuals who are pursing or have achieved self-reliance and/or economic dependence in traditional occupations such as fishing, hunting or who are committed to preserving traditional expertise such as dog sledding, tanning, traditional Indigenous crafts.
Group Achievement (G)
Established group of individuals who have achieved distinction in any category or other not listed.
Personal Achievement (M, F)
Individuals who have demonstrated achievement and excellence in any area through personal perseverance.
Sandra Kakeeway Cultural Award (M, F)
Individuals who have shown dedication to the preservation and understanding of the Anishinabe Culture or language.
Award Categories are recognized as follows:
(E) Elementary (11–13)
(M) Male (11-29)
(J) Junior 14-19
(F) Female (11-29)
(S) Senior 20-29
(G) Group (11-29)
(O) Open to any age
Recognition Awards
Personal Achievement (O)
Individuals who have demonstrated achievement and excellence in any area through personal perseverance.
Employment in Chosen Career Path (O)
Individuals who have achieved excellence in their choice of a career field.
Excellence in Diversity (O)
Employers recognized for being proactive in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees within the region.
Career Guidance (O)
Employer recognized for taking on student placements through co-operative education to encourage career exploration and provide valuable work and life experience.
Apprenticeship Award (O)
Employer recognized for sharing their time and talent to train an apprentice and contributing to the development of any certified trade.
Community Involvement (O)
Pro-active community member recognized for their commitment in working towards quality of life for Indigenous people.
Indigenous Youth Mentorship (O)
Individuals recognized for their commitment to providing guidance and support to youth.
Entrepreneurship Award (O)
Acknowledges the talent and success of entrepreneurs within Northwestern Ontario selected on the basis of outstanding business achievement, innovative spirit and community involvement.
Education (O)
Individuals over the age of 29 who are in school and have achieved academic excellence.
Eligibility for Recognition Awards
(Employer, Group, Organization & Individual)
Employer Nominees
If you know of an outstanding employer who fits the criteria of the recognition awards you may submit their name to the Selection Committee for consideration. A letter of support is sufficed for nomination.
Individual Nominees
- Be of Indigenous ancestry of the Northwestern Ontario Region.*
- Consent to the nomination.
- Complete a written biography.
- Submit one (1) letter of support.
- Submit relevant information such as copies of school transcripts, newspaper articles, photographs or any other supporting documentation.
- Commitment to a healthy and positive lifestyle.
- No age restrictions.
- Each “Recognition Award” will be awarded one (1) plaque to the category winner.
Indigenous Ancestry:
The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Indigenous people – Indians (Status and Non-Status), Métis people and Inuit.
Northwestern Ontario Region:
Any Indigenous person born within the Northwestern Ontario or currently resides in the region. Northwestern Ontario is the region within the Canadian province of Ontario which lies north and west of Lake Superior, and west of Hudson Bay and James Bay.