In recognition of outstanding achievements and dedication to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Congratulations to the 2023 Keewaywin Award Winners!

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 41^st Keewaywin Conference, held August 15-17 in the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation.

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In recognition of outstanding achievements and dedication to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Nominate someone from your community today!

Nominations are being accepted for the following until July 10, 2023:
– NAN Women Award
– NAN Elder Award
– Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership

NAN Youth Awards:
– Leadership/Community Involvement
– Academic
– Cultural
– Athletic

Please find the award criteria below.

The nomination form is available online here: Nomination Form
You can also download the PDF form here:

Awards Criteria

Criteria for the NAN Youth Awards:
Must be 13 – 24 years of age
Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation
A nominee can demonstrate some but not necessarily all of the following characteristics:
– Volunteers in community events and activities
– Works with a youth organization or organizes activities for youth and children in their own community
– Achievement in education or career paths
– Role model for peers and younger children
– Promotes a healthy lifestyle
– Has overcome adverse circumstances
– Proven leadership skills and achievements
– Outstanding athletic achievements
– Willingness to learn about traditional language, practices, and way of life
– Has committed an act of bravery or an outstanding feat

Criteria for the NAN Woman Award:
Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation
A nominee can meet some but not necessarily all of the following characteristics:
– Demonstrates strong family values
– Personal achievements have positively impacted the lives of women
– Achievements in Education or Career paths
– Shares knowledge of traditional languages, practices, and way of life
– Volunteers in community events and activities
– Dedication in working to improve the lives of women, youth, and children
– Promotes a healthy lifestyle
– Has overcome adverse circumstances
– Proven leadership skills and achievements
– Shown innovation in chosen field of work

Criteria for the NAN Elder Award:
Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation
A nominee can meet some but not necessarily all of the following characteristics:
– Proven leadership skills and achievements
– Has overcome adverse circumstances
– Teaches and practices cultural & traditional values, customs and knowledge
– Respect and Honour
– Life experiences in education or career paths
– Volunteers with community organizations and groups
– Promotes a healthy lifestyle
– Teaches and interacts with the youth

Criteria for the Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership:
This award is named in honour of the late Emile Nakogee, an elder who was influential in the advancement of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in his/her field of work. The nominee must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation and/ or employed by a Nishnawbe Aski Nation organization or agency. The nominee must be either:
1) First Nation Chief, Grand Chief or Deputy Grand Chief
2) First Nation Councillor
3) Tribal Council Chair
4) Management positions such as Executive Directors of the NAN organizations and agencies
5) Business/Financial Administration
6) Academic Excellence
7) Justice

A nominee shall also meet some but not necessarily all of the following characteristics:
– Outstanding leadership skills and knowledge
– Commitment to the betterment of the lives of the people of Nishnawbe Aski
– Promotes, protects, and respects the traditional values, beliefs, and customs of Nishnawbe Aski First Nations
– Achievements in education or career paths
– Role Model for peers and youth
– Years of service and dedication to Nishnawbe Aski First Nations
– Work performed beyond the call of duty