On Monday night, the City of Lethbridge and the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee held their annual Reconciliation Awards at City Hall.
According to the City, eight community members and organizations were recognized for helping set their community on a meaningful path to reconciliation. Award recipients’ efforts showed dedicated support to partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and groups, leading to a more equitable, inclusive society.
“This event truly showcases the outstanding dedication shown by people in our community to build strong and lasting equality in Lethbridge,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
Event attendees were treated to an evening of cultural celebration with Indigenous music, food and dancing and a keynote address from Kainai Nation member and Canadian Olympic swimmer Apollo Hess.
Hess spoke about his hard-fought path to becoming an Olympian and those who supported him along the way. Wearing a custom-made ribbon shirt he was gifted from the Siksika Nation, Hess spoke fondly about his family, heritage and connection to his culture. “I am very proud of where I came from. Very proud.”
Recipients were each gifted a locally-crafted glass trophy from RLAC, as a token of their recognition. Dates and deadlines for nominations for the 2025 Reconciliation Awards will be announced in the summer of next year.
Reconciliation award recipients:
Youth award – Gunner Fox
Fox is a Grade 10 student at Catholic Central High School. He contributes to the preservation of the Blackfoot language by creating videos and promoting an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture within his school community and beyond.
Young Adult award – Trissly Blackwater
Blackwater has been employed by the Lethbridge Police Service as a summer student for the past three years. During her time with the LPS, Blackwater has been pivotal in promoting and championing Blackfoot culture and language with the organization. Most notably, she led the translation of the LPS’ core values into Blackfoot.
Community Leader award – Nikki Tanner
Tanner is an avid hiker and community leader. Her and her husband Patrick have been leading groups of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on hiking adventures across southern Alberta, where they offer an opportunity to learn about Blackfoot culture.
Education award – Blackfoot Elder Tom Little Bear
Little Bear is a bus driver for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. Little Bear plays a pivotal part in helping to promote Indigenous culture and foster respectful relationships by promoting reconciliation. He does this through storytelling for positive change.
Indigenous Leadership award – Blackfoot Elder Morris Little Wolf
Little Wolf has been working on further understanding, connecting and improving the health and wellness outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples for decades. As a leader within Alberta Health Services, he has been pivotal in the project, Medicine Within.
Corporation or Private Sector award – Sasha Smode from the Bank of Montreal
Smode works to help Indigenous people achieve their financial goals and promotes cultural understanding and teachings to her colleagues, so they can better support Indigenous customers.
Not-for-Profit Organization award – Tom McKenzie from Aboriginal Housing
McKenzie is the chair of the Aboriginal Housing Society and a true advocate for social justice and equality. Pivotal in securing funding to build affordable housing for families in need, McKenzie strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Society award – Theron Black and Les Vonkemann
Black and Vonkemann build bridges between cultures and work tirelessly to host community events that bring people together. The Reconciliation Powow is an amazing opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to connect through song, dance and food, while learning about the history of this land and its people.
