The Indspire Awards, until 2012 the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, are annual awards presented by

Indspire Indspire, formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF), is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and c ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

. The awards are intended to celebrate and encourage excellence in the Aboriginal community in Canada.

About

The awards were first established in 1993, and presented in 1994, in conjunction with the

United Nations The United Nations (UN) is the Earth, global intergovernmental organization established by the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, UN Charter on 26 June 1945 with the stated purpose of maintaining international peace and internationa ...

-declared International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The awards are intended to celebrate and encourage excellence in the Indigenous community. Awards may be presented in a variety of categories, depending on the particular achievements of Aboriginal people in the nominating period—14 awards are presented each year including one for Lifetime Achievement and three special Youth Awards, one each for

First Nations First nations are indigenous settlers or bands. First Nations, first nations, or first peoples may also refer to: Indigenous groups *List of Indigenous peoples *First Nations in Canada, Indigenous peoples of Canada who are neither Inuit nor Mé ...

Inuit Inuit (singular: Inuk) are a group of culturally and historically similar Indigenous peoples traditionally inhabiting the Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America and Russia, including Greenland, Labrador, Quebec, Nunavut, the Northwe ...

and

Métis The Métis ( , , , ) are a mixed-race Indigenous people whose historical homelands include Canada's three Prairie Provinces extending into parts of Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northwest United States. They ha ...

, that comes with a cash prize of $10,000 and 10 career categories with not all individual career categories necessarily presented annually. To be eligible an individual must be of either First Nations, Inuit, or Métis heritage. Additionally they must demonstrate outstanding career achievement, and be a permanent Canadian resident or be Canadian born. The awards are broadcast annually on the

Global Television Network The Global Television Network (more commonly called Global, or occasionally Global TV) is a Television in Canada, Canadian English language, English-language terrestrial television, terrestrial television network. It is currently Canada's se ...

and the

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is a group of Television in Canada, Canadian Specialty channel, specialty television channels based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The channels broadcast programming produced by or highlighting Indigenous p ...

(APTN). Since 1985 Indspire through its Education Program has awarded more than $87 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 25,00 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide.

Award categories

The award categories are: *Arts *Business and Commerce *Culture, Heritage and Spirituality *Education *Environment and Natural Resources *Health *Law and Justice *Politics *Public Service *Sports *Lifetime Achievement Award *Youth Award, First Nation *Youth Award, Inuit *Youth Award, Métis

Eligibility criteria

Individuals of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry who have reached a significant level of achievement in their respective occupations are eligible for nomination. Any person may nominate a candidate they deem to be worthy of this recognition with reference to the following criteria: * Of First Nations, Inuit or Métis heritage * Who demonstrate outstanding career achievement * Of any age with the exception of the youth category * Permanent Canadian resident or Canadian born * Youth achiever nominees must be 15–27 years of age

Recipients

Each year 14 recipients are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in various disciplines ranging from health, law, political science, culture, arts, and others, two of which are specific recognition to one outstanding youth achiever and one lifetime achievement recipient. The awards are recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the highest honours the community can bestow upon its own achievers.

1994

* William Lyall, Business * Jean Cuthand Goodwill, Community Service * Verna Kirkness, Education *Cindy Kenny-Gilday, Environment *

Alanis Obomsawin Alanis Obomsawin, (born August 31, 1932) is an Abenaki people, Abenaki American Canadian, American-Canadian filmmaker, singer, artist, and activist primarily known for her documentary films. Born in New Hampshire, United States and raised prima ...

, Film *

Murray Sinclair Calvin Murray Sinclair (Ojibway name Mizanay (Mizhana) Gheezhik; January 24, 1951 – November 4, 2024) was a Canadian politician who was a member of the Senate, and a First Nations lawyer who served as chairman of the Indian Residential Scho ...

, Justice * Bill Reid, Lifetime Achievement *

Susan Aglukark Susan Aglukark, ( Inuktitut syllabics: ᓲᓴᓐ ᐊᒡᓘᒃᑲᖅ ''suusan agluukkaq''; born 27 January 1967) is a Canadian singer whose blend of Inuit folk music traditions with country and pop songwriting has made her a major recording st ...

, Performance * Thelma Chalifoux, Public Service * Nellie Cournoyea, Public Service * Rosemarie Kuptana, Public Service *Art Solomon, Spiritual Leadership *

Ted Nolan Theodore John Nolan (born April 7, 1958) is an Indigenous Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) and served as the head coach for the Buffalo Sabres and the Latvi ...

, Sports

1995

Douglas Cardinal Douglas Joseph Cardinal (born 7 March 1934) is a Canadian architect based in Ottawa, Ontario. His architecture is influenced by his Indigenous heritage, as well as European Expressionist architecture.

, Architecture * Robert Davidson, Arts and Culture *Frank Hansen, Business and Culture *Louis Stevenson, Community Development *

Ernest Benedict Ernest M. Kaientaronkwen Benedict (July 14, 1918 – January 8, 2011) was an Akwesasronon educator, activist, and chief of the Mohawk Council. Early life Benedict was born on 14 July 1918 to Charles and Julia Jandreau Benedict, members o ...

, Education *

Marie Smallface Marule Marie Smallface Marule (Isstoikamo¹saakii, 1944 – December 31, 2014) was a Canadian academic administrator, activist, and educator. She served as executive director of the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB), chief administrator of the Worl ...

, Education *Ahab Spence, Education *

Matthew Coon Come Matthew Coon Come (born April 13, 1956) is a Canadian politician and activist of Cree descent. He was National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 2000 to 2003. Born near Mistissini, Quebec, Coon Come was first educated at LaTuque Ind ...

, Environment and Public Service *Maggie Hodgson, Health Services *

Alfred Scow Alfred John Scow (born April 10, 1927, in Alert Bay, British Columbia, died Feb 26, 2013)

, Law and Justice *

Kenojuak Ashevak Kenojuak Ashevak, (Inuktitut: ᕿᓐᓄᐊᔪᐊᖅ ᐋᓯᕙᒃ, Qinnuajuaq Aasivak) was a Canadian Inuk artist. She was born on October 3, 1927 at Camp Kerrasak on southern Baffin Island, and died on January 8, 2013 in Cape Dorset, Nunavut. ...

, Lifetime Achievement *Noah Carpenter, Medicine *Sharla Tiakohatéhkwen Howard, Special Youth *

Angela Chalmers Angela Chalmers (born September 6, 1963) is a Canadian retired track and field athlete who competed in the 1500 metres and 3000 metres. She is the 1992 Olympic bronze medallist in the 3000 metres, and a three-time Commonwealth gold medallist, w ...

, Sports

1996

Maria Campbell Maria Campbell (born April 26, 1939 near Park Valley, Saskatchewan) is a Métis author, playwright, broadcaster, filmmaker, and Elder. Campbell is a fluent speaker of four languages: Cree, Michif, Western Ojibwa, and English. Four of her publis ...

, Arts *

Tom Jackson Thomas, Tom, or Tommy Jackson may refer to: Academics *Thomas H. Jackson (born 1950), ninth president of the University of Rochester *Tom Jackson Jr. (born 1959), president of Black Hills State University, South Dakota *Thom Jackson (Thomas Matthew ...

, Arts *Rose Auger, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *James Watson Walkus, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Marlene Brant Castellano, Education *

Mary Simon Mary Jeannie May Simon (born August 21, 1947) is a Canadian civil servant, diplomat, and former broadcaster who has been serving as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021. She is Inuit, Inuk on her mother's side, making her th ...

, Environment and Natural Resources *

Frank Arthur Calder Frank Arthur Calder, (August 3, 1915 – November 4, 2006) was a Nisga'a politician in Canada. Born in Nass Harbour, British Columbia, Calder was the first indigenous person to graduate from the Anglican Theological College of the Unive ...

, Lifetime Achievement *

Yvon Dumont W. Yvon Dumont, (born January 21, 1951) is a Manitoba politician and office-holder. In 1993, he became the first member of Manitoba's Métis community to be appointed as the province's Lieutenant Governor, the 21st to hold that office. He was ...

, Public Service *

Phil Fontaine Larry Phillip Fontaine, (born September 20, 1944) is an Indigenous Canadian leader and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He best known for his central role in raising public awareness of the Canadian Indian residential sc ...

, Public Service *

Elijah Harper Elijah Harper (March 3, 1949 – May 17, 2013) was a Canadian Oji-Cree politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA) from 1981 to 1992 and a member of Parliament (MP) from 1993 to 1997. Harper was elected chi ...

, Public Service *Albert Charles Rock, Science and Technology *Robert E. Johnson Jr., Special Youth * Alwyn Morris, Sports * Mary Two-Axe Earley, Women's Rights

1997

* Kiawak Ashoona, Arts * Gil Cardinal, Arts *

Graham Greene Henry Graham Greene (2 October 1904 – 3 April 1991) was an English writer and journalist regarded by many as one of the leading novelists of the 20th century. Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquired a re ...

, Arts *

Rita Joe Rita Joe, (born Rita Bernard; March 15, 1932 – March 20, 2007) was a Mi'kmaq poet and songwriter, often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people. Biography Rita was born March 15, 1932, in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton Island, N ...

, Arts *

Billy Diamond Billy Diamond (May 19, 1949 – September 30, 2010) was the Chief of the Waskaganish, Quebec Cree from 1970 to 1976, the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees from 1974 to 1984, and a successful businessman who founded Air Creebec. Diamon ...

, Business & Commerce * Charlie Watt, Community Development * Stanley John McKay, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Martin Gale McLoughlin, Health *Chester R. Cunningham, Law & Justice * Harry S. LaForme, Law & Justice * Olive Dickason, Lifetime Achievement * Stephen Kakfwi, Public Service *George Berthe, Special Youth * Darren Zack, Sports

1998

Tantoo Cardinal Tantoo Cardinal CM (born July 20, 1950) is a Canadian actress. Of Cree and Métis heritage, in 2009 she was made a member of the Order of Canada "for her contributions to the growth and development of Aboriginal performing arts in Canada, as a s ...

, Arts *

Daphne Odjig {{Infobox artist , honorific_prefix = , name = Daphne Odjig , honorific_suffix = , image = Daphne Odjig 2008.JPG , image_size = , alt = Daphne Odjig , caption = Odjig in 2008 , native_n ...

, Arts *

Tagak Curley Tagak Curley (born 1944) is an Inuk leader, politician and businessman from Nunavut. As a prominent figure in the negotiations that led to the creation of Nunavut, Tagak is considered a living Father of Confederation in Canada. He was born in ...

, Business & Commerce *Abel Bosum, Community Development *Emily Jane Faries, Education * Cornelia Wieman, Health *Joe Crowshoe, Heritage and Spirituality *

Roberta Jamieson Roberta L. Jamieson, OC is a Canadian lawyer and First Nations activist. She was the first Indigenous woman ever to earn a law degree in Canada, the first non-Parliamentarian to be appointed an ''ex officio'' member of a House of Commons committe ...

, Law & Justice *

Buffy Sainte-Marie Buffy Sainte-Marie (born Beverley Jean Santamaria; February 20, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and social activist. Sainte-Marie's singing and writing repertoire includes subjects of love, war, religion, and mysticism, and h ...

, Lifetime Achievement * John Amagoalik, Public Service * Georges Erasmus, Public Service *Dan E. Goodleaf, Public Service *Wade R. Cachagee, Special Youth *

Bryan Trottier Bryan John Trottier (born July 17, 1956) is a Canadian and American former professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won four Stanley Cups with ...

, Sports

1999

* Dorothy Grant, Business & Commerce *David Gabriel Tuccaro, Business & Commerce *Dorothy Betz, Community Development *Theresa Stevenson, Community Development * Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Howard Adams Howard Adams (September 8, 1921 – September 8, 2001) was a twentieth century Métis academic and activist. Life He was born in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, Canada, on September 8, 1921, the son of Olive Elizabeth McDougall, a French Métis m ...

, Education *Malcolm King, Health *Edward Kantonkote Cree, Health *James Igloliorte, Law & Justice * Rose Toodick Boyko, Law & Justice *

Allen Sapp Allen Sapp (January 2, 1928 – December 29, 2015) was a Canadian Cree painter, who resided in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. His art and his story have become known throughout Canada. Many of his paintings feature images of his grandmother. H ...

, Lifetime Achievement *

James Bartleman James Karl Bartleman (24 December 1939 – 14 August 2023) was a Canadian diplomat and author who served as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2002 to 2007. Bartleman was a son of Percy Scott Bartleman and Maureen Florence Bartlem ...

, Public Service *

Lillian Dyck Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, (born August 24, 1945) is a retired Canadian senator from Saskatchewan. A member of the Cree Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, and a first generation Chinese Canadian, she is the first female First Nations senator and ...

, Science *‘Alika LaFontaine, Youth

2000

*Art Thompson, Arts *John Charles Bernard, Business & Commerce *Roy Albert Whitney, Business & Commerce *Paul J. Birckel, Community Development *Simon Baker, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Edith Josie Edith Josie (December 8, 1921 – January 31, 2010)Jo-Ann Archibald, Education *Miles G. Richardson, Environment and Natural Resources *Fjola Hart-Wasekeesikaw, Health *

Steven Point Steven Lewis Point, (''Xwelíqwetel'') (born July 28, 1951) is a Canadian academic administrator, criminal lawyer, and jurist. He was the chancellor of the University of British Columbia from 2020 to 2024. He served as the 28th Lieutenant Gover ...

, Law & Justice * Joseph Arthur Gosnell, Lifetime Achievement *Leetia Ineak, Media & Communication * Konrad Haskan Sioui, Public Service * Waneek Horn-Miller, Special Youth

2001

Tomson Highway Tomson Highway (born 6 December 1951) is an Indigenous peoples in Canada, Indigenous Canadian playwright, novelist, children's author and musician. He is best known for his plays ''The Rez Sisters'' and ''Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing'', ...

, Arts *Dolly Watts, Business & Commerce *Fred House, Community Development *Mariano Aupilardjuk, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Freda Ahenakew Freda Ahenakew (February 11, 1932 – April 8, 2011) was a Canadian author and academic of Cree descent. Ahenakew was considered a leader in Indigenous language preservation and literary heritage preservation in Canada. She was a sister-in-la ...

, Education *Mary Thomas, Environment and Natural Resources *Lindsay Crowshoe, Health *

Harold Cardinal Harold Cardinal (January 27, 1945 – June 3, 2005) was a Cree writer, political leader, teacher, negotiator, and lawyer. Throughout his career he advocated, on behalf of all First Nation peoples, for the right to be "the red tile in the Cana ...

, Lifetime Achievement *

Roman Bittman Roman Norbert Bittman (June 5, 1941 - November 7, 2017) was a Canadian film and television producer, most noted as a longtime producer of news and current affairs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Born in Fort Vermilion, Alberta to a Germ ...

, Media & Communication *

Zacharias Kunuk Zacharias Kunuk (, born November 27, 1957) is a Canadian Inuk producer and director, most notable for his film '' Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner.'' It is the first Canadian dramatic feature film produced entirely in Inuktitut with an all Indige ...

, Media & Communication *

Leonard Marchand Leonard Stephen "Len" Marchand (November 16, 1933 – June 3, 2016) was a Canadian politician. He was the first person of First Nations status to serve in the federal cabinet, after being the first Status Indian elected and serving as a M ...

, Public Service *

Richard Nerysoo Richard Nerysoo (born 1953) is a territorial level politician from the Northwest Territories, Canada. He was a member of the Northwest Territories Legislature from 1979 to 1995 and served as the third premier of the Northwest Territories and Sp ...

, Public Service *

Nick Sibbeston Nick G. Sibbeston (born November 21, 1943) is a retired Canadian politician, serving from 1985 to 1987 as the fourth premier of the Northwest Territories. Sibbeston was a Senator representing the Northwest Territories from 1999 until 2017, when ...

, Public Service *Lance Relland, Special Youth

2002

*Ohito Ashoona, Arts * Freda Diesing, Arts *Harry Deneron, Business & Commerce *Leonard (Len) G. Flett, Business & Commerce *George Kurszewski, Community Development * Noel Knockwood, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Roy Fox, Energy *Gilles Pinette, Health *

Alex Janvier Alexan Simeon Janvier (; February 28, 1935 – July 10, 2024) was a First Nations in Canada, First Nations painter in Canada. A member of the Indian Group of Seven, he helped pioneer contemporary Aboriginal art in Canada. Biography Alex Ja ...

, Lifetime Achievement *

Gail Guthrie Valaskakis Gail Guthrie Valaskakis (1939-2007) was a media studies scholar who taught in the Department of Communication Studies at Concordia University, where she also served as Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1992-1997). After leaving Concordia ...

, Media & Communication *Jonah Kelly, Media & Communication * Joseph Tokwiro Norton, Public Service *

Jordin Tootoo Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo (; born February 2, 1983) is a Canadian former professional hockey player, who played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. Of Inuit, Ukrainian and English descent, h ...

, Special Youth * Michael Nepinak, Sports

2003

* John Arcand, Arts * Tom King, Arts *Mel E. Benson, Business & Commerce *Gary Bosgoed, Business & Commerce * Mary Richard, Community Development *Charles Edward Lennie, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Leroy Little Bear, Education *Simon Lucas, Environment and Natural Resources *Judith Bartlett, Health *Jay Wortman, Health *John J. Borrows, Law & Justice *

Robbie Robertson Jaime Royal Robertson (July 5, 1943 – August 9, 2023) was a Canadian musician of Indigenous and Jewish ancestry. He was the lead guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band in the mid-late 1960s and early-mid 1970s. Robertson was also the ...

, Lifetime Achievement *

Sophie Pierre Sophie Mae Pierre (born Eustace) , is a Canadian First Nations chief and administrator. She served as the Commissioner for the British Columbia Treaty Commission from 2009 to 2015. Early life Born in Cranbrook, British Columbia in 1951, she grew ...

, Public Service *Matthew Dunn, Special Youth

2004

Tina Keeper Christina Jean Keeper (born March 20, 1962) is a Cree actress, film producer and former politician from Canada.

, Arts *

Susan Point Susan Point (born 1952) is a Musqueam Indian Band, Musqueam Coast Salish peoples, Coast Salish artist from Canada, who works in the Coast Salish art, Coast Salish tradition. Her sculpture, prints and public art works include pieces installed at ...

, Arts * Osuitok Ipeelee, Arts *

Clarence Louie Clarence Louie (born 1959/1960) is a Canadian First Nations leader and businessman. Louie has been the chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia's Okanagan for ten terms, the first beginning in 1985. He has been credited with contribu ...

, Business & Commerce *

Basil Johnston Basil H. Johnston (13 July 1929 – 8 September 2015) was an Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) and Canadian writer, storyteller, language teacher and scholar. Biography Johnston was born July 13, 1929, on the Parry Island Indian Reserve to Rufus and Mary ...

, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Carl Urion, Education *

Sheila Watt-Cloutier Sheila Watt-Cloutier (born 2 December 1953) is a Canadian Inuit, Inuk activist. She has been a political representative for Inuit at the regional, national and international levels, most recently as International Chair for the Inuit Circumpola ...

, Environment and Natural Resources * Stanley Vollant, Health *Muriel Stanley Venne, Law & Justice *Andrew T. Delisle Sr., Lifetime Achievement * Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, Media & Communication * Pearl Calahasen, Public Service *Lee Wilson, Science and Technology *Kristinn Frederickson, Special Youth

2005

*Joe Jacobs, Arts *

Gerald McMaster Gerald Raymond McMaster (born 9 March 1953, in North Battleford) is a curator, artist, and author and a Plains Cree member of the Siksika Nation.Abbot, LarryGerald McMaster: Plains Cree. ''A Time of Visions.'' (retrieved 20 Nov 2009) McMaster i ...

, Arts *Douglas Golosky, Business & Commerce *

Judy Gingell Judy Gingell, (born November 26, 1946Eber Hampton, Education * Emma LaRocque, Education *Andy Carpenter Sr., Environment and Natural Resources *Thomas Dignan, Health * Bertha Allen, Lifetime Achievement *Brenda Chambers, Media & Communication *Lolly Annahatak, Social Services *Fauna Kingdon, Special Youth * Sharon Anne Firth, Sports

2006

Jane Ash Poitras Jane Ash Poitras LL. D. D.Litt (born October 11, 1951) is a Cree painter and printmaker from Canada. Her work uses the idioms of mainstream art to express the experience of Aboriginal people in Canada. Life Jane Ash Poitras was born in Fort Ch ...

, Arts *Bernd Christmas, Business & Commerce * Wendy Grant-John, Community Development *Gladys Taylor Cook, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Taiaiake (Gerald) Alfred, Education *Billy Day, Environment and Natural Resources *Herb Belcourt, Housing * James (Sakej) Youngblood Henderson, Law & Justice * Jim Sinclair, Lifetime Achievement *Myra Cree, Media & Communication * George Tuccaro, Media & Communication * Tony Belcourt, Public Service *Andrea Dykstra, Special Youth * Shirley Firth Larsson, Sports

2007

Joane Cardinal-Schubert Joane Cardinal-Schubert LL. D (Kainai, 1942–2009) was a First Nations artist from Alberta, Canada. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. She was an activist for Native sovereignty. Early life Cardinal-Schubert was born in 19 ...

, Arts *

Jack Poole John Wilson "Jack" Poole, (April 14, 1933 – October 23, 2009) was a Canadian businessman who, as the head of the 2010 Winter Olympics bids, VANOC bid committee, was responsible for bringing the 2010 Winter Olympics to Canada. He died of pancr ...

, Business & Commerce *Alestine Andre, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Joe Michel, Education *David Walkem, Environment and Natural Resources *Joseph Couture, Health *Hugh Braker, Law & Justice *Bertha Clark Jones, Lifetime Achievement *Lisa Meeches, Media & Communication *Fred Carmichael, Politics *Lewis Cardinal, Public Service * James Makokis, Special Youth * Wegadesk Gorup-Paul, Sports *Monica Peters, Technology & Trades

2008

Shirley Cheechoo Shirley Cheechoo (; born 1952) is a Canadian Cree actress, writer, producer, director, and visual artist, best known for her solo-voice or monodrama play '' Path With No Moccasins'', as well as her work with De-Ba-Jeh-Mu-Jig theatre group. Her ...

, Arts *Jim Boucher, Business & Commerce *Hubert Skye, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Marie Ann Battiste, Education *Elizabeth (Tshaukuesh) Penashue, Environment and Natural Resources *Jeff Reading, Health *David C. Nahwegahbow, Law & Justice *

Norval Morrisseau Norval Morrisseau (March 14, 1932 – December 4, 2007), also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. He is widely regarded as the grandfather of contemporary Indigeno ...

, Lifetime Achievement *Paul Andrew, Media & Communication * Joe Handley, Politics *Sylvia B. Maracle, Public Service *Boyd Wesley Benjamin, Special Youth *

Reggie Leach Reginald Joseph Leach (born April 23, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, California Golden Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red ...

, Sports

2009

*Melanie Jackson, Arts *Dennis Jackson, Arts *Allan C. McLeod, Business & Commerce *Stephen J. Augustine, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Cecil King, Education *Gordon W. Prest, Environment and Natural Resources *Candace Grier-Lowe, Health * Delia Opekokew, Law & Justice *Stan Cuthand, Lifetime Achievement * Carol Morin, Media & Communication *

Paul Okalik Paul Okalik (, ; born May 26, 1964) is a Canadian politician. He is the first Inuk to have been called to the Nunavut Bar. He was also the first premier of Nunavut. On November 4, 2010, he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nun ...

, Politics *Joan Glode, Public Service *Chelsea Lavallée, Special Youth * Adam Sioui, Sports *Mervin J. Dewasha, Technology & Trades

2010

Kananginak Pootoogook Kananginak Pootoogook (1 January 1935 – 23 November 2010) was an Inuk sculptor and printmaker who lived in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, in Canada. He died as a result of complications related to surgery for lung cancer. Biography Pootoogook was born ...

, Arts *Ellen Melcosky, Business & Commerce *Tom Crane Bear, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Raoul J. McKay, Education *Danny Beaton, Environment and Natural Resources * Madeleine Kētēskwew Dion Stout, Health *Donald Worme, Law & Justice *

William Commanda William Commanda OC (November 11, 1913 – August 3, 2011) (Algonquin name: ''Ojshigkwanàng'', normally written ''Ojigkwanong'', meaning "Morning Star") was an Algonquin elder, spiritual leader, and promoter of environmental stewardship. Comman ...

, Lifetime *Kenneth Atsenhaienton Deer, Media & Communication * Eric Robinson, Politics *Edith Cloutier, Public Service *Skawenniio Barnes, Special Youth * Monica Pinette, Sports *Doug Henry, Technology & Trades

2011

* Corrine Hunt, Arts *Joseph F. Dion, Business & Commerce *Paingut Annie Peterloosie, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Margo L. Greenwood, Education *Ronald Edward Sparrow, Environment & Natural Resources *Marcia Anderson DeCoteau, Health *Roger Jones, Law & Justice *Lillian McGregor, Lifetime *Jean LaRose, Media & Communications * Audrey Poitras, Politics * Cindy Blackstock, Public Service *Teyotsihstokwáthe Dakota Brant, Special Youth * Frederick G. Sasakamoose, Sports *Duncan Cree, Technology & Trades

2012

Adam Beach Adam Beach (born November 11, 1972) is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his roles as Victor Joseph in '' Smoke Signals''; Frank Fencepost in '' Dance Me Outside''; Tommy on ''Walker, Texas Ranger''; Kickin' Wing in '' Joe Dirt''; U.S. Marin ...

, Arts *Victor S. Buffalo, Business & Commerce *Dave Courchene, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Leona Makokis, Education *Richard Stewart Hardy, Environment & Natural Resources *Janet Smylie, Health *Violet Ford, Law & Justice * Gerry St. Germain, Lifetime *

Richard Wagamese Richard Wagamese (October 14, 1955 – March 10, 2017) was an Ojibwe Canadian author and journalist from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Northwestern Ontario. He was best known for his novel '' Indian Horse'' (2012), which won the Burt Aw ...

, Media & Communications *

Leona Aglukkaq Leona Aglukkaq (Inuktitut syllabics: ᓕᐅᓇ ᐊᒡᓘᒃᑲᖅ; born June 28, 1967) is a Canadian politician. She was a member of the non-partisan Legislative Assembly of Nunavut representing the riding of Nattilik from 2004 until stepping ...

, Politics *

Edward John Edward John (born July 8, 1949) is a prominent First Nations political leader in Canada. Early life The son of Louis and Amelia John, he was born in the Carrier village of Tachie, along the north shore of Stuart Lake, about 60 km from F ...

, Politics *Minnie Grey, Public Service *

Richard Peter Richard Peter (10 May 1895 – 3 October 1977) was a German press photographer and photojournalist. He is best known for his photographs of Dresden just after the end of the Second World War. Life Richard Peter was born and raised in Klein Je ...

, Sports *Earl Cook, Youth *Candace Sutherland, Youth

2013

Jacqueline Guest Jacqueline Guest (born 1952) is a Métis writer and activist from Alberta, Canada. Guest is a literacy advocate and a writers of books for children and young adults. In 2017 she was inducted into the Order of Canada. Awards and honours In 2012, ...

, Arts *Charlie Evalik, Business & Commerce * Winston Wuttunee Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Education *Lloyd (Sonny) Flett, Environment & Natural Resources *Ruby Jacobs, Health *Viola Robinson, Law & Justice *Alex Van Bibber, Lifetime Achievement *Duane Smith, Politics *Gail Cyr, Public Service *

Theoren Fleury Theoren Wallace "Theo" Fleury (born June 29, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, author and motivational speaker. Fleury played for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks of the ...

, Sports *Gabrielle Scrimshaw, Youth First Nation *Elizabeth Zarpa, Youth Inuit *Graham Kotowich, Youth Métis

2014

Kent Monkman Kent Monkman (born 13 November 1965) is a First Nations in Canada, First Nations artist of Cree ancestry. He is a member of the Fisher River Cree Nation, Fisher River nation situated in Manitoba's Interlake Region. Monkman lives and works betwe ...

, Arts *Marie Yvonne Delorme, Business & Commerce *Maggie Paul, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Rita Bouvier Rita Bouvier is a Métis educator and poet. Her poetry mixes English with Cree and Michif words and phrases. Life Bouvier was born in 1950 in Île-à-la-Crosse (Sakitawak), Saskatchewan, where she lived until moving to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, whe ...

, Education *Charlie Snowshoe, Environment & Natural Resources * Evan Tlesla II Adams, Health * Marion Meadmore, Law & Justice *James Eetoolook, Lifetime Achievement *Stewart Philip, Politics *Robert Watts, Public Service *

Mary Spencer Mary Spencer (born December 12, 1984) is a Canadian professional boxer who has held the WBA female super-welterweight title since September 2024. As an amateur she won three World Championships and a Pan American Games gold medal. Amateur care ...

, Sports *John Nicholas Jeddore, Youth First Nation *Sarah Arngna’naaq, Youth Inuit *Christie Lavallée, Youth Métis *Kristinn Frederickson, Youth Special

2015

*Ron E. Scott, Arts *Brenda La Rose, Business and Commerce * Peter Irniq, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Paulette C. Tremblay, Education *Gerald Anderson, Environment and Natural Resources *William Julius Mussell, Health *

Wilton Littlechild J. Wilton Littlechild (born 1944), known as Willie Littlechild, is a Canadian lawyer and Cree chief who was Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and a member of Parliament. A residential school survivor, he is known fo ...

, Law and Justice *Elsie Yanik, Lifetime Achievement *Kim Baird, Politics *

Madeleine Redfern Madeleine Redfern (born 1967) is a Canadian Inuk politician, who was elected mayor of Iqaluit, Nunavut in a by-election on 13 December 2010. She was the city's mayor until 2019. She was born in Iqaluit (then called Frobisher Bay, Northwest Ter ...

, Public Service *

Gino Odjick Wayne Gino Odjick (September 7, 1970 – January 15, 2023) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1990 to 2002 for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelph ...

, Sports *Jordan Konek, Youth *Kendal Netmaker, Youth *Gabrielle Fayant, Youth Métis

2016

Joseph Boyden Joseph Boyden (born October 31, 1966) is a Canadian novelist and short story writer. He is best known for writing about First Nations culture. '' Three Day Road'', a novel about two Cree soldiers serving in the Canadian military during World War ...

, Arts *Clint Davis, Business and Commerce *Jim Ochiese, Culture, Heritage, & Spirituality *Mae Louise Campbell, Culture, Heritage, & Spirituality * Jo-Ann Episkenew, Education *Pat Mandy, Health *Mark L’Hirondelle Stevenson, Law and Justice *Robert Joseph, Lifetime Achievement * Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, Politics *

Leonard George Leonard George (born 1957) is a Canadian psychologist and schizophrenia researcher based in Vancouver, British Columbia, best known for his writing and lectures on varieties of anomalous phenomena, spirituality, psychology and history. In the 1 ...

, Public Service *

Carey Price Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the best goaltenders in the world during his career, ...

, Sports *Christian Kowalchuk, Youth Recipient *Killulark (Laura) Arngna’naaq, Youth Recipient *Zondra Roy, Youth Recipient

2017

*Cece Hodgson-McCauley, Politics * Doreen Spence, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Duncan McCue Duncan McCue is a Canadian television and radio journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He is Anishinaabe (Ojibway), from Ontario, a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. A longtime reporter for CBC Television's ...

, Public Service *Heather Kashman, Sports *Jan Kahehti:io Longboat, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Josh Butcher, Youth *Kimberly R. Murray BA, LL.B, IPC, Law & Justice *Maatalii Okalik, Youth *Nathan Matthew, Education *Phillip “Jerry” Asp, Business & Commerce *Senator

, Lifetime Achievement *Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook, Health *Thomas Dymond, Youth

2018

* Ashley Callingbull, Youth - First Nation Recipient *Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, Youth - Inuit Recipient *Dr. Evelyn Voyageur, Health *Dr. Gloria Cranmer Webster, Lifetime Achievement *Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, Education *Dr. Mike DeGagné, Public Service * Greg Hill, Arts *Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Michael Linklater Michael Linklater (born September 25, 1982) is a retired Canadian basketball player. He last played for the Saskatchewan Rattlers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He is a Nehiyaw (Cree). Linklater received the 2018 Tom Longboat ...

, Sports *Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Business & Commerce *Paul Chartrand, Law & Justice *Theland Kicknosway, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *Tracie Léost, Youth - Métis Recipient

2019

* Atuat Akittirq, Lifetime Achievement *Barbara Todd Hager, Arts *

Billy-Ray Belcourt Billy-Ray Belcourt is a poet, scholar, and author from the Driftpile Cree Nation. Belcourt's works encompass a variety of topics and themes, including decolonial love, grief, intimacy and queer sexuality, and the role of Indigenous women in so ...

, Youth - First Nation Recipient *

Brigette Lacquette Brigette Lacquette (born November 10, 1992) is a Canadian ice hockey player, currently playing defence for the Calgary section of the PWHPA and the Canadian national team. She participated at the 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship. In the aut ...

, Sports *Dianne Corbiere, Law & Justice *Dr. Marlyn Cook, Health *Dr.

Vianne Timmons Vianne Timmons, OC (born 1958) is a Canadian academic who most recently served as president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland from 2020 to 2023. She was president and vice chancellor of the University of Regina, from 2008 ...

, Education *Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson, Business & Commerce * James Lavallée, Youth - Métis Recipient *Jijuu Mary Snowshoe, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality * Kelly Fraser, Youth - Inuit Recipient *Peter Dinsdale, Public Service

2020

*Alicia Aragutak, Youth - Inuit Recipient * Ta'Kaiya Blaney, Youth - First Nation Recipient *

Claudette Commanda Claudette Commanda is a Canadian university professor, cultural advisor, indigenous rights activist, and an Algonquin Elder who was appointed the 15th Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, becoming the first indigenous person and fifth woman t ...

, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell Jeannette Corbiere Lavell (born June 21, 1942) is a Canadian and Anishinaabe community worker who focused on women's and children's rights. In 2018, she was honoured as a member of the Order of Canada. Biography She was born Jeannette Vivian C ...

, Lifetime Achievement *Marian Jacko, Law & Justice *Karen Lawford, Health *Candice Lys, Education *Dawn Madahbee Leach, Business & Commerce *Alana Robert, Youth - Métis Recipient *

Cowboy Smithx Cowboy Smithx (born January 31, 1982) is a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. He has acted in, co-produced, and directed a few short films and music videos. His best known work is a full feature doc ...

, Arts *Gina Wilson, Public Service

2021

* Lesley Hampton, Youth *Mitchell MacDougall, Youth *Justin Langan, Youth *

Drew Hayden Taylor Drew Hayden Taylor (born 1 July 1962) is an Indigenous Canadian playwright, author and journalist. Life and career Born in Curve Lake, Ontario, Taylor is of both Ojibwe and white ancestry. About his background Taylor says: "I plan to start my ...

, Arts *Rosa Walker, Business and Commerce *Emily Angulalik, Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality *Lorne Gladu, Education *Catherine Cook, Health *, Law and Justice *

Nahanni Fontaine Nahanni Fontaine (born 1971) is a Canadians, Canadian provincial politician, who was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for the riding of St. Johns (electoral district), St. Johns in the 2016 Manitoba general election, ...

, Public Service * Dallas Soonias, Sports * Qapik Attagutsiak, Lifetime Achievement

2022

* Shayla Oulette-Stonechild, Youth *Melissa Attagutsiak, Youth *Tristen Durocher, Youth * David Wolfman, Arts *Jenn Harper, Business & Commerce *Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth Phillips, Culture, Heritage & Spirituality *

Annette Trimbee Annette Trimbee is a Canadian civil servant who is the sixth president and vice-chancellor of MacEwan University. Prior to her appointment, she was the seventh president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg and spent several years as ...

, Education *Melanie MacKinnon, Health *Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay, Law & Justice *Terry Goodtrack, Public Service * Terry Felix, Sport *Marjorie White, Lifetime Achievement

References

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External links

IndspireIndspire Laureates with biographies of each recipient
1993 establishments in Canada Awards established in 1993 Canadian awards Indigenous organizations in Canada

About

Award categories

Eligibility criteria

Recipients

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See also

References

External links