17 Feb 2020 AFN Yukon Leadership Award Winners Announced

AFN Yukon Regional Office

February 15, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2020 AFN YUKON LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Whitehorse, Yukon – The AFN Yukon Region Award Selection Committee, including the AFN Yukon Women, Youth and Knowledge Keeper Council members, acknowledges all those who were nominated for the 2020 Annual Yukon Regional Leadership Awards and is proud to announce the outstanding contributions of individuals recognized as the 2020 Award winners. These award winners work tirelessly in and for their community every day, living the values of leadership in the territory. The AFN Yukon Region is proud to honor and acknowledge their contribution to community, to Yukon First Nations, the Yukon and beyond.

This marks the first year of the Rising Youth Award, an exciting development being celebrated by AFN Yukon Youth Council representative, Jessica Mazur. “Youth do so much for communities across the Yukon – it’s great to see these young people receiving acknowledgement for the work they do every day,” she said.

AFN Yukon Knowledge Keeper Council representative Mary Jane Jim congratulated all winners saying, “we honor, celebrate and acknowledge these individuals who create positive change in our communities”. They were joined by Knowledge Keeper Council representative Chuck Hume who said, “I’m very proud and inspired by all of the winners. I am so happy to see their contributions being recognized by the Region”, with Women’s Council representative Doris Anderson adding, “always a pleasure to see and celebrate successes that are long overdue. My humble acknowledgment to these amazing winners; what an honor for me to be a part of this process that champions our First Nations people”.

Congratulations to the 2020 AFN Yukon Leadership Award winners, in the following categories:

• Rising Youth – Sponsored by Yukon First Nations Education Directorate – Adanchilla, Trina Pauls
• WomXn in Leadership – Sponsored by Dana Naye Ventures – Dorothy Smith
• Climate Leader – Presented by AFN Yukon – Emily McDougall
• Language Warrior – Presented by AFN Yukon – Grady Sterriah
• Emerging Leader – Female Category – Sponsored by Shakat Media – Michelle Friesen
• Emerging Leader– Male Category – Sponsored by Northwestel – Colesen Ford
• Lifetime Achievement – Presented by AFN Yukon – Bill Webber
• Lifetime Achievement – Presented by AFN Yukon – Frances Woolsey
• Lifetime Achievement – Presented by AFN Yukon – Ron Chambers
• Lifetime Achievement – Presented by AFN Yukon – Lena Johnson
• Wellness – Presented by AFN Yukon – Bengie Clethero
• Wellness – Sponsored by Yukon First Nations Education Directorate – Rennes Lindsay
• Cultural Leader – Presented by AFN Yukon – K’aank’i, Aggie Johnston

Each recipient will be celebrated in a personalized video that highlights their achievements. Videos will be posted on the AFN Yukon website www.afnyukon.ca Each award winner will receive a custom award designed and a personalized plaque.

Detailed descriptions of each award can be found in the attached Appendix.

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For more media requests, please contact:
Hannah Geiser
AFN Yukon Regional Office
[email protected] (t) 604-335-7281

For full Press Release Document, please see here.

APPENDIX A: Detailed Award Descriptions

Award Categories

(2) Emerging Leader Award – Male, Female, Identifying as Categories

These individuals are ages 35 and under, who have demonstrated significant community commitment through their work and commitment to community and Yukon First Nations people (E.g., political, sport, art and culture, language, business or community endeavors) through formal/informal leadership positions This may include leading a new initiative, program and demonstrating an innovative approach to their work that is a catalyst for social change. This award is open to both male and female recipients or those who self-identify as male, female or two-spirited.

(2) Rising Youth Award – Male, Female, Identifying as Categories

These individuals are aged 12 – 18, who have demonstrated significant community commitment through their work and commitment to community and Yukon First Nations people (E.g., political, sport, art and culture, language, business or community endeavors) through formal/informal leadership positions This may include leading a new initiative, program and demonstrating an innovative approach to their work that is a catalyst for social change. This award is open to both male and female recipients or those who self-identify as male, female or two-spirited.

WomXn in Leadership Award

This individual self identifies as a womxn or two spirited and has demonstrated inclusivity and leadership within their community and/or professional career either through formal or informal leadership positions and roles. This individual has been a positive influence in the community to peers and provides guidance to young women. This individual and has made significant contributions to community and ensures that the voices of womxn and girls are heard.

Climate Leader Award

This individual has demonstrated a passion for climate action. They address the impacts of climate change innovation and change-making in communities. The individual creates awareness and advances solutions while upholding traditional knowledge. They continue to raise the profile of climate action within their community, the Yukon and beyond.

Language Warrior Award

This individual has made dedicated efforts to protect and strengthen Indigenous languages in the Yukon. This individual has demonstrated a passion and commitment to revitalize and promote Indigenous languages through innovation, strengthening community, advancing culture and working with Elders and language speakers. They continue to raise the profile of language learning within their community, the Yukon and beyond.

(4) Lifetime Achievement Award – Male, Female, Identifying as Categories

This award pays tribute to an outstanding individual who has had significant contributions to Yukon First Nations throughout their personal and professional endeavors. Through their contributions they continue to demonstrate strong values, a connection to culture and community, and continuous support of the next generation of leaders in the spirit of a ‘Yukon that Leads’. This award is open to both male and female recipients or those who self-identify as male, female or two-spirited.

Cultural Leader Award

This individual is dedicated to preserving and developing arts and culture and upholds traditional knowledge through practice and teaching. This individual has demonstrated a passion and commitment to revitalize and promote Indigenous culture and continues to embrace traditional values and leads with principles that honor our past.

Wellness Award

This individual demonstrates best practices and goes above and beyond when it comes to initiatives, programs, and benefits that enhance the physical and mental health and well-being of Yukon First Nations citizens. This individual would have made significant impacts/contributions in their community in the realm of sport, traditional medicine, Spiritual health, mental health and/or physical health.