A number of Yellowknife residents were among those recognized for their contributions to preserving culture in the NWT during a ceremony hosted at the legislative assembly last week.
Kiera-Dawn Kolson and the group Dene Nahjo received the Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Awards on Oct. 18, with Kolson being honoured in the category for individuals and Dene Nahjo earning the MinisterSA国际影视传媒檚 Choice Award.
There are five categories for the award, which also include youth, elders and groups.
SA国际影视传媒淚n the Northwest Territories ... many individuals have made lasting contributions to our culturally rich landscape,SA国际影视传媒� said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Alfred Moses, who presented each winner with a gift and plaque. SA国际影视传媒淚t is important that we support and recognize those people.SA国际影视传媒�
Recipients of the awards are chosen by an independent panel of judges, said Moses.
Kolson, a Tso'Tine-Gwich'in musician, writer, storyteller, artist, photographer and motivational speaker, said she was SA国际影视传媒渉onoured and humbledSA国际影视传媒� by the award.
SA国际影视传媒淲hen you do things with an honest intention, it's not for awards or recognition,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚t's to make a difference and it's really a blessing when your community is willing to put that effort into acknowledging the good works.SA国际影视传媒�
Kolson said she strives to help people help themselves through her work, whether thatSA国际影视传媒檚 by advocating for the protection of Indigenous women, environmental stewardship or learning her culture through elders so she can share it with the next generation.
She added she is grateful for her mother and her generation for embracing their identity, something she feels she also has a responsibility to do in a country where colonization has taken that away from many people.
Deneze Nakehk'o, who is involved with Dene Nahjo, was also thankful Wednesday.
SA国际影视传媒淚t's really great to be recognized,SA国际影视传媒� said Nakehk'o. SA国际影视传媒淚t just goes to show how much hard work and dedication everyone in Dene Najho puts into the work.SA国际影视传媒�
The group is a collective of people working to revitalize culture and reach out to Indigenous communities.
Earlier this year they hosted an urban hide-tanning camp at Somba K'e Civic Plaza which included demonstrations, an Indigenous film night and artists market.
NakehkSA国际影视传媒檕 said cultural resurgence SA国际影视传媒渋s of the utmost importance,SA国际影视传媒� because of colonization and the impact of residential schools, which have disconnected Indigenous people from their language, culture and land.
He also emphasized the leadership role women have to play in preserving culture and heritage, something that was reflected in the number of women who were honoured at the ministerSA国际影视传媒檚 ceremony.
SA国际影视传媒淭hat's what we're here today to celebrate SA国际影视传媒� those who have made contributions throughout the Northwest Territories in their communities and who are role models to youth as well as residents,SA国际影视传媒� said Moses during the event. SA国际影视传媒淚'd just like to take this time to congratulate and thank all of our inductees here today. Thank you for your lasting contributions and commitment.SA国际影视传媒�
Dang-Dang Gruben of Inuvik, Catherine Bell Sanguez of Jean Marie River and JBT Dance Group from Fort Smith were also honoured at the ceremony.
