The Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission and the FSIN executive congratulate the recipients of the Strength of Our Women awards. The awards gala was held at TCU Place on Sept. 8, 2016.

“It is a privilege to honour our indigenous women for their extraordinary contributions in their fields,” said FSIN Vice-Chief Heather Bear.

“With so many accomplished nominees it posed a challenge to narrow the field, but ultimately the women who we honoured tonight are deserving of this recognition. We are so proud of you.”

After a period of open nominations, the top four were chosen in each category aside from Matriarch, which honoured 15 women at the gala. The honourees are as follows:

Youth
Desaray Robillard, Fond du Lac

Lifetime Achievement
Delia Opekokew, Canoe Lake

Arts and Entertainment
Tasha Hubbard, Peepeekisis

Business
Mary Doris Greyeyes, Little Black Bear

Culture and Spirituality
Nancy Linklater, Whitecap

Education
Belinda Daniels, Sturgeon Lake

Environment
Barb Lavalee, Cowessess

Health and Wellness
Dr. Bonita Beatty, Peter Ballantyne

Law and Justice
Beverly Poitras, Muscowpetung

Sports
Brigette Lacquette, Cote

Leadership and Advocacy
Myrna Laplante, Day Star, and Darlene Okemaysin, Beardy’s and Okemasis

Matriarchs
Clara Duquette, Mistawasis
Eileen Vandall, Ahtahkakoop
Gertrude Montgrand, Peter Ballantyne
Mabel Ouellette, Red Pheasant
Mary Thunderchild,  Thunderchild
Neva Mirasty, Flying Dust
Rose Daniels, Sturgeon Lake
Shirley McNab, George Gordon
Clara Norman, Flying Dust
Evelyn Desnomie, Peepeekisis
Jeanne Sutherland, Beardy’s & Okemasis
Maria Linklater, Thunderchild
Melvina Eagle, Whitecap
Philomene Roy, Canoe Lake
Sandra George, Ochapowace

“First Nations women in Saskatchewan are artists, advocates, business women, and mothers – they are leaders. We commend every one of these women and all the other nominees for their extraordinary work in their families, Nations, province, continent, and beyond each and every day. Congratulations again to all the winners and nominees, you are an inspiration to us all,” said Vice Chief Bear.

Proceeds from the Strength of Our Women Awards Gala are dedicated to initiatives that support the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls. The SFNWC and FSIN are grateful for the support from all the sponsors, organizers and volunteers who help make this event possible.