Award Recipients

Starfish Spirit Award: Bryanna Leeder

Created in 2015, this award recognizes the caring spirit, commitment, and dedication to making a significant impact on the quality of life of many individuals within the Indigenous Community.

It is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated the above values in their everyday life and work for the people.

The Starfish Award was inspired by this Starfish story:

Making A Difference

An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. “Why do you bother?” the old man scoffed. “You’re not saving enough to make a difference”. The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. “Made a difference to that one,” he said.

Click here to view the Award Video.

Past Recipients

  • Angela Naveau (2019)
  • Conrad Prince (2018)
  • Michelle Gentle (2017)
  • Elaine Lee (2016)
  • Marilyn Wright (2015)

Community Partnership Award: Faisal Khawaja

Created in 2015, this award recognizes the significance of partnerships that further the vision, goals, and success of De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre.

It is awarded annually to an organization or community group that has helped achieve the goals of De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre through outstanding collaboration in support of urban Indigenous community members.

Click here to view the Award Video

Past Recipients

  • Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic (2022)
  • City of Hamilton (2018)
  • Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (2017)
  • CHOICES (2016)
  • Indigenous Health Network – formerly known as Aboriginal Health Network (2015)

Walter Cooke Wisdom Keeper Award: Kelly Jonathan

Created in 2015, this award recognizes the significant and continuous service to the Indigenous Community of an Individual who consistently demonstrates The Seven Grandfather Teachings, The Good Mind, and Traditional Ways of Knowing and Being.

It is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated the above values in their everyday life and work for the people.

Click here to view the Award Video

Past Recipients

  • Dr. Janet Smylie (2022)
  • Stacey Laforme (2018)
  • Scottie (P.R.) Hill (2017)
  • Grandmother Renee Thomas-Hill (2016)
  • Walter Cooke (2015)