16 people and organizations have been recognized by the Sioux Lookout Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
The Committee held its first ever awards ceremony over the weekend called Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.
It included Ethan, Christopher and Donovan McCord who were singled out for the Youth Award for their work coaching sports, filling sandbags and hosting library programs.
The Education Award went to Andy Schardt, the vice-principal at Sioux North High School for his work with First Nation Education Partners and championing restorative practices, and creating land-based and culturally grounded learning spaces.
The Corporate/Private Sector Award went to Rita Campbell from Rita and Gord’s Taxi for organizing and paying for a community Christmas dinner.
Jesse Terry a dog sled racer from the Lac Seul First Nation won the Sports Award.
The Committee Choice award went to Shane Sakchekapo, a young Indigenous athlete from Round Lake, Ontario who overcame a serious muscle condition to become #1 in Canada in darts and winning the National Darts Federation of Canada Singles title, and captained Team Canada at the World Cup of Darts in Seoul, South Korea.
Other award winners were:
Not-for-Profit Sector Award: Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre. Recognized as a consistent and welcoming anchor for Indigenous community members through Culture Nights, drumming ceremonies, warm meals, and a safe space for cultural reconnection.
Healing Through Action Award: Ziggy Robert Beardy, Projects Manager of the Sioux Lookout Area Management Board. Over 30 years, Ziggy has created tangible pathways to trades training, employment, and economic development for First Nation youth across 25 northern communities.
Arts, Music and Entertainment Award: Jordyn Angeconeb, Lac Seul First Nation. An Anishinaabe Two-Spirit drag artist, educator, and community builder, Jordyn has created landmark spaces for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer expression and was Pride Toronto’s 2024 Two-Spirit Ambassador.
Elder/Knowledge Keeper Award: Nick Kowalow, Sioux Mountain School. Creator of “Nick’s Nest,” an outdoor land-based classroom, Nick is recognized for his deep care for students of all cultures and his immeasurable impact on the school community.
Elder/Knowledge Keeper Award (Joint): Romaine and Victor Lyon. Recognized together for a lifetime of dedication to keeping Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and song alive in this community.
Posthumous Recognitions :
Three individuals were honoured posthumously for their lasting contributions to truth and reconciliation in Sioux Lookout.
Garnet Angeconeb, a residential school survivor, Order of Canada recipient, and founding force behind the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee and Friendship Accord.
Peggy Sanders, who offered companionship and dignity to expectant mothers from northern communities and co-founded the Anti-Racism Committee.
Ennis Fiddler, a founding member of the Anti-Racism Committee who played a central role in the creation of Meno Ya Win Health Centre and established CBC Radio’s first native-language program in Ontario.
A shared plaque honouring all three will be placed in the TRC Sponsored Garden near the Travel Information Centre.
