Awards recognize First Nation’s contributions

All photos: Leisha Grebinski

Photo Captions:
Top: Healing & Policy Initiative – Individual Award, Warren Isbister

Centre: Youth & Adolescent Award recipient, Jamiee Marks

Lower: Amateur Athlete Award, Michael Linklater

It was a night to celebrate the success of some of Saskatchewan’s most outstanding First Nations people.
The 2010 Circle of Honour Awards, hosted by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), recognized the achievements of 26 people from across the province.

“Bestowing honour on our fellow man is an important part of who we are as a people,” said Chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the Piapot First Nation, who welcomed everyone in attendance to treaty four territory.

“I’m excited to honour the people here who are going to make this a stronger province and a stronger nation,” added FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild. “One day this province will be run by First Nations people,” Lonechild said as he pointed to the award winners in the crowd.
The twelfth annual Circle of Honour Awards, handed out in Regina, recognize Aboriginal people of all ages who have made a difference in their community.
Jamiee Marks, a First Nations woman from Regina, was granted the Youth and Adolescent Award for a Tobacco Control Initiative. Jamie created TAR, the Tobacco Addictions Recovery program that focuses on empowering Aboriginal people to work through their smoking addiction.

Marks visits Aboriginal communities to explain how tobacco was traditionally used by First Nations people.
“They become inspired again and reality hits them,” she said. “They get a sense of passion to reintroduce traditional values back into their lives.”

As an entrepreneur, Marks also started her own fitness and training facility that caters to Aboriginal clients.
“I think the Creator puts you on a path - you may not know where it’s taking you - but you just have to have faith,” she said. “I have the ability to speak to my community and help our people regain health and balance in their lives.”

Warren Isbister’s goal was also to inspire and encourage Aboriginal peoples to embrace a healthy lifestyle. He embarked on a Canadian cycling tour to raise awareness about diabetes.

His sister, who has type-one diabetes, was his role model. Now the FSIN is recognizing Isbister as a role model.

“I never expected to get an award like this,” he said. “It’s very humbling.”

The bike trip was called ‘Peacekeepers Pedaling for Aboriginal People with Diabetes’. Isbister cycled from Ottawa to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

“I did it for her,” Isbister said as he smiled at his younger sister.

Isbister and his family do what they can to raise awareness about diabetes in their community. They host social events such as ‘Dancing to Defeat Diabetes’ to raise money for the disease and to encourage people to get out, have fun, and be active.

Isbister, who now lives in Saskatoon, was honoured to be recognized alongside so many inspiring First Nations people.

“We hear so many negative stories. This is our chance to break through and say we are shining,” he said. “We’re showcasing that we’re here to stay and we’re celebrating our accomplishments.

Michael Linklater of the Thunderchild First Nation and captain of the University of Saskatchewan basketball team, also graciously accepted his Circle of Honour Amateur Athlete Award.

“I’m humbled to be honoured by my community,” said Linklater, whose grandparents received a Circle of Honour award two years ago.

The basketball player admitted he would sneak out of his house late at night when he was child, just so he could shoot hoops.

“It taught me determination,” he said with a laugh. Even if it was a bit rebellious, it paid off. “I said to myself, one day I want to play university basketball.”

Linklater played with the Huskies for five years. In his final season, Linklater led the team to its first national championship.

“These awards bring an amazing group of people together and it encourages youth to keep doing their best,” said Linklater.

There were only three categories when the awards first started in 1998. Now, there are nine different categories such as health, labour, arts and culture, academic achievement and environmental respect.

Other recipients included FSIN Senator Melvin Littlecrow of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Littlecrow received the Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership in his community. Littlecrow was also recognized for dedicating his life to training and racing horses in chuck wagon and chariot races.

Deborah Chatsis of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, who has recently been assigned as the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, received the Female Leadership Award. Chatsis holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan. Chatsis went on to pursue a Master of Laws from the University of Ottawa.

The awards ceremony was held at the Connexus Arts Centre and featured performances by the Elk Whistle Drum Group and singers Cote Roulette and Ivan McNabb.