2024 Reconciliation Awards nominations now open

The City of Lethbridge and the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) are thrilled to announce that the Reconciliation Awards are back and are looking for award nominees.

The awards celebrate the people and organizations in the community who drive positive change and foster unity in Lethbridge.

“These awards are a celebratory way to recognize the individuals and organizations who are actively building bridges of trust and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Sikoohkotoki (Lethbridge),” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We have so many incredible Reconciliation champions in our city and I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.”

The awards ceremony will take place in September at City Hall. It’s an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding contributions that help to shape a more inclusive future for everyone in Lethbridge.

“Our goal is to inspire action today that leads to a better tomorrow,” says RLAC co-chair Cyndi Bester. “The Reconciliation Awards recognize partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are working hand-in-hand to create meaningful change in the community.”

This year, nominations are open in seven distinct categories:

1. Youth (5 – 17) This award is to recognize youths for their leadership and taking initiative in role modelling values that support Reconciliation.
   
   
2. Young Adult (18 – 25) This award is to recognize young adults for their leadership and taking initiative in role modelling values that support reconciliation.
   
   
3. Community Leader - This award is to recognize an individual who shows outstanding commitment to role modeling and advancing the goal of Reconciliation here in the City of Lethbridge.
   
   
4. Education (Individual or group) - This award is to recognize an individual or group who has played a fundamental role in sharing education, awareness and creating opportunities for others to participate in Reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (TRC).
   
   
5. Indigenous Leadership (Individual or group) - This award is to recognize a group or individual who has played a fundamental role in sharing education, awareness and creating opportunities for urban Indigenous people and families to connect with Indigenous ways of knowing and supporting connections to culture, in the City of Lethbridge.
   
   
6. Corporation or Private Sector (Group) - This award is to recognize group leadership by a corporation and/or private sector organization that shows outstanding action and commitment to Reconciliation here in the City of Lethbridge.
   
   
7. Not-for-Profit Organization (Group) - This award is to recognize group leadership by a not-for-profit organization that show outstanding action and commitment to Reconciliation here in the City of Lethbridge. 

“Being a champion of Reconciliation requires ongoing effort and dedication,” says Echo Nowak, Indigenous Relations Specialist. “By acknowledging the incredible work happening in Sikoohkotoki, we hope to inspire even more people to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.”

For a detailed list of award criteria and to submit your nomination for a Reconciliation champion, click here. Nominations close on Friday, September 6 at 4:30 p.m.

For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.