Community champions recognized at Reconciliation Awards evening

Community building, unity and cultural celebration were on full display as the City of Lethbridge and the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) held their annual Reconciliation Awards evening Monday night in City Hall.

Eight community members and organizations were recognized for helping set their community on a meaningful path to Reconciliation. Award recipients’ efforts showed dedicated support to partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and groups, leading to a more equitable, inclusive society.

“This event truly showcases the outstanding dedication shown by people in our community to build strong and lasting equality here in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge),” says Mayor, Blaine Hyggen. “It is an opportunity to celebrate how hard these folks work and the difference they’re making in our community, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.”

Event attendees were treated to an evening of cultural celebration with Indigenous music, food and dancing and a keynote address from Kainai Nation member and Canadian Olympic swimmer, Apollo Hess.
Hess spoke about his hard-fought path to becoming an Olympian and those who supported him along the way. Wearing a custom-made ribbon shirt he was gifted from the Siksika Nation, Hess spoke fondly about his family, heritage and connection to his culture.

“I am very proud of where I came from. Very proud,” says Hess.

Recipients were each gifted a locally crafted glass trophy from RLAC as a token of their recognition. Dates and deadlines for nominations for the 2025 Reconciliation Awards will be announced in the summer of next year.

Reconciliation award recipients:

Youth award – Gunner Fox
Gunner Fox is a grade 10 student at Catholic Central High School. He contributes to the preservation of the Blackfoot language by creating videos and promoting an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture within his school community and beyond. An Honour Roll student and part of the Alberta Lacrosse Provincial gold medal-winning U17 Lethbridge Cudas program, Gunner has also been selected to play on the Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse team. His leadership, commitment to Indigenous language preservation and excellence in various domains truly exemplify what it means to be a champion for Reconciliation.  

Young Adult award – Trissly Blackwater
Trissly Blackwater has been employed by the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) as a summer student for the past three years. During her time with the LPS, Trissly has been pivotal in promoting and championing Blackfoot culture and language with the organization. Most notably, she led the translation of the LPS’ core values – Respect, Courage, Accountability, Collaboration and Professionalism – into Blackfoot. An active community member, Trissly works tirelessly to connect with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to build better cultural understanding.

Community Leader award – Nikki Tanner
Nikki Tanner is an avid hiker and community leader. Her and her husband Patrick have been leading groups of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on hiking adventures across southern Alberta, where they offer an opportunity to learn about Blackfoot culture. It is on these hikes, Nikki and Patrick have been placing smudge boxes at each peak they conquer. These boxes contain messages of Reconciliation, acknowledgements of the wrongs of the past and optimism for a brighter future.

Education award – Blackfoot Elder Kahtohmahka, Tom Little Bear
Tom Little Bear is a bus driver for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. Tom plays a pivotal part in helping to promote Indigenous culture and foster respectful relationships by promoting Reconciliation. He does this through storytelling for positive change. Tom’s efforts are perhaps best illustrated by his efforts in the 30-minute documentary, ‘A Day in the life of a Blood Bus Driver and Their Students’. The documentary follows Tom and highlights the challenges and sacrifices faced by both drivers and students in their pursuit of education. The documentary has been viewed by every staff member and many students in the division, furthering the understanding and shared responsibilities of Reconciliation.

Indigenous Leadership award – Blackfoot Elder, Morris Little Wolf
Morris Little Wolf has been working to further understanding, connection and improve the health and wellness outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples for decades. As a leader within Alberta Health Services (AHS), he has been pivotal in the project, Medicine Within. This project was recognized as the 2024 Heath Quality Council of Alberta – Patience Experience award. Beyond his work within AHS, Morris provides guidance for countless programs that support addictions, mental health and cultural teachings where he is recognized as a trusted elder. 

Corporation or Private Sector award – Sasha Smode, Bank of Montreal
Sasha Smode is the Regional Vice President for Alberta South and Southern Saskatchewan for the Bank of Montreal. Working to help Indigenous people achieve their financial goals, Sasha promotes cultural understanding and teachings to her colleagues so they can better support Indigenous customers. As one of the founding members of the BMO Prairie Sharing Circle which teaches Indigenous culture and history within BMO, Sasha ensures a safe space for all employees to ask questions to gain a shared understanding and further Reconciliation.

Not-for-Profit Organization award – Tom McKenzie, Aboriginal Housing
Tom McKenzie is the Chair of the Aboriginal Housing Society and a true advocate for social justice and equality. Pivotal in securing funding to build affordable housing for families in need, Tom strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. More than 130 families will benefit from the new affordable housing project being constructed in Lethbridge. An unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for the community, Tom leads by example and works hard to promote a shared understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Society award – Theron Black and Les Vonkemann
Theron Black and Les Vonkemann build bridges between cultures and work tirelessly to host community events that bring people together. The Reconciliation Powow is an amazing opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to connect through song, dance and food, while learning about the history of this land and its people.

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