The Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan partnered to present Leading Together: Healing the Past – Empowering the Future Awards in Regina on Nov. 22.

Two awards are presented annually to an individual and an organization to recognize their long-term impact towards truth and reconciliation. Recipients demonstrate long-term commitment to fostering understanding, healing, and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, to honouring the spirit and intent of treaties, and to active engagement in initiatives that address the legacy of colonization, systemic inequality, and intergenerational trauma.

This work is often related to issues and/or areas of activity including land, education, anti-racism, MMIWG2SBM, justice, health, social services, economic development, arts, language and culture.

The individual award went to Lindsay ‘eekwol’ Knight, a trailblazer in Indigenous hip hop, who has dedicated over two decades to advancing truth and reconciliation through her art, educational leadership and community engagement. She was the first Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence at the University of Saskatchewan and is currently pursuing a PhD.

The organization award was presented to The Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Swift Current and Area. Since 2017, this Committee has consistently organized and delivered programs, events and activities with truth as the cornerstone while working toward reconciliation in their community.

Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker was pleased to present the awards to the incredible recipients.

These awards are made possible by a generous donation of the Sarkar Family Foundation