Treaty One Awards Call For Nominations: Honouring Anishinaabe Excellence & Leadership

The Treaty One Awards celebrate the strength, heart, and vision of individuals who lead with Anishinaabe values. These awards honour those who inspire change, uphold Treaty rights, and contribute to building strong, thriving Nations.

Rooted in our traditions and teachings, the Treaty One Awards recognize those who dedicate themselves to the well-being of our communities and the future of coming generations.

Purpose of the Treaty One Awards

At the heart of these awards is the recognition of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the resurgence and strength of our Nations.

The Treaty One Awards honour citizens who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and innovation through their work in community, governance, culture, and advocacy.

Recipients exemplify leadership through:

• Upholding Treaty and Inherent Rights
• Revitalizing our cultures, languages, and governance systems
• Strengthening our communities for future generations
• Advancing healing, reconciliation, and unity among Nations

Guiding Values

The Treaty One Awards are grounded in Anishinaabe teachings and recognize individuals who embody the following values:

Anishinaabe Inendamowin (Self-Determination)
Honouring those who empower our people to define their own future through sovereignty, cultural identity, and self-sufficiency.

Gakina Gidagwii’igoomin (Self-Governance)
Recognizing leaders who uphold governance systems grounded in our teachings while addressing the evolving needs of our people.

Oshkaabewisag Gichi-apiitendaagoziwag (Assertion of Sovereignty)
Celebrating those who defend and strengthen Treaty One Nations’ rights on a national and global scale.

Mashkawendamowin zhigo Bizaanidiwin (Healing Through Reconciliation)
Recognizing peacemakers, storytellers, and Knowledge Keepers who restore balance within our Nations and beyond.

Award Categories

The Treaty One Awards recognize leaders across multiple areas of community leadership and cultural strength.

Treaty One Promise Keeper Award

MASHKAWIZIIWIN – Honouring Future Generations

Recognizes a young leader (under the age of 30) who is shaping the future of our Nations by uplifting Treaty rights, culture, and governance.

Nominees may demonstrate:

• Advocacy for Indigenous rights, governance, and history
• Leadership in community initiatives that strengthen Nationhood
• Contributions to revitalizing Anishinaabemowin and cultural traditions
• Mentorship and inspiration for other youth

Treaty One Nibwaakaawin Award

GICHI ANISHINAABE – Honouring Knowledge & Teachings

Honours a respected Knowledge Keeper dedicated to preserving and sharing Anishinaabe culture, language, and governance.

Nominees may demonstrate:

• Leadership in traditional governance and cultural teachings
• Commitment to preserving Anishinaabemowin and traditional practices
• Strengthening intergenerational knowledge sharing
• Contributions to Treaty rights awareness and reconciliation

Treaty One Ogichidaakwe Award

AKIWENZIIKWE – Honouring Women Warriors & Leaders

Recognizes a woman who has been a powerful advocate for First Nations rights, well-being, and sovereignty, leading with matriarchal wisdom.

Nominees may demonstrate:

• Leadership in Indigenous governance and policy change
• Advocacy for First Nations women, families, and communities
• Revitalization of traditional roles in leadership and cultural knowledge
• Influence on national or international conversations around Indigenous sovereignty and gender equity

Treaty One Ogichidaa Award

OGICHIDAA – Honouring Warriors & Protectors

Recognizes an individual who embodies the warrior spirit, protecting culture, land, and sovereignty while advocating for justice and community well-being.

Nominees may demonstrate:

• Protection of Treaty rights and land stewardship
• Leadership in governance, policy, or community empowerment
• Mentorship grounded in language, culture, and traditional laws
• Advocacy for healing, identity, and strength within First Nations communities

Eligibility

Nominees must be registered members of one of the seven Treaty One Nations:

• Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
• Long Plain First Nation
• Peguis First Nation
• Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
• Sagkeeng First Nation
• Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation
• Swan Lake First Nation

The Impact of the Treaty One Awards

The Treaty One Awards recognize the strength, knowledge, and leadership that continues to guide our Nations forward.

Through these awards we reaffirm our shared commitment to:

• Nurturing strong leaders
• Preserving our languages and knowledge systems
• Protecting our lands and Treaty rights
• Building a future grounded in healing, unity, and sovereignty

By honouring those who have paved the way, we strengthen the path for future generations.

Celebrate Our Leaders

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their contributions to our Nations?

Submit a nomination and help us celebrate the individuals who continue to shape the future of Treaty One.

Fill out the nomination form here: 2026 Treaty One Awards Gala: Nomination Form

Nomination Deadline: April 24, 2026

For questions or additional information, please contact:
events@treaty1.ca