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

Mino-Bimaadiziwin: Living the Good Life in Service of Our Nations

The Treaty One Awards celebrate the strength, heart, and vision of those who lead with Anishinaabe values. These awards recognize individuals who inspire change, uphold Treaty rights, and help build strong, thriving Nations. Rooted in our traditions, this is a time to honour those who dedicate themselves to our communities and future generations.

Purpose of the Treaty One Awards

At the heart of these awards is the recognition of those who have made lasting contributions to the resurgence of our Nations. These awards acknowledge Treaty One citizens who exemplify leadership, commitment, and innovation in:

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

Guiding Values

The Treaty One Awards are rooted in our traditional values, recognizing those who embody:

1. Anishinaabe Inendamowin (Self-Determination) – Honouring those who empower our people to define their own future through sovereignty, cultural identity, and self-sufficiency.
2. Gakina Gidagwii’igoomin (Self-Governance) – Recognizing leaders who uphold governance systems grounded in our teachings while addressing the evolving needs of our people.
3. Oshkaabewisag Gichi-apiitendaagoziwag (Assertion of Sovereignty) – Celebrating those who defend and strengthen Treaty One Nations’ rights on a national and global scale.
4. Mashkawendamowin Miinawaa Bizaanidiwin (Healing Through Reconciliation) – Recognizing peacemakers, storytellers, and knowledge keepers who restore balance within our Nations and beyond.

Award Categories

Eligibility:

• Nominees must be 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, and Swan Lake First Nation.

Treaty One Promise Keeper Award

MASHKAWIZIIWIN: Honouring the Future Generations
Recognize a young leader (under 30) who is shaping the future of our Nations by uplifting Treaty rights, culture, and governance.

What we’re looking for:
Advocates for Indigenous rights, governance, and history
Leads community projects that build strong, sovereign Nations
Helps revitalize Anishinaabemowin and cultural traditions
Inspires and mentors other youth

Treaty One Nibwaakaawin Award

GICHI ANISHINAABE: Honouring Knowledge & Teachings
Honour a respected Knowledge Keeper dedicated to preserving and sharing Anishinaabe culture, language, and governance.

What we’re looking for:
A leader in traditional governance and cultural teachings
Helps keep Anishinaabemowin and our practices alive
Strengthens intergenerational knowledge-sharing
Uplifts Treaty rights and reconciliation

Treaty One Ogichidaakwe Award

AKIWENZIIKWE: Honouring Women Warriors & Leaders
Uplift a woman who has been a powerful advocate for First Nations rights, well-being, and sovereignty, leading with matriarchal wisdom.

What we’re looking for:
A leader in Indigenous governance and policy change
Champions the rights of First Nations women and families
Reclaims traditional roles in birthing, community leadership, and language preservation
A visionary influencing national and international policies on gender equity and Indigenous sovereignty

Treaty One Ogichidaa Award

OGICHIDAA: Honouring Warriors & Protectors
Recognize a person who embodies the warrior spirit, protecting culture, land, and sovereignty while advocating for justice, governance, and the well-being of our communities.

What we’re looking for:
A protector of Treaty rights and land stewardship
A leader in governance, policy, or community empowerment
A mentor who uplifts First Nations peoples through language, culture, and traditional laws
A dedicated advocate for First Nations identity and healing

Impact of the Treaty One Awards

These awards are more than recognition; they are a sacred call to action. They reaffirm our commitment to:

• Nurturing strong leaders
• Preserving our languages and knowledge
• Protecting our lands and Treaty rights
• Building a future of healing and reconciliation

By honouring those who have paved the way, we strengthen the foundation for future generations. The Treaty One Awards celebrate our strength, wisdom, and resilience, ensuring that our Nations thrive in sovereignty and self-determination.

Celebrate Our Leaders – Nominate Someone Today!

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today and help us celebrate the individuals shaping the future of our Nations! Please use the fill the form below or click on this link. If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us at events@treaty1.

Nomination Deadline: March 26, 2025