The Saskatchewan First Nations’ Women’s Commission Strength of Our Women Awards honours the strength and resiliency of First Nations women in Saskatchewan. The Awards showcase the many contributions women make in our communities while continuing to foster a sense of pride within them. Women are the givers of life and the keepers of our Nations – their contributions are vital to the continuing existence of our traditional ways of life.

The proceeds from the Strength of our Women Awards Gala are dedicated to supporting the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and other related SFNWC strategies.

The Awards Gala is a special occasion for many to come together to celebrate the achievements and contributions made by First Nations women from all Treaty areas within the Province of Saskatchewan. It is a time to lift up First Nations women that exemplify great strength and resiliency throughout our Treaty territories. Nominees and recipients will be honoured in 12 categories at the Awards Gala on November 16, 2018 at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

If you are interested in nominating an outstanding woman, please fill out the nomination form below and provide:

• A 250-word summary about the nominee, including reasons they should receive the award.
• A list of any educational achievements or awards they have received
• Two letters of Support
• A high-resolution picture (minimum 640×480 pixels at 300 dpi)

Parts of the summary and the picture will be used in the Strength of Our Women Awards Gala program. All nominees must be in agreement with their nomination.

Arts and Entertainment

Nominees must have experience and talent in the areas of music, film, writing, theatre, dance, production, direction, or any other artistic endeavour.

Business

Nominees must demonstrate success in business, entrepreneurship, administration, accounting, economic development, or business management.

Culture and Spirituality

Nominees must promote First Nations culture, language, and values; live a clean and healthy lifestyle; be dedicated to preserving their traditions and customs; and represent First Nations culture and people in a respectful and tolerant manner.

Education

Nominees must demonstrate success in promoting First Nations culture, language and values in the education system, or by exceptional service as an educator.

Environmental Protector/Knowledge Keeper

Nominees must promote First Nations beliefs and ideals about protecting Mother Earth, natural resources and/or promote traditional knowledge pertaining to land, water, medicines or women’s ceremonies.

Health and Wellness

Nominees should be dedicated to the advancement of health, wellness, and well-being of First Nations peoples; or demonstrate exceptional service in the field of medicine or community wellness.

Law and Justice

Nominees should display professionalism, leadership and above all fairness in the fields of policing, law, the Canadian Court system, First Nations justice initiatives, politics and justice, or human rights.

Leadership and Advocacy

Nominees must display strong leadership and advocacy in an area that promotes the advancement of First Nations women.  Nominees may be an individual, movement, group, community organization, or First Nations organization.

Lifetime Achievement

Nominees will have dedicated countless hours of their time to helping First Nations at the community, regional, national, and/or international level over their lifetime.  Those recognized will have made significant contributions and achievements in any field.

 

Matriarch

The Matriarch is often the strength of a family or community.  The first ten nominees whose complete nomination packages are received by the deadline date will be honoured at the Gala.

Sports

Nominees should be athletes who display a passion for sports as well as physical and mental well-being.  Nominees will have outstanding leadership qualities and high achievement.  Individuals that promote positive sportsmanship through coaching and/or organizing sporting events are also eligible.

Youth

Nominees must be under the age of 18 and show dedication and passion for First Nations customs and traditions.  Nominees will demonstrate distinction in their field of study, display integrity, show respect, and act as a role model for First Nations youth.

Nominee Elegibility

• First Nations Woman (exception made for Leadership/Advocacy Award);
• Meets the criteria for the award category;
• All required documents are received by the deadline. If all documents are not received then the nominee may be deemed ineligible for an Award by the Selection Committee.
• Previous recipients not eligible in the same category

Note: The Selection Committee may find some Nominations ineligible due to conflict of interest. All decisions will be final.

Nomination Process

Anyone interested in nominating a woman, please download the Women’s Awards Nomination Form 2018.

Selection Process

The selection committee will review all nominations prior to Monday, October 22, 2018. The top four (4) nominees will be contacted by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2018. The top four (4) nominees will be featured in the awards program and other related materials. The award winners will be announced at the Strength of Our Women Awards Gala. Recipients will receive a specially designed award in their category at the Awards Gala and will be featured on the FSIN website and the Strength of Our Women Facebook page. The remaining three (3) runner ups in their award category will receive a gift and recognition for their accomplishments and contributions.

Deadline

Forward nominations by mail, fax, email or in person by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2018, to:
Strength of Our Women Awards

FSIN 100-103A Packham Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
Phone:(306) 667-1876
Fax:(306) 244-44
Email: i[email protected]