A Walpole Island youth has earned some more national recognition.
Indspire, the largest funder of Indigenous post-secondary education outside the federal government, announced in Ottawa this week the names of 13 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who have been selected as recipients of the 2018 Indspire Awards.
One of this year’s recipients, for Culture, Heritage & Spirituality, is Theland Kicknosway.
Back when he was 12, the native singer and dancer was in the spotlight when he led Justin Trudeau into Rideau Hall to be sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister back in 2015.
Read more, here: Walpole Island youth leads Trudeau into ceremony
“The 2018 Indspire Awards are the highest honour bestowed on Indigenous people, marking the significant contributions of our people in Canada,” stated Roberta L. Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire and Executive Producer of the Indspire Awards, in a press release.
“We not only recognize the recipients’ individual successes, their discipline, drive and determination to set high standards and accomplish their goals, but also to share and celebrate, the impact of their stories and journeys with all Canadians.”
Jamieson added: “We also celebrate the future, through our three youth recipients, each of whom serves as a role model, promoting self-esteem and pride for the Indigenous community at large and providing outstanding role models for Indigenous youth across the country.”
The 13 award recipients were set to be recognized in Ottawa this week during question period in the House of Commons.
The 2018 Indspire Awards ceremony will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 23, 2018.
Kicknosway, who lives in Ottawa with family, is a member of Walpole Island First Nation.
His father Vincent is from Walpole, and many of his relatives still reside on the Bkejwanong Territory.
