Nelson Bird, a lecturer in Indigenous Journalism & Communication Arts at the First Nations University of Canada and long-time journalist, received the “Lifetime Journey” award at Saskatchewan’s first Okimaw Awards.
The Okimaw Awards, which recognize the contributions of Indigenous men throughout Saskatchewan, took place last Friday at the Conexus Arts Centre.
“It validates all the work that I’ve done over the years in giving Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people a voice,” said Bird.
Bird worked at CTV News for 26 years and until 2013, hosted Indigenous Circle, a weekly segment that focuses on Indigenous stories and issues. He now teaches the Indigenous Communications Arts program at FNUniv.
“As a journalist and a storyteller, we have that power to be able to share a culture, our experiences,” said Bird.
“When I’m up there on stage talking and giving a speech about what it means to me, I feel I’m speaking on behalf of a community, village, my ancestors, my relatives, and my family, so it really means a lot to all of us,” said Bird.
The Okimaw Awards were first founded in Alberta, and are unique in that they focus on men specifically and encompass many diverse categories in which someone can be recognized for.
This was the first time that the Okimaw Awards have been held in Saskatchewan. They were produced by Chelsa Reil, who also sits on the board for Okimaw Awards Alberta.
“Okimaw is a Cree word for ‘chief’ or ‘leader.’” Said Reil. The men awarded on Friday are all leaders in their communities, however that may look in their respective fields.
Award categories include Community, Music & Art, Law Enforcement & Justice, Health & Medicine, Language & Culture, Youth Mentorship and more.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the men in our communities for the great things that they’re doing for their communities,” said Reil. “Just giving them that acknowledgement and celebration, helping them know that they’re seen and heard.”
The men awarded come from across Saskatchewan and from many different backgrounds, but they’ve all contributed to their communities in their respective ways.
The awards do not discriminate by age, and many of the recipients, like Bird, have been contributing to their communities for decades.
“A lot of these men have shared the length in a lot of their journeys, and it’s like, decades and centuries of hard work, you know, and being acknowledged,” said Amanda Wanotch, a co-host and board member. “We’re acknowledging their leadership and the hustle and the hard work and the tears, the anger, all those emotions and the physical work that goes into doing all the things that they’ve done.”
“There are a lot of ways that we honour and recognize our own people. There’s a lot. But every one is as meaningful. Every one is as powerful. Every one is significant. Every award, every honour that we may get for our achievements is equal to the one before or the one coming up.”
“To uplift the community, uplifts us,” said Bird.
