Indspire Announces 2026 Indspire Awards Laureates Honouring Excellence Across Indigenous Communities

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentOHSWEKEN, Ontario, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Indspire is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Indspire Awards, recognizing outstanding Indigenous professionals and youth whose achievements, leadership, and service are strengthening communities across Turtle Island. The Awards ceremony will take place on May 14, 2026, in Halifax, NS.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentConsidered the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own achievers, the Indspire Awards celebrate excellence across diverse fields and elevate role models for future generations. The 2026 Laureates were revealed during a national livestream presentation hosted by Indspire President and CEO Jocelyn W. Formsma and 2018 Métis Youth Laureate Tracie Léost.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentThis year marks the introduction of the inaugural Music category, reflecting the growing global impact and innovation of Indigenous artists.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentIndspire is honoured to share that the 2026 Indspire Awards recipients are:Article contentFirst Nation Youth Recipient Tia WoodSaddle Lake Cree Nation, ABArticle contentInuit Youth Recipient Simik KomaksiutsiksakKangiqliniq, NUArticle contentMétis Youth Recipient Garrett HrechkaManitoba Métis Federation, MBArticle contentArtsJessica BrownNunatsiavut, NLArticle contentBusiness & CommerceAaron JoeShíshálh Nation, BCArticle contentCulture, Heritage & SpiritualityAlbert DumontKitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, QCArticle contentEducationAndré O’BonsawinOdanak First Nation, QCArticle contentHealthDr.

Mona Lisa Bourque BearskinBeaver Lake Cree Nation, ABArticle contentLaw & JusticeNaiomi Walqwan MetallicListuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, QCArticle contentMusic Jeremy DutcherTobique First Nation, NBArticle contentPublic ServiceAnnette MorganGitxsan Nation, BCArticle contentSportsBernard A. “Buzz” ManuelUpper Nicola Band, BCArticle contentLifetime AchievementFred Kelly (Kizhebowse Makwa)Ojibways of Onigaming, ONArticle content“Indspire Laureates show us what is possible when talent, determination, and community commitment come together,” said Jocelyn W. Formsma, President and CEO of Indspire and 2024 Public Service Laureate. “Their work is transforming systems, revitalizing culture, advancing knowledge, and creating opportunity. We are honoured to celebrate these leaders and share their stories with the country.”Article contentArticle contentIndspire gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors and partners:Article contentLead Partner: Government of CanadaMajor Sponsors: Shell Canada Limited, Suncor Energy Inc.Youth Laureate Sponsor: Barry and Laurie Green Family TrustDinner Sponsor: Teck Resources LimitedParticipating Sponsors: LNG Canada, The Rossy Foundation, Royal Bank of CanadaLaureate Reception Sponsor: Dixon Mitchell Investment CounselCulinary Sponsor: ImperialLaureate Pin Sponsor: Rio TintoSupporting Sponsor: ScotiabankArticle contentAbout IndspireArticle contentIndspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2024-25, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through over 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.Article contentFor media accreditation or to arrange interviews with Award recipients, please contact:Article contentMallory RoseVP, Communications, Marketing, and Student Success, Indspiremrose@indspire.ca(416) 861-8507Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentTrending Telus picks former CIBC CEO Victor Dodig to replace Entwistle at helm Telecom CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes For some Canadian travellers in Cuba, getting home is not so easy Airlines Russia memo sees return to U.S. dollar system in pitch made for Trump Economy Posthaste: Why Canada's job market is in a lot worse shape than you think News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Telus picks former CIBC CEO Victor Dodig to replace Entwistle at helm Telecom CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes For some Canadian travellers in Cuba, getting home is not so easy Airlines Russia memo sees return to U.S. dollar system in pitch made for Trump Economy Posthaste: Why Canada's job market is in a lot worse shape than you think News