Yellowknife — October 26, 2021
With the support of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) has created the Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award to honour the memory of the young leader who passed away unexpectedly in August 2021.
Kristine McLeod contributed immensely to the health, wellness, culture, and education of Gwich’in people and the Northwest Territories (NWT). The award recognizes young Indigenous NWT residents who demonstrate exceptional initiative and commitment to the principles of public service within community, territorial, federal, or Indigenous government. The goal of this award is to recognize Indigenous individuals who personify outstanding leadership qualities.
The award recipient will receive a grant of $5,000 in recognition of their outstanding contributions. The grant will support the emerging leader as they continue to pursue education, training, or other opportunities that would support their development as a leader.
This award program will be delivered annually by the Department of Finance in conjunction with the Premier’s Awards, beginning in 2022.
Quote(s)
“Kristine was an inspiring young leader who spent her life working for a better future for the Gwich’in people. She has left her mark on a generation of young women who saw a strong, Indigenous woman in an important leadership role in our territory. We are honoured to create this award to carry on her legacy, and to commemorate her tremendous contributions to the Gwich’in people, and the Northwest Territories.”
-Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
“Kristine was such a role model for young Indigenous women in the Northwest Territories. A bright, engaging and kind person who connected with everyone she met regardless of their background, culture or creed. We miss her however we are comforted by the fact that such a legacy has been created to develop the future generations of young leaders in the North.”
-Ken Kyikavichik, Gwich’in Tribal Council Grand Chief
“By recognizing and supporting emerging Indigenous leaders in the NWT, we are inspiring our territory for the benefit of all residents. The Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award will carry on the legacy of an incredible and inspiring leader by encouraging future leaders of the territory to continue their journeys in education and training as they contribute to their communities.”
-Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance
Quick facts
- To be eligible to be nominated for this award, nominees should be Indigenous NWT residents who:
- Are in the early stages of their career (between five and ten years) with a community, territorial, federal, or Indigenous government; or
- Have been recently elected to a leadership position with a community, territorial, federal, or Indigenous government.
- The award recipient will be evaluated against the following personal characteristics, and should:
- Invite challenge and challenge others in a positive manner, promote and try new ideas and encourage colleagues to think boldly to implement new ways of doing business.
- Inspire and enable others through a spirit of collaboration, trust, human dignity, and recognition of individual contributions.
- Model the way by creating standards of excellence and setting an example for others to follow.
- Respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Todd Sasaki, spokesperson
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories