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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the nominees for the 2025 Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Awards and to celebrate this year’s winners.
This year marks 35 years since the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards program was established and 115 remarkable Northerners have been recognized since its inception in 1991. The Outstanding Volunteer Awards continue to highlight the extraordinary contributions of volunteers, and the essential role volunteerism plays in communities across the Northwest Territories.
Volunteering is an act of kindness, given freely without expectation of recognition.
Volunteers embody the spirit of service: strengthening community connections, building resilience, and offering support where it is needed most. Through their time, energy, and compassion, they help create a healthier, more vibrant, and thriving territory for all of us.
Mr. Speaker, each year, the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards accept nominations in four categories: Youth, Elder, Individual, and Group. This year, we received 50 nominations from 19 communities.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all the nominated individuals and groups,.
Your contributions are truly invaluable, not only to your home communities but also to the entire Northwest Territories. Without your dedication, so many programs and initiatives would not be possible. Your efforts make a real difference, and we are grateful for all that you do.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I had the honour of presenting the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Awards at the Legislative Assembly, and I would like to recognize this year’s recipients.
The Outstanding Youth Award was presented to Ava Erasmus of Fort Simpson for her leadership and dedication to local sports organizations and the Fort Simpson Fire Department.
The Outstanding Individual Award was presented to Brian McShane, who was honoured for his many years of leadership and service with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Outstanding Elder Award was presented to Gloria Faye Johns of Hay River for her dedication, leadership, and long-standing commitment to the K’amba Carnival Committee, as well as for her support of families during funerals.
The Outstanding Group Award was presented to the Run for Our Lives Committee from Yellowknife, which has been recognized for more than 20 years of organizing community events and fundraising to improve cancer care in the North.
Congratulations to all the Award recipients. Your commitment not only fosters positive change but also motivates others to participate and contribute in their own ways.
Your actions show that even the smallest contributions can leave a lasting impression on our communities.
I would also like to express my appreciation to everyone who took the time to nominate their fellow residents. Your efforts to acknowledge others' contributions strengthen the generosity and community pride that characterize our territory.
Mr. Speaker, as we look ahead, it is especially meaningful that the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This designation serves as a global reminder of the vital role volunteers play in shaping a stronger, more resilient world. I encourage everyone to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive.
Nominations for the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards are open year-round, and I urge residents to recognize those who consistently go above and beyond in service to others.
Let us be inspired by the remarkable example set by this year’s recipients and let us continue working together to make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and full of possibility.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker