Nishnawbe Aski Nation is extending the deadline for nomination the 2009 Keewaywin Awards and is trying to get the message out to the communities.

Please submit your nominations using the form below.

Info is also available at www.nan.on.ca. 

CRITERIA for KEEWAYWIN AWARDS

Each year, NAN sponsors the NAN Keewaywin Awards to recognize and honour the dedication and commitment of the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) through their valuable contributions to their communities and abroad.

The awards are presented in four categories.

1. Criteria for the NAN Youth Award:

A nominee must be nominated for one of the following achievements:

1) Academic
2) Athletic
3) Leadership/Community Involvement
4) Cultural

• Must be at least 15 - 29 years of age;
• Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation, and;
• A nominee must meet some but not necessarily all of the following criteria:

• Involvement in community as a volunteer
• Working with youth organization or organizing activities for youth and children in own community
• Education/career achievements
• Role model for peers and younger children
• Promotes a healthy lifestyle
• Has overcome adverse circumstance
• Leadership
• Athletic achievements
• Bravery/outstanding feat

2. Criteria for the NAN Woman Award:

• Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation
• A nominee can meet some but not necessarily all of the following achievements:

• Family oriented
• What she achieved to improve the lives of women and/or children
• Education/career
• Traditional knowledge & practices
• Involvement in community as a volunteer and/or worker
• Work for the women and/or children of the community
• Promote a healthy lifestyle
• Has overcome adverse circumstances
• Leadership
• Shown innovation in chosen field of work

3. Criteria for the NAN Elder Award:

• Must be a member of a Nishnawbe Aski First Nation
• A nominee can meet some but not necessarily all of the following achievements:

• Leadership
• Has overcome adverse circumstances
• Teaches and practices cultural & traditional values, customs and knowledge
• Life experiences in education and career
• Voluntary involvement at the community level, organizations, etc.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle
• Teaches and interacts with the youth

4. Criteria for the Emile Nakogee Award for outstanding Leadership

Based on Emile’s background, this award is presented to leadership in one of the categories, such as:

1) First Nation Chief, Grand Chief or Deputy Grand Chief
2) First Nation Council member
3) Tribal Council, Committee (Community or NAN affiliated organization) Chair
4) Management leadership such as Executive Directors of the NAN organizations and agencies

In addition to the Leadership award, the recipient must demonstrate some but not necessarily all of the following:

• Demonstrated outstanding leadership trades, integrity, inclusion, teamwork and excellence in his/her field of work.
• Must be a member of Nishnawbe Aski First Nation and/or employed by a NAN affiliated organization or agency

A nominee can meet some but not necessarily all of the following achievements:

• Accomplishments in area of education, career, leadership, etc
• Commitment to the improvement of the lives of the people of Nishnawbe Aski
• Promotes, protects and respects the traditional values, beliefs, customs of NAN First Nations
• Role Model
• Years of service
• Work performed beyond the call of duty

Click here for a copy of the Nomination Form