The Meta Way Win Award was presented to 18-year-old Joshua Turner by last year’s winner, Gilbert Longjohn

The Youth Award winner is Lyndelle Dancing Eagle Daniels, presented by last year’s winner, Cayla Longjohn.

The Key Teya Award for Citizen of the Year went to Lena Peters, presented by last year’s winner, Ruth Ross, and Councillor Robert Ermine.

The Health and Wellness Promotions Award went to the Sturgeon Lake Home Care staff, comprised of Brandi Felix, Fred Felix, Hilda Moosehunter, and Lorraine Ermine.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation held its 8th Annual Golden Eagle Awards on November 2, to honour its outstanding citizens of the previous twelve months. The event was held at Sturgeon Lake Central School and emceed by Russell Badger and Elmer Ballantyne. Their delivery, replete with humour, resembled the Martin/Lewis duo in their latter years. Just kidding – the two have a chemistry that seems to be fueled by some combustible agent. Just kidding again. No, these two are funny. I mean, yes, they are funny. Not funny farm funny, but funny.

The event is usually kick-started with a great buffet-style meal. This time it was Beef Wellington or a close facsimile. Lead singer Clayton Daniels of the Young Eagle Cree singers and drummers performed the Golden Eagle Awards Song for the grand entry. Chief Henry Daniels and Council, PAGC Vice-Chief Edward Henderson, Tiny Tot Princess Margaret Wichihin, Junior Princess Cassandra Daniels, Little Warrior Desmond Ermine, past G.E. recipients, and the Golden Eagle Awards committee members Delphine Naytowhow, Christine Longjohn, Jody Ermine, Tanya Felix, and Charlene Badger were included as members of the Grand Entry.

The Golden Eagle Awards ceremony acknowledges and honours the achievements and contributions of members of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

The Meta Way Win Award for Sports and Recreation winner, 18-year-old Joshua Turner, has demonstrated great athletic abilities in basketball, volleyball, badminton, and athletics, winning numerous trophies.

Alcohol and drug-free, Joshua is viewed as a community role model demonstrating strong leadership skills, and was voted as Chief of the student council.

The Lloyd Johnson Memorial Award for Community Healing and Cultural Initiatives winner is Darnell Turner. Darnell is recognized has having excellent cultural knowledge that he shares with the community. His grandfather Baptiste Turner passed down to him cultural teachings. He works as an Oskapewis (Elder’s helper) at ceremonies such as Sundances, Round dances, feasts, powwows and other traditional gatherings, such as the Sacred Circle. He is a good hunter, and a good singer of powwow and other traditional songs. As an Oskapewis, Darnell has the honour of being an Eagle Staff carrier.

He leads a healthy lifestyle and has participated in the local Kokums and Moshoms Against Drugs and Alcohol walk for the past three years.

The Hannah Kingfisher Education Award of Excellence winner is Kavia Burns. Kavia attended all her schooling on the reserve and was in the first graduating class of Sturgeon Lake Central School. She obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1993 and is presently pursuing a Certificate in Special Education, also at the U of S.

A mother of three – Katie, Jasmine and Denzel – Kavia believes that education is the key to all future successes and wants the best for her students, instilling in them the idea of education as being a lifelong experience. She has been employed with the Little Red River Education Authority for the past 10 years. Raised with a strong worth ethic, she leads an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.

The Health and Wellness Promotions Award went to the Sturgeon Lake Home Care staff, comprised of Brandi Felix, Fred Felix, Hilda Moosehunter, and Lorraine Ermine. The award recognizes that health and wellness is at the forefront of a healthy community.

All four the Home Care staff members are committed to their jobs in caring for Elders, and are seen as having developed a bond with them. They perform the work that Elders can no longer do for themselves – cleaning houses so that Elders can take pride in their homes. They also maintain the yards, cut wood and shovel walkways and driveways in winter. They take time to visit with the Elders, who are appreciative of the work they do.

The Youth Award winner is Lyndelle Dancing Eagle Daniels. Lyndelle has always worked hard to excel in school, and throughout her school years has always maintained an 85% average or better. She has already won several academic awards at school and is involved in various school sports.

An engaging young woman, she always makes new friends in her travels and maintains old friendships. A recognized Jingle Dress Dancer, Lyndelle has represented her community as a Junior Princess for two years on the powwow circuit, and has danced for many more.

She is an active participant in traditional events and her dad’s drum group, as well as in many Native American Church ceremonies since she was a young girl – the latter which she greatly values.

Lyndelle has a strong relationship with her family and extended family. Alcohol and drug-free, the value system she was taught at home has provided a strong framework for a healthy lifestyle, and she is proud of her First Nations heritage.

The Lloyd Johnson Memorial Award for Community Healing and Cultural Initiatives went to Darnell Turner, presented by last year’s winner, Irene Naytowhow.

The Hannah Kingfisher Education Award of Excellence winner is Kavia Burns, presented by last year’s winner, Cecile Daniels.

The Angeline Roberts Memorial Award went to Marlene Daniels, presented by last year’s winner, Madeline Turner.

The Angeline Roberts Memorial Award went to Marlene Daniels. The late Angeline Roberts was a Senator of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and was a strong advocate for First Nations women’s rights. Marlene is recognized as a strong local advocate for women’s rights and wellness, has a commitment to First Nations values and traditions, and is committed to helping others in the community.

Marlene is viewed as a person who places a premium on the marriage relationship and family life. A mother of four daughters, Marlene has opened the family home to other girls who needed a safe haven.

Marlene taught the value of education to her daughters and got them to school every morning. All were Grade 12 graduates. Those daughters have made her a proud and doting kokum to four grandchildren.

She is committed to her community and faithfully attends functions, gatherings and ceremonies in both good times and sad times. Marlene has developed many close friendships, willingly dispenses good advice, encourages others and shares a laugh. A wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a kokum and a friend, she demonstrates strength and commitment to her community of Sturgeon Lake.

The Key Teya Award for Citizen of the Year went to Lena Peters. The award is a way of remembering Elders both past and present. It is a sincere way of saying thank you to the Elders and recognizes an individual who: shows concern and love toward members; lives a healthy lifestyle; is alcohol, drug and substance-free; promotes culture and spirituality; and is involved in all aspects within the community.

Lena is a survivor of Duck Lake Residential School, attending from age 6 to 16. She left residential school to care for her ailing mother.

She and her husband worked at labouring jobs ranging from bush camps to sugar beet fields in Alberta. The couple had two daughters and a son but struggled with alcoholism.

Through prayer and a desire to change, she was able to lead a healthier lifestyle. She has had a role in raising her three grandchildren who are now teenagers.

Lena moved to Saskatoon and completed a two-year diploma program from the Academy of Fashion. She then moved back to Sturgeon Lake and her work is very much in demand. She specializes in both traditional clothing such as ribbon shirts and dresses, and contemporary formal wear in gowns and jackets. She can create anything with her design and sewing skills. Her products have been purchased, among others, by SLFN, PAGC and First Nations University of Canada.

Lena has shared her talents with community members, teaching students basic sewing, quilt making, and traditional rug making. She takes an active role in the community and supports community functions.

The Badger/Ballantyne repartee continued on into the evening with their rib-tickling routine. Which brings us to the final question: will next year’s supper be ribs or turkey?

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