The Aboriginal Sports Circle (ASC) hosted it 15th annual award dinner on Dec. 9 at the Explorer Hotel, recognizing five individuals.
The event was attended by more than 200 guests, including athletes, coaches, teachers, community builders and dignitaries.
“Today we have award winners from Yellowknife, Fort Good Hope, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and this year we have over 50 nominations for award winners,” said Aaron Wells, executive director with ASC. “Today is also a celebration of culture. It’s important to our organization that we try do the best of our ability, to incorporate First Nations, Inuit and culture in all that we do.”
The award winners received handcrafted awards made by Indigenous artist Richard Adam Kolouhok Kudlak, which were displayed on the stage.
”This accomplishment is not something that I need at all and there are many others who deserve to share in the award,” said Michael Squirrel, Community Builder Award winner, “because volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to bring sports and special events to their community. I would also like to thank my wife for allowing me to participate in events that I’m passionate about.”
Former Municipal and Community Affairs Minister and now legislative assembly Speaker Shane Thompson, who presented the award, praised Squirrel’s dedication to community development, particularly his efforts to organize a basketball tournament. Despite the local team’s loss, Thompson expressed admiration for Squirrel’s commitment and passion.
Coach of the Year went to Jacob Klengenberg from Ulukhaktok. Klengenberg emphasized the importance of community in nurturing youth and acknowledged the role of the Aboriginal Sports Circle in his own upbringing in the North. He shared his journey from participating in games in 2014, 2016, and 2018 to receiving the Coach of the Year Award, a recognition he did not anticipate but deeply appreciates.
“It’s surprising to me,” said Klengenberg. “Obviously I didn’t expect this award.”
He also mentioned he’s taking on a role with the RCMP, and said he’s looking forward to contributing more to the community.
Fort Good Hope’s Betty Barnaby, the winner of Language and Culture award, announced her retirement after 46 years of dedicated service in the field of education. Barnaby, who spent the majority of her life teaching children, expressed mixed emotions about her retirement.
She emphasized the importance of community and teamwork in achieving great things. She thanked her sisters, her beloved friend Emily, and her children, who she fondly remembers helping her correct papers around the kitchen table.
“Back 42 years ago, there was a dream to have 50 per cent teaching staff Indigenous, and that is not happening,” she said, noting that her retirement will leave an even greater void locally. “So thinking of that is very scary.”
Despite that, she added that she remains hopeful for the future.
Philippe Goguen earned the NWTTA Teacher Award while Jacob Mitchener was chosen for the Sport Award.
