Cree First Nation of Waswanipi proudly celebrated its 2025 Appreciation Day, a meaningful evening that brought community members together for a shared dinner and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions across culture, health, education, and community life.
Each year, Appreciation Day nominations are opened to honour individuals, groups, and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and service strengthen our community. This celebration is a reminder that community growth is built through everyday acts of care, resilience, and commitment.
The evening was hosted by Council Member Gloria Jolly, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Award Recipients
Culture
- First Moose Kill (Under 18): Jhevon Saganash
- Culture (Canoe Brigade): Louis Saganash
- Living in the Bush (ISP): Matthew Ottereyes Sr. & Catherine Ottereyes
- Transfer of Knowledge: Allan Saganash
Health
- Reversing Diabetes: Gergia Dixon
- Healthy Lifestyle: Jerrilyn Mowatt
- Youth Athletes: Ava Blacksmith & Trey-Vauhn Sanipass
- 18+ Athletes: Lianna Wabanonik & Clayton Saganash
- Overcoming & Improving Mental Health: Darren Saganash
- Sobriety: Romeo Saganash & Stephanie Otter
Education
- High School: Trey-Vauhn Sanipass
- College: Storm Blacksmith
- University: Serenity Polson
- PhD (Faculty of Medicine): Lyric Moses
Community
- Community Impact: Sammy Salt-Blacksmith
- Act of Kindness: Maggie Etapp-Saganash
- Citizen Award: Harriette Ottereyes
- Heroism Award: Search and Rescue Team
- Mentorship: Irene Neeposh
- Artisan: Jaren Gull-Georgekish
- Long Term Services: Waswanipi Grocery
- Starting a Business: Luicius Gull & Izaiah Gull
Special Acknowledgements
- Non-Members: Corrie Druggett
- Entities: Cree Health Board
- Elders Council: 12 Years of Service: George Neeposh
On behalf of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and nominees. We also recognize every community member whose dedication, seen or unseen, continues to strengthen our community. Appreciation Day is a celebration of who we are together, grounded in respect, culture, and shared responsibility for one another.
