Saskatoon, Sask (Apr 04/05) - "It was just absolutely amazing. It was the best show I've seen in my life," said Sharon Firth, speaking of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

The four-time Olympian -- born in Aklavik, raised in Inuvik and now residing in Yellowknife - was honoured with the sports award at the 12th annual gala Thursday night, in recognition of her cross-county skiing career and work with youth.

"It was amazing to see who you touch in life," she said, commenting that many people approached her and her sister Shirley to thank them for their bravery and breaking down of barriers.

"Everyone was so positive and uplifting."

Held at the Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre in Saskatoon, Andy Carpenter Sr. of Sachs Harbour and Bertha Allen of Inuvik were also in attendance.

Carpenter, considered to be a driving force in conservation and wildlife management, received the 2005 Award for the Environment; while Allen was commended with a lifetime achievement award for her decades of work on behalf of aboriginals across the nation.

"I feel very proud," Carpenter said of his award from his Saskatoon hotel room, Friday. The 72-year-old was glad to have attended the event put on by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, he said.

"I saw a lot of friends and a lot of people. I had quite a night."

Three of the evening's 14 national awards went to Beaufort-Delta residents.

In what has been described as an electric atmosphere, the stunning set and stage - inspired by the culture and stories of Great Plains nations - hosted top aboriginal performers such as Kinnie Starr, Eagle and Hawk, the 40-member Great Plains Dance troupe and Santee Smith.

Watch for it on CBC June 16, or June 21 on APTN.