AUSUITTUQ/GRISE FIORD
The Tlicho Government has launched its own awards program to recognize its citizens' accomplishments, said Henry Zoe, the government's senior community director.

Nora Simpson accepts a Tlicho Government Award on behalf of her late father, Johnny Simpson from Wekweeti. Simpson received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the inaugural Tlicho Government Awards ceremony in Behchoko on Jan. 14. - photo courtesy of Tessa Macintosh/Tlicho Government

"We're starting to recognize our own people and the achievements they've done throughout their lives," he said. "Somebody is saying thank you. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to what you've accomplished."

The goal is to show appreciation for those who are contributing to the Tlicho way of life, Zoe said.

"We've been in operation since 2005," he said. "The chief's executive council wanted to start recognizing our own people for the contribution that they've made to our nation, so we developed a program to reflect that."

The first awards were presented to 28 individuals during a ceremony in Behchoko on Jan. 14. In addition to recognizing people for their achievements in their own lives, the awards also highlighted the work that went into the Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement, Zoe said. That included negotiators, former chiefs and elder advisers.

Negotiating teams from all four Tlicho communities were recognized.

"We wanted to recognize all the people that were involved from 1992 to 2005 who made our government, that settled our land claims and self government, our Tlicho Agreement," Zoe said.

The Tlicho chief's executive council selected the winners after a nomination process. Nominees were reviewed by a selection committee, which passed their recommendations on to the council.

"Then the chief's executive council has the final say, the final selection for the awards for the recipients," Zoe said.

There are currently nine categories; active learning and cultural skills, arts and language, business and commerce and environment and natural resources, culture, heritage and spirituality, education and health, public service, politics, law and justice, lifetime achievement award, sports and a youth category.

Businesses and business owners are also eligible, Zoe said.

"It's for companies also, business people, businesses that are successful in our region," he said. "So it's wide open."

While this year's awards ceremony took place in Behchoko, Zoe said the location could change from year to year.

In the meantime, he said nominations are being accepted until Mar. 31. Anyone looking to submit a nomination can find forms online or visit a Tlicho Government presence office. Staff have been instructed to assist anyone looking to fill out a form.

"If you feel like that an individual should receive recognition, there is a process in place," he said.

Nomination forms must be accompanied by two letters of support, which can't be provided by grand chiefs, chiefs or council members.

Zoe said the awards are a great way to show appreciation.

"It went really well it was well received and people really appreciated what we've done by our government recognizing our own people," he said. "It made everybody feel good."

He said now that the inaugural year is over, he hopes the program will help inspire others.

"This is the highest honour that the Tlicho Government gives out to its citizens," he said.