AWARD NOMINATIONS
2025 GALA & HONOURING FEAST
This year we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Employees, Board members, Alumni and Community leaders. NEC will honour seven remarkable humans who are making a difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples. The award winners are highly respected, innovative, dedicated professionals in their career, volunteer, or advocacy roles in the community.
Recognizing Greatness starts with you.
Who will you nominate?
Longhouse Award
This award is named after Lillian Prince. This award recognizes the unique contributions of an NEC employee that demonstrates love, kindness, and longhouse values in their daily practice. These contributions support the safety and wellbeing of the Indigenous learner, and help build a sense of community on campus
Community Service award
This award is named after Wanda Bolton, a former NEC program coordinator who was a passionate advocate and teacher who continuously demonstrated excellence in community service. This award recognizes Indigenous leaders in the community who share their unique and important contributions.
Educational Excellence award
this award is named after George Manuel, the influential Grand Chief who made a significant difference in how Indigenous people are considered at the National and International level. This award recognizes past NEC Graduates who excelled in successfully achieving higher post-secondary education.
Academic Achievement award
This award recognizes the accomplishments achieved by an Indigenous NEC alumni member who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance from the most recent year of the program.
Leadership award
This award is named after Chief Joe Mathias, the former Chief of Squamish Nation worked towards having Indigenous Rights and Title recognized by the federal and provincial governments. This award recognizes NEC graduates who exemplify leadership in their careers and communities.
Visionary award
This award is named after former Chief Gertrude Guerin, One of the founding members of NEC that began the organization with a vision to have a place for Indigenous People to begin their learning journey. This award recognizes a current or former NEC Board member who strives toward empowering Indigenous Peoples.
Trail Blazer Award
This award is named after Ben Paul, co-founder of the Native Education College. He was a trendsetter and fierce advocate for Indigenous Peoples and education. With a grassroots approach, Ben provided Indigenous learners with a safe space to begin their educational journey.