Spirit Bear Award
Nomination Information
The Spirit Bear Award is awarded to groups of young people who demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This year, three awards of $500 will be given to groups of young people to use as they would like toward their activities or simply to celebrate!
We are grateful to the Olive Tree Foundation (Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Endowment Fund) for their generous annual contribution to the Spirit Bear Award!
To nominate a group who has been doing work toward reconciliation and the TRC Calls to Action, you will need to submit:
• Completed nomination form.
• Cover letter written by the nominator stating how the group meets the award criteria. This letter should speak to the ways in which the group has demonstrated their commitment to reconciliation and the TRC Calls to Action, as well as the ways they plan to continue their work going forward.
• 2 letters of support speaking to how the group meets the award criteria. The support letters must be written by individuals other than the nominator.
• Other materials that might support the nomination (links to video clips, pictures, etc).
The deadline for all nominations is Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:45 PM ET.
For more information, please contact us.

Spirit Bear Award Nomination Forms
Current & Past Recipients

"Led by Curtis Peeteetuce, mahihkanak Dance Troupe is a celebration of youth and culture. Students from grades 6 to 9 showcase their cultural form of expression in various powwow dance categories: traditional, grass dance, fancy bustle, fancy shawl, jingle dress and chicken. Accompanying the performances are story and teachings of the various dance styles and personal stories of dance troupe members.
mahihkanak Dance Troupe makes various excursions and trips throughout the year including assemblies, special events, schools and organizations. Members of the troupe are students first who honour the Triple A member requirements: attendance, academics, attitude."
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Mrs. Condon and the Grade 2 class at St. Lorenzo is a group of young learners committed to understanding and honouring the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. Through an immersive and creative approach, these students have engaged in various artistic and cultural activities that bridge the past, present, and future.
They have created art, crafted traditional items, learned musical instruments, and practiced dances, all while reading a variety of children's picture books that provide insight into the historical events and cultural practices that have shaped Indigenous communities. These activities have deepened their understanding of the past's impact on the present and future, fostering a sense of empathy and a commitment to reconciliation. Using a Fine arts approach Mrs. Condon strives to build a foundation of respect, awareness, and action towards a more inclusive and understanding society.
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"The Grade 8 students in Miss. Sanche's class have shown their commitment to the Calls to Action in a variety of ways throughout this school year. Some examples of this commitment are through their learning about health and identity holistically in connection with the medicine wheel, and leading our school on a walk, and activities for National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Not only is this group of students dedicated to their own learning, they are leaders for the rest of the school in Truth and Reconciliation as well."
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Mckenna is a very special girl, she loves her heritage with everything that she is. She cares and feels for her people at a level most children don’t understand at her age. She wants the world to know that her people are still here, and that residential schools still affect her generation to this day. That they mattered then and they matter now.
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The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) comprises a cohort of 10-12 Indigenous youth who have personal experience with the child welfare system, and they are represented by the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS). YAC's fundamental philosophy is grounded in the belief that young individuals not only have a right to express their perspectives within the context of their individual care but also within the broader framework of the care system designed to serve them. Furthermore, YAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that VACFSS incorporates the voices and insights of young people who have encountered the care system into its policies and initiatives.
The primary objective of the youth committee is to facilitate the successful transition of every young Indigenous leader from the care system into community. YAC is also deeply committed to enhancing social work practices and continuously nurturing Indigenous leadership and advocacy skills. Given the historical impact of colonial policies and practices on Indigenous communities, it is important to emphasize that the work undertaken by YAC is multifaceted, encompassing educational, cultural preservation, and acts of resistance initiatives.
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