2026 Evening of Excellence held in Chippewas of Rama First Nation
CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION – The 2026 Evening of Excellence was held at the Casino Rama Resort in Chippewas of Rama First Nation on August 27. Some 300 people celebrated Anishinabek achievement from all over the territory.
The evening started with emcee and Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity Manager Jason Restoule welcoming everyone along with Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige and Deputy Grand Council Chief Chris Plain. Gimaa Glen Hare did the recital of Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe (One Anishinaabe Family), opening thanksgiving, and encouraged everyone to make donations to Namaygoosisagagun First Nation.
Restoule announced the 2026 Anishinabek Student Excellence Award winners and the 2026 Anishinabek Education System Student Excellence Awards. The 2026 Anishinabek Education System Educator Excellence Award went to Lisa Michano-Courchene, citizen of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. Michano-Courchene has been the Education Director in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg for 14 years. Prior to that, she started in early childhood education, elementary education, and was also a principal.
The 2026 Debwewin Citation was presented to Sara Cornthwaite, citizen of Nipissing First Nation, for her excellence in storytelling. Through her work, she has undertaken the responsibility of documenting our Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers, Elders—some of whom are no longer with us earthside—ensuring that their teachings and knowledge live on long after they’ve returned home to the Creator. Her storytelling is woven into the beautiful tapestry that makes us Anishinaabe. Through her storytelling, she ensures that what we hold sacred is accessible for future generations to learn and grow from.
Restoule kicked off the Lifetime Achievement Awards, and he acknowledged how every recipient has made our communities healthier and stronger. Chi-miigwech to all of this year’s recipients.
Constance Caskanette – Whitefish River First Nation (Public Service)
Constance has demonstrated a strong commitment to her community through volunteerism, community engagement, and service on local committees. Her willingness to contribute her time, knowledge, and energy has had a positive impact on the community and its members.
She has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for social services. Her hard work and dedication are evident in the care and attention she brings to every initiative she is involved in. She approached her work with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference with the lives of the families she works with. Beyond her professional contributions, she remains actively engaged in the community. She continues to support and participate in various initiatives that strengthen community connections and promote well-being. Her involvement reflects both leadership and a sincere commitment to helping others thrive.
Through her continued involvement and dedication to community service, she has demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the quality of life for community members and supporting the growth and development of Whitefish River First Nation.
Bruce Naokwegijig – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Arts)
Bruce has demonstrated dedication to his community through the arts by being member, participant, and eventually an employee of the De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group for more than 25 years. He has been a caretaker of our stories, keeping them alive and relevant today.
His lifelong work began in the performing arts in 1991. He began acting at 11 years of age and has performed many roles and directed many productions throughout the years.
He has experience in bringing community stories alive through arts, and arts animation. He has visited communities as outreach to work with youth throughout the Anishinabek Nation and Ontario as a lead facilitator for the National Arts Animator Training Program through De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Storytellers.
The caretaking of our stories is sacred. Keeping the stories alive and relevant and having the ability to inspire people to dream, build, and develop a future which is reflective of our ways is really important work and for that we say Chi-miigwech!
Rhonda Beaudette – Nipissing First Nation (Public Service)
Rhonda has shown exceptional dedication to her community through her ongoing support of youth, families, and Elders.
Through her work, many youth have been supported to participate in opportunities, ensuring they have access to experiences that promote growth, confidence, and community pride. She also extends her efforts to seniors by organizing inclusive activities that provide both social connection and enjoyment.
She is a role model, and her leadership is demonstrated through her actions. She brings people together, responds to community needs, and reflects the values of caring, sharing, and respect.
Her commitment is ongoing and self-driven, with a consistent focus on helping individuals and families who may be facing financial or social barriers. Her contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on the well-being of her community.
Her willingness to give her time and energy to others serves a living example of what it means to lead through action. Her work is largely volunteer-driven and requires significant personal time, coordination, and effort. Despite these demands, she continues to give back consistently without expectation of recognition, demonstrating resilience, commitment, and strong community values. She demonstrates that leadership is not only found in formal roles but in everyday acts of kindness, support, and commitment to community wellbeing.
She exemplifies the values of generosity, compassion, and service, and continues to positively influence the lives of many and embodies the spirit of a true ogichidaa kwe, reflecting the strength, leadership, and selfless service that are integral to Anishinabek ways of life.
Debra Bressette – Kettle & Stony Point First Nation (Public Service)
Debra is known as a role model to others in the way that she gives her time and effort, energetically volunteering in her community since her youth. Professionally she spent time working as Manager of Negotiations for the return of Stony Point, putting her heart into her duties knowing how many decades had passed since many were forced from their homes. She played a key role in securing a compensation agreement.
She helped create and operate a successful construction business with her late husband Jim, whom she spent over 50 years of marriage with. This provided employment and created economic growth, resulting in almost every area of the community; homes, apartment buildings, office buildings, and schools, displaying the craftsmanship of the company.
We also have to mention her unwavering devotion and diehard support for her beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays.
She has helped her community flourish and brought positivity into many lives and events.
Mary Lynn Odjig – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Business)
Mary Lynn, or MLO as she is often referred to, has been a key part in much of her community’s economic growth and development throughout the years. She began with the economic development commission, first as a summer student in 1988, then as an Economic Development Officer, through to General Manager in 1997.
She has been a foundational thread in the economical and social fabric of the Anishinabek people of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Participating in community growth for over 25 years, she has been steady in guiding the economic engine and represents a direct link between the visionary leaders of the past, and a prosperous, self-determined future, building tangible opportunities that strengthens community and Nation.
Her contributions continue to leave a lasting legacy—one that continues the success of her community into the future.
Louise Jacko – Whitefish River First Nation (Public Service)
For over 20 years, Louise has dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for Indigenous peoples through frontline housing, homelessness, and community support work. Through both her professional career and volunteer service, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to helping underserved and vulnerable individuals from our communities.
In her current role, she works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, poverty, and other complex barriers. She has built a reputation as a strong advocate who is willing to speak honestly about the realities facing Indigenous peoples and the gaps that continue to exist within housing and social support systems. She has never been afraid to step into difficult situations and advocate for solutions that prioritize the safety and dignity of vulnerable people.
While her advocacy extends far beyond her community, she has also remained connected through her service on various committees and in various positions. Her knowledge, experience, and willingness to contribute have benefited Whitefish River First Nation over many years.
Her lifetime of service reflects a deep commitment to community, advocacy, and supporting those who are often overlooked. She has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples through practical action, strong advocacy, and a willingness to help where help is needed most.
Arlene Lou Bressette – Kettle & Stony Point First Nation (Public Service)
Regarded as a trusted and compassionate Elder in her community, Arlene has been dedicated, enthusiastic, and active throughout the years, both through her employment and volunteerism. She has impacted the lives of many by creating employment opportunities, providing much-needed confidence-building support networks, and vision for various programs and services.
A positive role model and mentor, she has devoted her entire life to helping others. Her compassion, care, diligence, and unwavering advocacy for First Nations women, children, families, and vulnerable individuals have always been at the center of everything she does. She has balanced her commitment to community service with deep devotion to her family, always leading with love, strength, and integrity.
Larry James Naokwegijig – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Environment)
Larry is known as a humble man. Throughout his lifelong journey with cattle ranching, he has introduced modern practices, such as improving cattle genetics through diversity in bull specimens, implementing rotational grazing, and pre-conditioning calves for sales outside the community. Such innovative practices help maintain not only a traditional lifestyle in the community, but also keeps a foot in a modern world where ranching and farming are increasingly critical to our global society.
He has demonstrated dedication to his community through the environment by being a lifelong farmer, practicing food sovereignty, and maintaining his herds in a healthy and strong manner. He is considered a mentor and an agricultural leader in the First Nation Agricultural Industry.
His contributions continue to leave a lasting legacy—one that continues the success of his community and our future.
Pauline Williams – Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Education and Culture)
Pauline is a Residential School Survivor, a deeply respected Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and community leader whose contributions have had a lasting impact within her community. Through her guidance, teachings, and commitment to cultural values, she has helped strengthen community connections, support youth and families, and preserve traditions for future generations.
At the core of being Anishinaabe is language and culture. A fluent speaker of our language, she has been sharing this knowledge throughout her lifetime through her job as a teacher, speaking at events, as well as curriculum and resource development.
Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication embody the principles of respect, responsibility, and care that are centre to our Nation. She has consistently offered her time and knowledge with humility and generosity, supporting community initiatives and providing guidance during important gatherings and decision-making processes.
Her lifelong commitment to community well-being, language, and cultural continuity reflects the very essence of leadership and service.
Jonathan Riberdy – Zhiibaahaasing First Nation (Environment)
Jonathan is an advocate for clean, safe drinking water in his community as well as a proponent for swimmable and fishable water. He has gone from Operator in Training to Level Two Operator of Record in 11 years, and during this time, he led his community through the declaration of a state of emergency due to issues with the treatment plant. He has such a passion and commitment for water standards in his community and shares his knowledge wherever he can. He’s always willing to advocate for any First Nation as well as other communities who come to him for support.
He is a great role model for young operators as he’s willing to teach and share his passion to get clean, drinkable, swimmable, and fishable waters for all Anishinabek people across Turtle Island.
He was the recipient of the National Water Leadership Award in 2021 and Water Operator of the Year Award with Water Canada in 2024. With many other achievements in water over the last 11 years, he has taken his small community to the National Spotlight on multiple occasions, all because of his passion for water and our people.
Debra Huston – Nipissing First Nation (Law and Justice)
Debra has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving Indigenous people through justice, advocacy, mentorship, and community service. Her appointments as a Justice of the Peace in 2005 and a Local Administrative Justice of the Peace in 2018 reflect her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring Indigenous perspectives are respected within the justice system.
Within Nipissing First Nation, she has contributed through advisory and volunteer roles, including the Anishinabek Police Service Committee, Youth Justice Steering Committee, and Child Abuse Prevention Committee, as well as supporting vulnerable individuals and families through her volunteer work with the Native Friendship Centre.
Beyond her community, she has made significant contributions across Ontario, particularly in supporting Indigenous people navigating the justice system. Her work as a Native Criminal Court worker and Interim Executive Director of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre highlights her strong advocacy and commitment to culturally informed supports across Ontario.
As a respected leader and role model, she has had a lasting and meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities. Her contributions continue to inspire future generations and reflect the values of the Anishinabek people, including humility, service, accountability, and compassion.
Linda Eshkawkogan – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Education)
Linda has been working with the Wiikwemkong Board of Education since May 1990, beginning as an Early Childhood Educator at the Wiikwemkong Hub Centre. She later aspired to a supervisory role supporting the programs within the Centre with additional administrative duties. Her vision and insight have been invaluable in the creation and development of policy and procedures, supporting staff and programs. Working in the capacity of an Early Childhood Educator requires patience and understanding, and these virtues are notable in her work.
She has been able to develop loving, kind, and supportive relationships with the children she works with. This has supported their over-all development and helped build strong foundations for lifelong learning, well-being, and their Anishinaabe identity.
She has been instrumental in ensuring that early learning reflects the values of our people—grounded in respect, relationships, and the importance of culture and language. Her leadership has supported not only children, but also families and fellow educators, helping to strengthen the broader community.
Her passion and commitment to the children, families, and community have been immeasurable.
Christopher Sarazin – Algonquins of Pikwákanagán First Nation (Public Service)
Christopher has demonstrated over 30 years of dedicated service to his community, consistently supporting the health, safety, and well-being of members in an employment capacity since March 1996.
His lifetime of service reflects the Anishinabek values of responsibility, humility, and caring for others. Through over 30 years of service supporting community members in roles that protect health, safety, and well-being, he has consistently demonstrated what it means to serve with dedication and integrity. His actions reflect the importance of supporting one another and contributing to community strength.
His ability to step forward when challenges arise reflects his perseverance, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility to serve his community. His ongoing contributions demonstrate long-standing commitment to the well-being of others and exemplifies the spirit of lifetime service.
His contributions may not always be highly visible, but they are deeply valued and have played an important role in supporting safety, stability, and the well-being of the community.
Elizabeth Pitawanakwat – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Education)
Elizabeth has dedicated over 39 years to early childhood education in her community, providing high-quality programming for generations of children and families. She has played a foundational role in supporting early learners, creating safe, welcoming, and culturally grounded environments during critical developmental years.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong adaptability, successfully navigating changes in curriculum, policy, and program delivery while maintaining a commitment to developmentally appropriate and responsive practice. Her programming has consistently remained engaging, inclusive, and meaningful for children and families.
A fluent Anishinaabemowin speaker, she has consistently embedded language and culture into daily learning through songs, storytelling, and routines. Her classroom has supported not only early learning, but also the development of identity, belonging, and pride among young Anishinaabe learners.
Her impact extends across generations, with many of her former students now parents whose children have also benefited from her care and teaching. Her long-standing dedication has strengthened both the education system and the cultural continuity of her community.
Sara Plain – Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Health)
For the past 16 years, Sara has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the health and well-being of her community. As Manager of Health Services, she has played a key role in advancing initiatives that strengthen culturally grounded care, promote community wellness, and build meaningful partnerships both within and beyond her community.
Her collaborative approach, dedication to services, and ability to bring people together have resulted in tangible improvements. Her work reflects the strong values, integrity, and unwavering commitment to supporting community members, especially in the areas that impact long-term health outcomes.
She is recognized as a trusted leader who continues to uplift her community and exemplify excellence in her field.
Helen Bobiwash – Thessalon First Nation (Business)
Helen is a respected member of her community and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication through her involvement in the Boundary Claim negotiation team. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the rights and interests of First Nations people.
With an accomplished career spanning over 34 years, she has served the Anishinaabe as a trusted professional accountant. For 26 of those years, she successfully operated her own independent accounting firm, earning the confidence and trust of First Nations through her unwavering integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Her contributions to financial management and reporting have been extensive. She has provided accounting services and expert financial guidance to numerous Anishinabek First Nations as well as several key organizations.
Her professional excellence has been recognized by CPA Ontario, which honoured her as a Fellow in 2019 – one of the highest distinctions in the accounting profession – acknowledging her significant contributions to both her field and community development.
Beyond her professional achievements, she has shown a profound commitment to empowering future generations. She has actively contributed to Indigenous Education by writing course content for Indigenous high school students and developing innovative exercises for the Anishinabek Education System.
In every aspect of her work, she exemplifies dedication, integrity, and service. Her impact on the financial strength, governance capacity, and future of our communities is both meaningful and enduring
The Late Ted Roque – Wahnapitae First Nation (Political Leadership)
Beginning in 1997, Ted-baa served a total of 18 years as Chief of his community. During his leadership, he helped transform the community through many major accomplishments that continue to benefit members today. Hydro was brought into the community, a new road was developed, and housing initiatives were started to encourage members and families to move back home. With this infrastructure, the population of Wahnapitae First Nation steadily grew each year, bringing families back to their roots and culture.
He also began work on the land claim negotiations. Even after retiring in 2018, he continued as Councillor, assisting and supporting the new Chief with the process, which ultimately resulted in a successful land claim settlement in 2021.
He was instrumental in the development of a new band office and the establishment of the grounds used today for the community pow wow, creating an important gathering place for cultural celebration and connection.
In addition to his political leadership, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the community. Alongside his two brothers, he opened the first restaurant, gas bar, and marina in the community, helping strengthen and create economic growth.
He led with the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and these teachings could be seen in the way he carried himself as a leader, husband, father, businessman, and community member.
Sadly, Ted passed to the Spirit World earlier this month. But we take a sliver of comfort in knowing that he knew that he was going to be honoured with this Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award. We are happy to know that he felt the appreciation and honour from his community and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole for his life’s work and dedication to his community and our Nation.
His brother, Roy Roque, accepted Ted-baa’s Lifetime Achievement Award.