Jack Layton was inspired by young Indigenous activists who are changing the world. He was there as an ally and a mentor. The Layton Indigenous Leadership Award carries on this important legacy by recognizing and supporting Indigenous activists who are powerful changemakers in their communities and in the nation.
Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on September 14th at the USW Building, 25 Cecil St, Toronto in the evening. To register click here: https://www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/layton_awards_2024
We are honoured to have five distinguished judges to both encourage leaders to apply for this award and collectively determine the winner. We are fortunate to have Bob Chamberlin, Claudette Commanda, Dawn Maracle, Serena Koostachin, and Mike Perry as our distinguished Judges.
Claudette Commanda is an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Professor Commanda taught at University of Ottawa and is the Executive director of the First Nations Confederacy of Culutral Education centres. Claudette is dedicated to promoting the history, culture and rights of First Nations people through all of her work.
Bob Chamberlin is a member of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) community and has served as Chief of his Nation since 2005.
Serena Koostachin is originally from Attawapiskat and now works as the Coordinator at North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. She is dedicated to uplifting and supporting the lives of those in her community. She is the sister of Shannen Koostachin, who led an epic campaign to build a school at Attawapiskat, and is the inspiration behind Shannen’s Dream.
Dawn Maracle is a Mohawk woman who sits with the Bear Clan. She is an award-winning diversity organizer, professional speaker and lifelong activist who has worked with Indigenous communities both nationally and internationally. With over three decades of experience, Dawn has worked tirelessly to promote Indigenous health, education, and governance. She is the CEO of skyROOTS Indigenous Education Institute, and Executive Director of HOPES (Healing Our People through Education, Sports and Social Justice) Indigenous Training Network.
Mike Perry is a lawyer and social worker by profession. He is a past senior executive in health care and currently serves as Lead - Laws and Constitution with the Métis Nation of Ontario. Mike is an alumnus of the Public Leadership Program - including public narrative and organizing - at Harvard and has diverse groups from personal support workers to election candidates. Mike has taught change leadership skills at Trent University, where he is an award-winning educator. Second Lt. Perry is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and is on the Board of both the Institue for Change Leaders and the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation.
Application:
https://forms.gle/7ZBsUdEEAdVUyx5A8
Deadline is August 23rd, 2024