b'2022 INDSPIRE AWARDS& Justice Award on behalf of herhundreds of eagerly applaudingonly act as an inspiration to First mother, Madam Justice Cherylguests. This is how much we loveNations, Inuit, and Mtis youth and Arcand-Kootenay. you! Wesley exclaimed.communities, they also emphasize just how important Indigenous Guests were also delighted byCelebratory moments like thesecontributions are to Canada as the presence of many of the 2021forcefully emphasized all of thea whole: a message that is both Laureates who, while they wereimportant truths that the Awardstimeless and timely, and which fted virtually last year, hadnt yetrecognize and honour. Creatingneeds to be widely shared.had the chance to be recognizedIndigenous success, health and in person: Emily Angulalik (Culture,prosperity is the work of manyIn uncertain times, the Indspire Heritage & Spirituality), Dr.generations, and it requires manyAwards have continued to serve as Catherine Cook (Health), Lesleyhands. From the inspirational Youtha shining reminder of the ingenuity, Hampton (YouthFirst Nations),Laureates who serve as youngstrength, resilience and wisdom Justin Langan (YouthMtis),role models to those Laureatesof First Nations, Inuit and Mtis Drew Hayden Taylor (Arts), andwho are honoured for a lifetimepeoples across Turtle Island. Now, Dallas Soonias (Sports). Havingof achievement, all the recipientswith the 2022 Awards marking the opportunity to honour thework ripples out through theirIndspires first post-pandemic 2021 Laureates in person wascommunities and beyond, touchingin-person celebration, Indspire a very meaningful part of theIndigenous and non-Indigenoushas its collective vision fixed firmly evenings celebration. lives alike on a much wider scale.on the future: one which encom-A particularly engaging part of theWhether theyre celebrated virtu- passes many generations, many Indspire Awards has traditionallyally or in personor sometimesvenues, and many peoples. Coming been the compelling perfor- both simultaneously!the Indspiretogether again has never been so mances by notable IndigenousAwards continue to represent thewelcomeor felt so hopeful.artists, and this year was nohighest honour that the Indigenous exception. Another familiar facecommunity bestows on its ownYou can stream the 2022 Indspire returned to light up the stage:members. Each years Laureates notAwards through CBC Gem.critically acclaimed artist Tom Wilson (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond), who last performed at the 2020 Awards. His riveting performance touched hearts even as it infused the room with energy, and the audiences multiple requests for encores demonstrated just how eager everyone was to welcome this member of the Indspire family back to the stage.One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening occurred when Siimi Attagutsiak proudly accepted the 2022 Youth Award (Inuit) on behalf of his daughterEmbracing traditions and values. Melissa. In keeping with theThis is where we gather.virtual/in-person hybrid spirit of recent times, he also simultane- Sault College proudly offers a unique learning environment that ously FaceTimed with Melissacelebrates the languages, cultures and traditions of Indigenous and so that she could be honouredMetis students. Visit saultcollege.ca/Indigenous to learn about awards, virtually even if she couldnt bebursaries, scholarships and services.physically present. All the guests gave her a thunderous standing ovation as Stan Wesley sweptINDIGENOUS STUDIESthe phone across the stage so she could enjoy the full view of 2022indspiration15'