b'2024 INDSPIRE AWARDSVISIONS OF THE FUTURE, ROOTS IN THE PASTCelebrating theA fter celebrating theterritory. The conversations were significant milestone ofas sparkling as the lights reflecting 2024 Indspirethe 30 thanniversary ofin the waters of the Rideau Canal the Indspire Awards in 2023,outside the windows, and friends the Indspire team knew that theand family applauded as the 2024 Awards Laureates received their diamond 2024 celebrations had to follow a similarly amazing trajectory,pins, sharing stories and laughter By Helen Smith ensuring that this new era ofalong with a delicious meal.celebrating Indigenous excellenceThe next evening, the rain in fresh ways would start on acontinued but so did the excite-bright note. ment. Over 1,000 guests flocked On April 17, a rainy spring eveningto the Shaw Centre for what in Ottawa, the Janice and Earlewould be an unforgettableand OBorn Room at the Nationalprofoundly movingevent. Guests Arts Centre was full of energy,snapped selfies next to the fire in the lobby during the opening reminiscent of the best kind ofreception, enjoying cedar and family reunion. Elder Celine Thuskycranberry tea, and lingered under from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabegthe illuminated Indspire chandelier First Nation welcomed Indspirein the main hall while DJ Classic Laureates and their loved ones toRoots set the tone for the evening unceded Algonquin Anishinabegwith irresistible rhythms.44indspiration2024'