We are proud to bring back the Health and Wellness Awards for 2026, recognizing First Nations individuals who are making meaningful contributions to community health, cultural strength, and health and wellness across British Columbia.
This year, we are honouring two individuals through two award categories:
Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award will recognize a First Nations youth (ages 19-29) currently living in British Columbia who demonstrates exceptional leadership in their community, workplace, or educational environment. Honorees are dedicated to improving health and wellness within their First Nations communities and actively engage in initiatives addressing key issues in this area. They embody perseverance, commitment, and a forward-thinking approach, understanding that their efforts today can create a positive impact for the next seven generations to come. Nominees may be nominated by their employer, a First Nations community, volunteer organization, educators, or a First Nations peer/family member.
Health Champion Award
This award celebrates a First Nations individual currently living in BC who has shown outstanding commitment to improving health and wellness outcomes. Honourees are recognized for their efforts to integrate cultural knowledge, champion community-driven initiatives, and address the ongoing health and wellness challenges faced by First Nations people in BC. Their work reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes, fostering partnerships, and driving meaningful change to support the health and wellness of First Nations communities in BC. Nominees may be nominated by their employer, a First Nations community, volunteer organization, or a First Nations peer/family member.
Both awards honour individuals who actively engage in initiatives that support wholistic health, cultural connection, and sustainable wellness for First Nations communities.
Nominations will be accepted until March 2, 2026, at 8:59am PST. Award recipients will be notified by March 20, 2026, and celebrated at the Charity Golf Classic on June 19, 2026.
We invite you to help us celebrate the leaders, champions, and changemakers who are shaping a healthier future for First Nations communities across British Columbia.
Nomination Eligibility:
Leader of Tomorrow Award
- A First Nations youth currently living in BC, must be age 19-29 (inclusive) at any point during 2026.
- Demonstrates strong leadership qualities in their community, workplace, or educational environment.
- Contributes meaningfully to the betterment of health and wellness within their First Nations community.
- Engages in initiatives that seek to address the issues faced by First Nations people living in BC, especially regarding health and wellness.
- Embodies perseverance and a commitment to a better future, understanding that the work you put in today can have positive impact tomorrow and for the next seven generations to come.
- This individual could be nominated by their employer, a First Nations community, volunteer organization, educators, or a First Nations peer/family member.
Health Champion Award
- A First Nations person currently living in BC.
- A Health and wellness care advocate.
- This individual could be nominated by their employer, a First Nations community, volunteer organization, or a First Nations peer/family member.
- Has contributed to the advancement of First Nations health and wellness in at least three of the categories below:
- Commitment to Community Health – made significant contributions to improving health outcomes within First Nations communities, showing sustained commitment to addressing health challenges and supporting wellness.
- Cultural Knowledge and Integration – individual who respects, incorporates, and advocates for cultural knowledge, practices, and healing methods in their health and wellness work.
- Innovation and Leadership – pioneered or led initiatives to break new ground in health and wellness initiatives for First Nations in BC.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building – actively fosters partnerships across communities, health organizations, and agencies to advance health and wellness that honours First Nations health and wellness practices.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence – advocated for policies or funding that prioritize First Nations health and works towards health equity through systems change.
- Resilience and Perseverance – shown remarkable resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges while working towards health equity and wellness for First Nations people in BC.
FAQ:
Click here to review our FAQs.
Nomination Form:
- Click here to Nominate a Leader for the Leader of Tomorrow Award.
- Click here to Nominate a Champion for the Health Champion Award.
Selection Committee Scoresheet
Click below to view our Judges Scoresheet for each of the Awards – be sure keep these criteria in mind when submitting your responses to our questions!
If you have any questions about this years Health and Wellness Awards, please reach out to the FNHF team at [email protected].
If you are an organization who would like to sponsor the 2026 Health and Wellness Awards, please reach out to Andrew Procknow, Director of Development at the FNHF, at [email protected].