Health and Wellness Awards

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 put forward by their organization, First Nations community, peers, or educators.

Health Champion Award

This award honours a First Nations person or First Nations ally (aka non-First Nations people) who currently lives in BC and has made significant contributions to advancing First Nations health and wellness in BC.

Nominees are dedicated advocates for health and wellness, demonstrating impact in at least three of six key areas: commitment to community health, cultural knowledge and integration, innovation and leadership, collaboration and partnership building, advocacy and policy influence, and resilience and perseverance.

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.

Note: A First Nations ally can only be nominated by a First Nations person.

T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award

This award honours a distinguished First Nations leader who has made a lasting impact on the health and wellness of First Nations communities and people in British Columbia.

Through unwavering dedication, they have strengthened equitable and culturally appropriate healthcare practices, championing policies and initiatives that improve health outcomes and advance health equity.

Their leadership and vision continue to inspire and shape a healthier future for First Nations communities and people across the province.

Nominees may be put forward by their organization, First Nations community, peers, or educators.

Learn more about the Nomination Categories

Nomination Eligibility

Leader of Tomorrow Award
  • A First Nations youth currently living in BC, must be age 19-29 (inclusive) at any point during 2025
  • 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 peoples 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 may be an employee nominated by their organization or First Nations community, OR an individual nominated by their peers, teacher, etc.
Health Champion Award
  • First Nations person currently living in BC – nominated by First Nations, or
  • a First Nations Ally currently living in BC – nominated by a First Nations person currently living in BC
  • Health and wellness care advocate
  • 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 wellness 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.
T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award
  • A First Nations person currently living in BC
  • Embodies First Nations ways of being
  • Has notable achievements in strengthening equitable and culturally safe healthcare for First Nations people in BC
  • Is an agent for change in improving the health and/or wellness for First Nations

FAQ and Resources

Review our FAQ

Nomination forms

Leader of Tomorrow Award – Nomination Form
Health Champion Award – Nomination Form
T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award – Nomination Form

Selection committee scoresheets

Leader of Tomorrow – Selection Panel Scoresheet
Health Champion – Selection Panel Scoresheet
T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award – Selection Panel Scoresheet