Indigenous Achievements Celebrated at Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The achievements of Indigenous Peoples in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region were celebrated Saturday as over 350 people gathered at Shell Place for the annual Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards (RARAs). The event honoured nearly two dozen individuals for their contributions to the community, highlighting their leadership, cultural preservation, and dedication.

Among the award recipients was Itayjia MacLean, who was named Female Youth of the Year, while Daniel Deranger took home the Male Youth of the Year award. Alice Rigney was celebrated as Elder of the Year, and Kimberly Coppard was recognized for her cultural contributions.

The evening also saw Kelly Myers honoured for Indigenous Leadership, Ethan Paulin Hatch named Outstanding Athlete, and Mikeela Cooper acknowledged as the Outstanding Adult Student. Emma Voyageur received the Art Award, and Dolores Romanchuk was celebrated as Volunteer of the Year.

In the entrepreneurial category, Trace Quintal was recognized, while Lorraine Albert and Keith Black were named Female and Male Citizens of the Year, respectively. Yvonne McCallum was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding work and dedication to Indigenous communities in the region.

David Bouchier was honoured as Trapper of the Year, and Selena Dumais-Simpson, Baileigh Morningstar, Felix Faichney Jr., Benjamin Laboucan, and Allan Paul Tssesaze were celebrated for their Junior Achievement.

The RARAs, held annually, aim to honour Indigenous individuals who have made significant positive impacts in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including communities such as Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Janvier, Fort MacKay, Conklin, and Gregoire Lake.