Elder Kytwayhat receives Saskatchewan Award of Merit
SASKATOON, Dec. 14, 2009 - Elder Alma Kytwayhat from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation has been a catalyst of change. As an ambassador of a 7,000 year-old history and pipe keeper, Elder Kytwayhat has made connections with the province's youth, teachers, and leaders to build understanding and a harmonious future for all Saskatchewan citizens.
Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart recently announced that Elder Kytwayhat would be a 2009 recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Elder Kytwayhat, currently Elder-in-Residence at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, is also an Elder on the Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission and was appointed as a member of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Senate in 2007.
She has played a significant role in building respect for Cree language, culture and spirituality, teaching students in schools and promoting greater understanding and respect. She is responsible for educating 7,000 Saskatchewan teachers on the history, meaning and future of treaties and the treaty relationship in our province. She also provided input on Teaching Treaties in the Classroom.
Elder Kytwayhat has received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Women of the Dawn First Nations Award, Citizen of the Year, Indian Government Category, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations' Circle of Honour, and is listed on the Honor Wall of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. She is also the recipient of the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.
-Biography and photograph courtesy the Office of the Provincial Secretary, Government of Saskatchewan
More information about the Saskatchewan Award of Merit