Honouring Two Lives, One Legacy: Renaming of the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award
The 25th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning is just three days away, and we are honoured to share that tickets are officially sold out. We look forward to a memorable evening of celebration as we recognize the achievements, wisdom, and tireless contributions of our Grandmothers and Grandfathers.
This year, Keeping the Fires Burning will also commemorate an important addition to its legacy with the renaming of the Oscar Lathlin Memorial Award to the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award.
For many years, Keeping the Fires Burning has presented the Oscar Lathlin Memorial Award in honour of the late Honourable Oscar Lathlin, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Indigenous self-determination continue to inspire communities across Manitoba. Following his passing in 2008, Ka Ni Kanichihk established the award to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to uplifting others.
In March 2026, Manitoba lost another extraordinary leader with the passing of Amanda Lathlin. Following in her father’s footsteps, Amanda devoted her life to public service for First Nations communities and Northern Manitoba. As the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly in 2015, she was a powerful advocate who led with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to creating positive change.
With the blessing of Amanda’s family, the award was officially renamed the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award in 2026. This change honours Amanda’s remarkable legacy while recognizing the enduring impact that both Oscar and Amanda Lathlin have had through their leadership, advocacy, and service to community.
We are deeply grateful to Amanda’s family for entrusting us with the honour of carrying this legacy forward. Through the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award, we will continue to celebrate leaders whose dedication, vision, and service inspire positive change and create pathways for future generations.
Ka Ni Kanichihk extends its heartfelt condolences to the Lathlin family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by Amanda and Oscar. Their legacies of leadership, courage, and commitment to community will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come.
To learn about this years recipient of the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award, click here.