June 18, 2026

This summer, Keeping the Fires Burning marked 25 years of honouring the remarkable First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders whose lifelong wisdom and contributions have shaped our communities. The event was a complete sell-out, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported it, purchased tickets, and joined us at the RBC Convention Centre.

The evening was co-emceed by award-winning actor, producer, and activist Tina Keeper, alongside renowned Ojibwe speaker, media producer/host, and community educator Dennis Chartrand. Guests were also treated to feature performances from singer-songwriter Jade Turner and fiddler Kieran Maytwayashing.

We were proud to induct 10 incredible Elders this year, and to honour the late Josie Hill for her lasting contributions:

• DENNIS WHITE BIRD — Sponsor: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

• MARY JEAN CLIPPING — Sponsor: Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak

• THE LATE ANNIE SHOAPIK BOWKETT — Sponsor: Tunngasugit Inc.

• JERRY FONTAINE — Sponsor: Southern Chiefs’ Organization

• ROBERT CHURCH — Sponsor: Manitoba Metis Federation

• DELLA HERRERA — Sponsor: Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg

• SHARON PARENTEAU — Sponsor: Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.

• CONNIE MERASTY — Sponsor: 2Spirit Consultants of Manitoba

• MICHAEL ROBERTSON — Sponsor: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

• MELISSA ROBINSON — Sponsor: Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.

• THE LATE JOSIE HILL — Honoured by Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.

We also celebrated Ivana Yellowback, recipient of the newly renamed 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 commitment to Indigenous self-determination continue to inspire communities across Manitoba. In March 2026, Manitoba lost another extraordinary leader with the passing of Amanda Lathlin. Following in her father’s footsteps, Amanda dedicated 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 led with courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to positive change.

With the blessing of Amanda’s family, Keeping the Fires Burning officially renamed the award the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award this year — honouring Amanda’s remarkable legacy while recognizing the lasting impact of both her and her father’s leadership, advocacy, and service to community.

This year’s recipient, Ivana Yellowback, embodies what it means to be a visionary and a leader. A member of Manto Sipi Cree Nation and a relative of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Ivana is an accomplished producer, writer, host, actor, and storyteller whose work amplifies Indigenous voices and experiences. Through projects such as 7th GEN, TAKEN, Little Bird, and the podcast Creepee Tepee, she continues to share Indigenous stories and create meaningful change through media.

Congratulations to Ivana, and to all of this year’s inductees and honourees. Chi miigwetch for your dedication and commitment to Indigenous leadership, wisdom, and community.

To hear from the honourees, you can view their acceptance videos HERE.