About the 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.

Oscar Lathlin passed suddenly on November 2, 2008.  On October 27 of that same year – just six days before he left us – Minister Lathlin was the guest speaker at Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Annual General Assembly.  He acknowledged the traditional role of women as being integral to healthy families and communities, and he embraced all efforts to return to those practices.

In November 2008, Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Governing Council endorsed a motion to establish an award in honour of Minister Lathlin’s legacy of visionary leadership– this, in keeping with Ka Ni Kanichihk’s name, which means “those who lead,” and its vision of leadership in both defining and implementing models of self-determination. Each year a Manitoba Indigenous youth who exemplifies leadership and community service is honoured as cultural leaders and role models.

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 was a tireless advocate who led with courage, determination, and a deep commitment to creating positive change.

With the blessing of Amanda’s family, Keeping the Fires Burning officially renamed the award the Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award in 2026. The change honours Amanda’s remarkable legacy while recognizing the lasting impact of both Oscar and Amanda’s leadership, advocacy, and service to community.

2026 Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award Recipient- Ivana Yellowback

This year, Ka Ni Kanichihk is proud to present the inaugural Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award to Ivana Yellowback. 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 has demonstrated a strong commitment to sharing Indigenous stories and creating meaningful change through media.

Ivana’s leadership, creativity, and dedication to community embody the values this award was created to celebrate.

Congratulations to our 2026 Oscar & Amanda Lathlin Memorial Award recipient, Ivana Yellowback, and chi-miigwech for your leadership and ongoing contribution to community through the work that you do.