The NWT Human Rights Commission is creating a new award in memory of Gail Cyr for advocacy in the field of gender equality.
Gail, who received the Order of Canada for her volunteerism in the NWT, passed away in December 2024.
The commission announced the Gail Cyr Memorial Award for Gender Equality on Wednesday, which was International Human Rights Day.
@cabinradio Jesse’s mom, Gail Cyr, is being honoured with a new award in her memory launched by the NWT Human Rights Commission. ♬ original sound – Cabin Radio
“It’s an award to recognize her body of work, her dedication to activism and her life here in Yellowknife. I’m very, very proud of that and humbled by it as well. It’s a wonderful gesture on their part,” said Gail’s son and Mornings at the Cabin host Jesse Wheeler.
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“All the work that she has done and the amount of respect that she’s got in the community gets to live on with this award.”
Gail, who was 71 when she passed away, worked to uphold Indigenous people’s rights in the North through the founding of the NWT Native Court Workers’ Association, a group formed to help people navigate the unfolding system of territorial laws.
“Her experiences as a Sixties Scoop survivor and her work establishing the Native Court Workers’ Program made her a passionate advocate who championed justice and equality, particularly for Indigenous people,” the NWT Human Rights Commission stated.
“The Gail Cyr Memorial Award will honour young advocates who demonstrate honesty, courage, and a respectful approach to gender-based equality. These are the qualities which exemplify compassionate service.”
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From 2024: The extraordinary northern life of Gail Cyr
More: The NWT Human Rights Commission explains the new award
The commission said anyone interested in nominating a person for the Gail Cyr Memorial Award should visit its website for more information.
“She came with a high school diploma, created a life for herself and touched so many lives,” said Wheeler.
“I hope this award continues to be that representation of her but also inspires people to do more and take her example and run with it, leaving a place better than you found it.”
