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An Aurora College team, the team behind the GNWT’s new energy and climate strategy, a retired ophthalmologist, a Ndılǫ councillor and two GNWT employees – one honoured posthumously – have received 2026 Premier’s Awards.
The annual awards recognize territorial government employees and NWT residents “whose dedication, leadership, and creativity have strengthened programs, services, and communities across the territory,” a GNWT news release stated.
The awards were presented on November 3.
Ophthalmologist Dr Leonard Smith, who retired earlier this year, received the Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award for more than 40 years of service.
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The Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award went to Jeff Rosnawski, a Ndılǫ councillor and Yellowknives Dene First Nation member, “for leadership grounded in community, collaboration and Dene values.”
Rosnawski has been working on the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, a highway that would connect the NWT to Nunavut’s Grays Bay Road and Port project. The corridor is one of three major infrastructure projects being advanced in the territory and is co-led by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Hannah Bond, a supportive living and adult services case manager, and Melissa Cyr, a former assistant deputy minister at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, received the Premier’s Award for Individual Excellence.
Bond was recognized for her “person-centred and culturally grounded approach to supporting vulnerable residents,” helping clients keep their connections to family, culture, language and community.
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Cyr was honoured posthumously for her leadership “supporting recovery through the Covid-19 pandemic, flooding, and wildfires,” and for her work in economic development, internal trade and labour mobility.
Aurora College’s Centre for Learning and Teaching Innovation team – Dr Benjamin Boison, Jithin Balu Balan Geetha and Arunkumar Navaneethakrishnan – received the Premier’s Award for Team Excellence.
In a news release, Aurora College said the team created guidance on how AI can and should be used at the college, developed information on accessible education and course evaluations, and is helping to develop an e-learning strategy.
“The Centre for Learning and Teaching Innovation has done tremendous work to strengthen the skills and confidence of our faculty and staff while helping ensure students have access to effective and engaging learning experiences,” stated Nora Houlahan, Aurora College’s interim president.
The energy and climate change strategy team – Dennis Marchiori, Cory Doll, Margaret Mahon, Laura Busch, Benjamin Israel, Robert Sexton and Andrew Stewart – also received the Premier’s Award for Team Excellence.
The team, drawn from the departments of Environment and Climate Change and Infrastructure, created the GNWT’s 2050 Energy and Climate Change Strategy, released on Friday.
Premier RJ Simpson said this year’s recipients demonstrate “what can be accomplished through compassion, creativity, collaboration and commitment.”
“Their work has strengthened communities, improved services and helped build a stronger foundation for the future,” said Simpson.
“I congratulate each recipient and thank them for the care, hard work and pride they bring to serving northerners.”
