Two “exceptional” Indigenous employees were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Yukon public service.

They each received the Indigenous Employee’s Award of Honour, during a ceremony led by Sandy Silver, the Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission.

Ian Angus played a key role in the First Nation Relations unit by helping to start the Indigenous Training Program.

This initiative offers six-month entry-level jobs for Indigenous youth in the Department of Highways and Public Works, along with training and mentorship.

“Ian worked hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment for these young people,” the government said in a statement Monday.

“He continues to mentor and support both the trainees and the program’s co-ordinator.”

Lea Anne Geddes is a Ta’an Kwäch’än citizen and works as the First Nation liaison worker at Whistle Bend Place.

She is deeply involved in promoting and teaching about First Nation culture, history and healing practices.

She also mentors new staff and students, guiding them in First Nation ceremonies and traditions.

Silver presented the Naats Tláa Award to Angie Dickson. This special award is presented to a long-standing public servant who has made a significant contribution throughout their career in the Yukon public service.

Dickson, a Carcross/Tagish First Nation citizen, is the safety trainer with the transportation maintenance branch of the Department of Highways and Public Works.

“She has worked in various roles for 20 years, providing outstanding support to 21 maintenance camps across Yukon,” the government said.

“Angie is known for her positive attitude and her ability to handle challenging situations.”

Additionally, Public Service Commissioner Sherri Young presented the first-ever Indigenous Employee’s Award in Partnership to Albert Drapeau and Jordan Holway.

This award acknowledges an Indigenous colleague at a First Nation organization who contributes to advancing joint goals and relationship-building between agencies.

Drapeau, a Wolf clan member from the Selkirk First Nation, is the regional economic development advisor with the Department of Economic Development.

He has previously been on secondments to the Selkirk First Nation and the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce as the executive director.

His efforts were instrumental in advancing the Selkirk First Nation’s goal of creating a healthy and sustainable community for its citizens.

He has been influential in bridging government initiatives with First Nation organizations.

Holway, a citizen of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, is on secondment as the director of human resources with that First Nation.

“He is known for his commitment to partnership and building a positive work environment,” the government said.

“His work has helped strengthen ties between the Government of Yukon and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.”

Nominees for this year include:

• Wanda Bailey, from the Department of Highways and Public Works;

• Katrina Couch from the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS);

• Lisa Dewhurst from the Women and Gender Equity Directorate;

• Ashley Fairclough from the Department of Justice;

• Lovejoy Fulton from HSS;

• Tricia Johnson-Drapeau from Highways and Public Works;

• Jennifer LaFleur from the Department of Justice;

• Kim Murray from HSS;

• Edwin Pardy from the Department of Justice;

• Arianna Porter from the Department of Highways and Public Works;

• Kala Smith from the Executive Council Office; and

• Jennifer Walters from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.

“It is a great honour to acknowledge these outstanding individuals in our public service,” Silver said.

“Each award winner shows incredible commitment, leadership and service to our communities.

“Their hard work greatly benefits all Yukoners and strengthens our connections with Indigenous communities,” Silver added.

“We are truly inspired by what they have achieved and are eager to keep supporting such important efforts.”

The Indigenous Employees Forum was created in 2007 to support Indigenous employees within the government.

The Indigenous Employee’s Award of Honour started from the Indigenous Employee’s Forum.

This award celebrates Indigenous employees of the Yukon government who have done outstanding work for both their colleagues and the public.

Since this award was created, there have been 168 nominees, 34 people have received the award, seven have received special recognition, and there has been one award granted posthumously.