Michael Linklater speaking in Saskatoon. File photo.
Michael Linklater of Thunderchild First Nation will receive an Indspire Award in 2018.
Linklater will be honoured in the sports category. He has played university basketball and is known for his work with the Boys with Braids campaign.
“Extremely humbling to be acknowledged nationally and to be in the same breath as a number of these other recipients,” said Linklater. “The work that they’re doing is truly humbling, and I’m honoured.”
The Indspire Awards recognize Indigenous people who have made major contributions in Canada.
“One thing that they mentioned to me that they really liked was the fact that I’ve done a lot of work in the creation of the Boys with Braids campaign,” said Linklater. “So constantly working with youth and giving back, rather than just being an athlete. So I think it had a lot to do with the community engagement.”
Boys with Braids informs and educates Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the cultural significance of braids. The campaign started a few years ago, and has now reached all parts of North America.
The Indspire Awards ceremony will be held in Winnipeg in March.