On September 18, Niagara College welcomed members of the Indigenous community to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus for the 2026 Indigenous Niagara Outstanding Achievement Awards (INOAA).
Hosted by the Niagara Academy of Indigenous Relations (NAIR), the awards recognize Indigenous leaders, artists, educators and allies whose contributions are shaping the Indigenous cultural, educational and artistic landscape across the Niagara region.
“The Indigenous Niagara Outstanding Achievement Awards are a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the people, achievements and contributions that make our communities stronger,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.
The College was proud to support the evening’s celebrations, which included a reception at Benchmark Restaurant featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Professor Justin Downes and Culinary students. Hospitality students and a group of Indigenous students also supported the evening to help provide a warm NC welcome to guests.
The inspiring awards ceremony was hosted in the Yerich Auditorium, led by Tim Johnson, NAIR President, and Dr. Jennifer Brant, NAIR Board member and Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.
NC’s former Indigenous Education Cultural Advisor Karl Dockstader opened the ceremony with a Thanksgiving Address, followed by remarks from Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice President, Students, and Leah Hogan, Director of Indigenous Education, who welcomed guests to the College and congratulated award recipients for their significant contributions to celebrate and preserve Indigenous history, knowledge and traditions. Interspersed throughout the program were musical performances by celebrated Indigenous artists who captivated guests.
This year’s honourees included nationally celebrated scholars, creators, and civic leaders, who were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements across six categories: Chief Arnold Jacobs (Visual Arts award), Joshua Arden Miller (Performing Arts award), Dr. Alan Corbiere (Intellectual Advancement award), Tahnee Bennett (Language and Culture award), Fallon Farinacci (Empathic Traditions award), and Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop (Two-Row Alliance award).
The Indian Defense League of America was also recognized with the Special Service Distinction award for its advocacy work spanning the last century.
“This year’s recognition of the Indian Defense League of America, as it marks 100 years of advocacy, is especially meaningful given its deep connection to the Niagara region and the Indigenous communities whose histories and relationships extend across the international border,” said President Kennedy. “It reminds us of the importance of upholding Treaty rights, honouring the history and leadership that have brought us to this point, and recognizing that this work continues today.”
“At Niagara College, we are grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate alongside Indigenous communities as we advance our commitment to Reconciliation,” he added.
Read NAIR’s media release for more information about the Indigenous Niagara Outstanding Achievement Awards and the 2026 recipients.
