2024 Award Recipients
Corryn Clemence
Congratulations to Corryn Clemence, a recipient of the 2024 Reconciliation Recognition Award! Her unwavering dedication and allyship to Indigenous Peoples, especially in tourism development, shines brightly. Corryn’s proactive engagement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI (now @Indigenous PEI) and advocacy for Indigenous inclusion in provincial tourism events showcase her commitment to reconciliation.
By supporting Indigenous speakers, artisans, and performers, Corryn fosters meaningful relationships and economic empowerment within Indigenous communities. Her actions speak volumes about her genuine commitment to reconciliation. Here’s to Corryn, a true champion of unity and understanding!
Stephanie Arnold
Stephanie Arnold is a settler (Hong Kong diaspora) who’s been working to center Mi’kmaq and Indigenous voices in climate action on Epekwitk. Stephanie challenges the climate community to scrutinize their efforts and ensure they support Treaty Rights and reconciliation.
Through workshops and presentations, Stephanie highlights the importance of anti-colonial science and the wisdom of Indigenous people like Dr. Max Liboiron and Mi’kmaw Elder Methilda Knockwood-Snache. Their message reaches diverse audiences, from government officials to students and the general public.
In collaboration with Dr. Sobia Ali-Faisal, Stephanie empowers participants to recognize colonial influences in climate action and chart new, reconciliatory paths forward. Their ethos of ‘disruptive kindness’ urges us all to disrupt the status quo, repair harm, and honor treaties.
Stephanie’s commitment to reconciliation through climate action inspires us to build a more just and sustainable future.
Joe McGuire
Joe has been a humble yet impactful force in shaping the fabric of Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island. His quiet dedication to supporting and advocating for the Mi’kmaq community has left an indelible mark on the island.
His pivotal role in establishing a shared Mi’kmaq rights forum and tribal council for PEI First Nations speaks volumes about his commitment to justice and inclusion. Against challenges and obstacles, Joe’s advocacy paved the way for the establishment of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, now the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils.
From listening to Mi’kmaq leadership to advocating for policy exemptions, Joe’s efforts have profoundly influenced the culture of PEI. Today, his legacy lives on, inspiring us all to strive for a more inclusive and equitable future.