The Indigenous Community Impact Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding contribution has demonstrated engagement and impact within the First Nations, Inuit, and/or Metis communities through contributions to public policy, volunteerism or activism, and to the advancement of higher education within these communities.

2025 Recipient - Sheila Moerkoert

Sheila Moerkoert, a proud Métis woman originally from the Northwest Territories, was awarded the Indigenous Community Impact Award for her leadership in student support, cultural advocacy, and youth outreach. 

From her early career at GPRC to her role at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Sheila has helped countless Indigenous students find connection, identity, and a path through post-secondary education. Her coordination of events such as the Spirit Seekers Youth Conference and Oskayak Summit continues to inspire youth and build strong cultural ties across the region.

Nomination Criteria

The nominee is a person of Indigenous heritage who strives toward empowering Indigenous people, and is an advocate for higher education within the First Nations, Inuit, and/or Metis communities.

Nominations

Nominations will be accepted from the public and NWP's Learning Community. They will be reviewed and selected by a committee of the Alumni Foundation Board, and the recipients will be contacted in advance so they may attend the event to receive their award.

Past Recipients

Andrea Deleeuw’s work reflects a strong commitment to community, education, and Indigenous inclusion. Her leadership and advocacy are helping shape stronger, more inclusive futures across Alberta and beyond.

Watch Andrea talk about her connection to NWP.

Connection is an enduring theme in Nikita Stamp’s life. Her childhood was spent on her family’s farm in Pipestone Creek, and from her earliest beginnings, she has felt deeply connected to and appreciative of the people, land and water of the Peace region. As it often does, her sense of connection has fostered a commitment to giving back, and these two personal drivers, combined with a great respect for the exchange and passing of knowledge, make her an ideal recipient for this year’s Indigenous Community Impact Award. 

Read more about Nikita.

Watch Nikita talk about her connection to NWP.

Elizabeth Peterson, a Métis mental health professional, is making a difference in the lives of students, especially Indigenous students, at the Peace Wapiti Public School Division. She has made intentional efforts to bridge the Indigenous community with the broader community by enhancing connection and understanding.

Watch Elizabeth talk about her connection to NWP.

 

Joseph Redhead is a Registered Status Indian of Grande Prairie, and a band member of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. He is a local Indigenous role model, and is highly regarded amongst his peers. Today, Joseph is viewed as a local trailblazer in selflessly volunteering in Grande Prairie for 41 years in the areas of social service and culture.

Watch Joseph talk about his connection to NWP.