BEAVER LAKE - Beaver Lake Cree Nation member Marilyn Gladue was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from her community for her work with Beaver Lake Health Services as well as her ongoing dedication and commitment in the community.
The recognition and celebration took place on March 8 as part of International Iskwew (Women’s) Day.
Gladue received flowers and a plaque from Beaver Lake Cree Nation Chief Gary Lameman and members of the band council. She was also given gifts and praise from each program area within Beaver Lake Health Services.
Clarence Ward and a drum group sang the Honour Song as Gladue was wrapped in a blanket by the chief and council as part of a traditional ceremony. The blanket ceremony was a way for the community to show respect and gratitude for her achievements.
Receiving this award, she says, came as quite a surprise, adding that it was a very humbling experience.
“I never expected the award, the gifts, and the honouring,” she told Lakeland This Week. “It was a great day to witness all the love that was in one place, not just for me but for the community.”
Award
Nadine Gordey-Landstrom has worked with Gladue for the past eight years. She stated that the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to her colleague on March 8 originated from an idea brought forward by Beaver Lake Health Services employees.
According to Gordey-Landstrom, that idea stemmed from a conversation about Gladue’s 25-year commitment to Beaver Lake Health Services and her even longer commitment to her community in various other roles. After a lengthy discussion with staff, they decided to surprise her with the award
“We wanted the award to be a surprise, so we planned an event to celebrate International Iskwew (Women’s) Day in Beaver Lake Cree Nation with Marilyn’s presentation of the award to happen at the event,” Gordey-Landstrom explained. “The International Iskwew Day.
Gladue has been health director of Beaver Lake Health Services for the past 25 years. Before that, she served as a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation Council and worked in other departments in the community.
celebration was a huge success with approximately 150 people in attendance; we celebrated with a meal, fashion show, gifts presented to women in attendance, and of course, Marilyn’s presentation which remained a surprise up until the very moment.”
