SIX NATIONS – Erinn Monture and Terry Hill received the Wilma General Memorial Award this year for their hard work and dedication towards bringing cancer awareness and improving cancer care on Six Nations.
The Six Nations Awards and Recognition Banquet was held at the Community Hall on Saturday, June 10, and several shining lights in the community were honoured and celebrated for their impacts on the community.
“We take time every year to give special recognition to some individuals in our community who have made lasting impressions and done great work for us all on the territory,” said Six Nations Elected Chief Ava Hill.
The Wilma General award is given out in memory of Wilma General. A community leader who is remembered for her legacy of selflessness and showing the true spirit of community helping. General volunteered within Six Nations and surrounding areas throughout her lifetime taking on various helping roles. Some of these were: Sunday school teacher, Six Nations Band Councillor, member of the Ontario Indian Social Service, and more.
“Since battling their own cancer diagnoses, Erinn and Terry have become great advocates for cancers of all types that affect those living within Six Nations,” said Sharon Martin, daughter of the late Wilma General, while presenting Monture and Hill with their awards. “Improving cancer care for members of the community has also been a key priority for Erinn and Terry. Together their intelligence, resolve and passion stand out above the rest.”
Monture and Hill’s strength and actions remind us that cancer touches many people in different ways and for these two women, cancer has given them their ‘voice’ to share with others.
“I’m very vocal about what I advocate for. I want to be heard and for people to respond,” said Monture at an event in May.
Five other community members were given awards. Andrea Curley, Katelyn Martin, Katsitsaroraks Lickers and Kristy Hill were recognized by Six Nations of the Grand River Ontario Works (SNGROW) for their ability to demonstrate dedication and commitment on their paths to self-sufficiency. Kristy Hill’s father accepted the award in her absence.
Six Nations Elected Council awarded Seneca Henhawk this year’s Community Treasure award. Henhawk is indeed a genuine treasure of the community, reflecting the virtues of sharing, generosity and selflessness. He has been a long-standing support for Six Nations.
Those in attendance shared in a meal together catered by Family Traditions before the award ceremony began.
