Premier’s Awards for Excellence showcase the best of our public service

For Kristen Tanche, being referred to as a “visionary leader” is a very humbling experience.

The Dehcho First Nations’ regional health and wellness director was also described as a “powerful role model” Wednesday as she accepted the 2024-25 Emerging Indigenous Leader Award from Premier R.J. Simpson.

“I really try to do good work and really always try to keep community and people in mind,” Tanche told CKLB after the Premier’s Awards for Excellence were presented in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly.

“I’ve been sober for eight years from alcohol and drugs, and when I first wanted to get sober, there wasn’t culturally relevant programming available to me. And I always say I want to see a future where people can access culturally relevant programming, especially like my nieces and my nephews and the people that are coming forward.

“I think it’s really important that we offer places and just that we offer culturally relevant programming. And that’s really what drives me. I want to see a change in the systems.”

Tanche is known for her trauma-informed, culturally grounded approach to community healing and her advocacy for land-based learning and youth empowerment.

She said it was difficult to try and get sober in Fort Simpson, but she found more support when she moved to Yellowknife to study social work at Aurora College.

“I was learning a lot through my social work education that really helped steer me in the direction. So I didn’t do it at home, and I tried to do it at home, and it wasn’t successful.”

Tanche said more after-care resources are especially needed in the Dehcho Region for people returning from treatment centres down south.

The GNWT’s annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence recognize the outstanding achievements of employees and partners who demonstrate excellence and innovation in serving the people of the Northwest Territories.

Awards were presented in three categories: Individual Excellence, Team Excellence, and Collaboration Excellence, along with two special honours, the Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award and the Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award.

Premier R.J. Simpson said the awards celebrate the very best of our public service.

“Each of today’s recipients has made a lasting difference in their communities and in the lives of residents across the Northwest Territories,” he said.

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“Their innovation and commitment are what make our government stronger and our territory better.”

The rest of the Premier’s Award for Individual Excellence recipients for 2024-25:

• Rena Chapple, Community Health Representative, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (Tulita). Rena has shown remarkable dedication to her community, creating innovative programs such as Elders in Motion and Nutrition Bingo, organizing the annual Elders’ Christmas Party, and fostering intergenerational connections that promote healthy living and community wellness.
• Sonia Gregory, Principal, Beaufort Delta Education Council. A visionary educator, Sonia has championed inclusive education, land-based learning, and Indigenous worldviews in northern schools. Her leadership has transformed classrooms into culturally safe spaces that celebrate identity, belonging, and collaboration.

Premier’s Award for Team Excellence Recipients


• Fuel Resupply via Mackenzie Valley Winter Road Team, Department of Infrastructure. This multidisciplinary team coordinated one of the largest winter resupply operations in recent memory, over 230 truckloads of fuel delivered to Sahtu communities, ensuring reliable and safe access to essential resources despite extreme weather and logistical challenges.
• Street Outreach Community Health Nurses, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. Megan Lowry and Amy Chin have reimagined healthcare delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife, offering mobile, low-barrier care with compassion, cultural safety, and trust.

Premier’s Award for Collaboration Excellence Recipient


Transitional Housing for Addictions Recovery Program (THARP). A partnership between Housing NWT, Health and Social Services, the City of Yellowknife, the Salvation Army, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, this team created an innovative, person-centered model of transitional housing that integrates recovery supports and culturally safe care.

Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award Recipient


Dr. Donald Giovanetto, Otolaryngologist, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. With over 30 years of service, Dr. Giovanetto has advanced healthcare delivery, mentorship, and medical governance across the NWT, setting a standard of professionalism, compassion, and integrity.