We are proud to celebrate an incredible milestone for our community. Janet Carriere, outgoing President of the AFCS Board of Directors, has been awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province’s highest honour.
The Saskatchewan Order of Merit recognizes citizens who have made extraordinary contributions in areas such as leadership, volunteerism, the arts, education, and public service. Janet’s commitment to equity, community empowerment, and Indigenous self-determination exemplifies the very spirit of this award.
Janet has dedicated over 26 years to the Friendship Centre Movement and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Prince Albert Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, a role she is now preparing to step away from as she transitions into retirement. Her leadership at both the local and provincial levels has been instrumental in building strong, culturally safe spaces for urban Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan.
Throughout her career, Janet has been a tireless advocate for Friendship Centres and a compassionate voice for Indigenous communities. Her work has helped shape inclusive programs, foster cross-cultural understanding, and improve quality of life for countless Saskatchewan residents.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit; a fitting moment to recognize the powerful legacy of a leader like Janet. Her impact will continue to be felt through the initiatives she helped shape, the partnerships she nurtured, and the lives she uplifted along the way.
AFCS sends our heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to Janet. We are honoured to have walked alongside her and proudly celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her life’s work.
Congratulations to all 2025 recipients:
- Dr. Ernest Barber
- Janet Carriere
- Brent Cotter, K.C.
- Dr. Haissam Haddad, O.C.
- Ann Phillips, K.C.
- Ellen Remai, M.S.C., LL.D.
- E. Robert Stromberg, K.C.
- Senapan Thunder
Thank you for helping make Saskatchewan a better place for all.
- Battleford Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
- Buffalo Narrows Friendship Centre
- Ile a la Crosse Friendship Centre
- Kikinahk Friendship Centre
- La Loche Friendship Centre
- Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre
- North West Friendship Centre
- Prince Albert Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
- Qu’Appelle Valley Friendship Centre
- Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre