Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association
Willard Ahenakew Award
The Willard Ahenakew Award is a lifetime achievement award named in his honor and presented annually at the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards to individuals who raise awareness of Indigenous music.
Willard was a prominent Indigenous journalist, photographer, illustrator, and community leader from Saskatchewan. He was appointed to head the Provincial Indian Arts and Crafts Advisory Committee in 1974.
He designed the official flag of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in 1994, which features 276 stars representing ancestors from the first Treaty 6 pay list.
Willard was a self taught nd renowned Plains Cree artist. He published a cartoon book on Indigenous political issues which was the first of its kind and unique in its use of comedy. He became the found President of the National and Saskatchewan Indian Arts and Crafts Corporations for Indigenous fine arts and crafts. This provided the ability for artists to earn a good steady income and market their craft internationally, included the first moccasin manufacturing line and several "Indian Trader" retail stores.
He also created a series of Indigenous fine arts prints. Each recipient of the prestigious award is gifted one of Willards prints.