Isabelle Impey receives a special certificate of inspiration. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding role models

Metis community leaders recognized for dedication and passion

Jan 19, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Noting the need for supports and volunteers in Prince Albert, Isabelle Impey says it’s incredible how many people we have that need help and how many people we have that are willing to help. 


The Indigenous Elder, who has in the past received both the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and Aboriginal Women of Distinction Award, was one of dozens of people Friday night to receive special recognition during the fourth annual Metis Nation Saskatchewan Western Region II inspirational banquet at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

“It’s an honour to get one but on the other hand, I feel like with all the people who have helped me over the years, there’s been over 100 of them, that it really belongs to all of them, not just me,” she said.

Throughout her career, Impey worked tirelessly as an advocate for Indigenous women and children and was instrumental in the creation of Interval House. For over 20 years she also helped run a community Christmas dinner for those in need. This past Christmas was the first time she took a step back and spent the day with her family.

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“I decided it was really important that we take a good look at the community and someone else needs to step forward and it’s not happening unfortunately,” she said, adding she knows the volunteers are there willing to help, but just require someone to take the lead.

Reflecting back on one of her own precious memories, Impey recalled a family who had arrived at the last minute and wanted to help. They were assigned to look after the toy room.

“At the end of the day when they had packed up everything and we were finished, the eighty year-old (son) said to me, this was absolutely the best Christmas I’ve ever had. I thought it was so beautiful and then two days later, his mother texted me, he had drawn a picture and it said, Mrs. Impey my idol. And I said, you know, that’s why we do it. Not for any other reason, that’s the reason we do it.”

Close to 500 people attended Friday night’s special event. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Dean Smith wears a number of hats in the community. He’s both a well-respected police officer and a talented fiddle player, providing entertainment for a number of Metis events including Back to Batoche and Friday night’s dance party. He was also the recipient of a special award.

“It’s very important for the kids to see that and get to know that just because you wear one hat doesn’t mean you can’t be someone else,” he said.

Noting he did not become a police officer until he was in his 30’s, Smith explained it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

“I was kind of shocked to see how many people we have in attendance here. Last year, there was 700 people and it’s huge to get involved with the community and see such a huge support gathering for this.”

Wanda Neufeldt receives the “Gold Heart” award. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

This year’s Heart of Gold award was presented to Big River resident Wanda Neufeldt, who in addition to all her work for her community, also donated a kidney to her daughter just over a month ago.

“It’s hard to explain without breaking down and crying, but I just wanted to give my daughter a second chance at life because her quality of life went down to nothing. And I’m just glad I was able to help her get her normal life back and be there for my grandson,” she said.

When asked what message she would have to the youth at the event, Neufeldt encouraged them to get out and volunteer.

“Don’t be scared to get out and help out in any way you can with the community. It looks like everywhere things are not happening due to a shortage of volunteers.
So I just want to say get out and volunteer and make your way up in the world and just give back to your community.”

MNS Secretary Lisa McCallum presents a special award to WRII Regional Director Sherry McLennan. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Friday night’s event was made possible, in large part, by the endless volunteer hours by WR2 Regional Director Sherry McLennan, who was also recognized by MNS Executive for the overall work she’s been doing to better the community.

“Thank you for thinking of me. I don’t consider myself an inspiration. I’m a frontline worker, and always have been, and I’ve always tried to help people so I will continue to try and do that as best as I can with what I have,” she said.

In a social media post, McLennan noted the event was initially created to recognize people in the community, who may realize the impact they are making.

“The best part is a community coming together to enjoy each other, and honour some well-deserving people in our region.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell