‘Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t’: Two Meadow Lake locals with disabilities celebrated at provincial inclusion awards

Sabados received the Great Work Award from the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) at its annual banquet on Oct. 21 in Saskatoon.

“I was recognized for my stride to better myself and to really focus on my career. I always want to work in the cannabis industry.”

Tristen Sabados of Meadow Lake holds his Great Work Award during the 2025 SARC Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel. on Oct. 21. (Tristen Sabados/Facebook)

The nomination came from Multiworks Corporation, a SARC member that supports inclusive workplaces across Meadow Lake. Sabados said the award helped him see how far he’s come — both professionally and personally.

“I definitely feel that this recognition does make me feel like I’m doing something right,” he said. “That’s something that a person struggles with, so to feel this recognition is really, really good.”

Sabados said his hope is that others see his story as proof that people with disabilities can thrive when given opportunity and support.

“I want people to stop looking at people with disabilities as not being able to do normal activities and live a normal human life,” he said.

“People can do anything when you put your mind to it, when you put your heart into it. Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t.”

After moving from Bonnyville, Alta. in recent years, Sabados said Meadow Lake has given him a sense of belonging that changed his life.

“My experience has been really good,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of really, really great people. I met a lot of lifelong friends. I met mentors. I consider Meadow Lake my home.”

SARC Award Video – Alena Ouellette

On the same night Sabados was celebrated for his drive, Alena Ouellette was recognized for her light.

Ouellette, who also calls Meadow Lake home, received SARC’s Spirit Award — an honour given to someone whose warmth, optimism, and generosity lift those around them.

When she found out she’d won, Ouellette said she was “happy” and “excited,” proud to be recognized for simply being herself.

Her support worker, Odena Groot, said that kind of joy defines her.

“Every time she meets people everywhere, she’s just like, ‘Hi,’ like she knows everybody,” Groot said. “She’s like a celebrity because she always recognizes the person. She might not remember them, but she’s always so uplifting.”

Groot said Ouellette’s humour is another part of her charm.

“They just had dinner, and she just spoke a word that makes everybody laugh,” she said. “Out of the blue, she just cracked a joke.”

Alena Ouellette of Meadow Lake, left, holds his Great Work Award during the 2025 SARC Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel. on Oct. 21. (SARC/Facebook)

SARC’s tribute to Ouellette described her as someone who “brings her bright, wonderfully uplifting spirit into everything that she does and every space she is in,” a sentiment Groot said captures her perfectly.

Ouellette, who lives in a supportive home in the community, said the people around her make her feel loved and empowered.

“I really do enjoy it,” she said about attending the awards banquet. “Everybody said I’m a superstar.”

Together, Sabados and Ouellette brought two provincial honours back to Meadow Lake — one celebrating determination, the other celebrating heart.

For both, it’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t an abstract goal. It’s something that happens every day, in workplaces, in friendships, and in the moments people choose to lift each other up.

“[SARC] has your back,” Sabados said. “They’re a community of people that care and strive to make life better for all persons, no matter your abilities.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

‘Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t’: Two Meadow Lake locals with disabilities celebrated at provincial inclusion awards

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