The National GC Network (NGCN) calls for nominations/applications for its 2026 President’s Awards. These peer-adjudicated awards recognize two legal professionals who are racialized or Indigenous, for their remarkable impact or service to advance Truth & Reconciliation (T&R) and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This year, the NGCN has chosen to recognize two eligible persons, one individual as Today’s Leader and one individual as a Next-Gen Leader. These two categories are explained further below.
These awards are inspired by NGCN’s founders and presidents. They created and inspired change in large organizations while also having a personal impact. These awards aim to recognize racialized or Indigenous legal professionals who exemplify and drive positive change like our founders and presidents.
In the same way, nominees must inspire, create and lead in ways that align with NGCN’s mission, vision and values. These awards honour individuals for the quality and impact of their accomplishments in T&R and EDI. There is NO popular voting process. There is NO marketing purchase. Find out more about whether you or someone you know is deserving of a nomination. Nominations close on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5pm (Eastern).
There is a cash award of $500 for each award, provided by the NGCN to recognize and reward the achievements of the recipients working in the T&R and EDI space which is often underfunded and underappreciated.
Nomination Criteria and Application Requirements
A. Eligible Nominees must:
1) Self-identify as being racialized or Indigenous;
2) Be a member in good standing with a Law Society in Canada, or has worked primarily in a legal role or made direct impact in the legal profession, for (i) in the case of the Today’s Leader category, at least ten years, and (ii) in the case of the Next-Gen Leader category, at least five years but less than ten years;
3) Live and work in Canada;
4) Not currently be taking part of a campaign or serving a term in office as an elected government official, or is a member of the judiciary;
5) Not currently a member of the Board of Directors of the NGCN, nor its selection committee;
6) Satisfy each of the award criteria;
7) Consent to the nomination and the publication of their name, photo, and information;
8) Be available to attend the NGCN Conference when the award is presented; and
9) Align with the NGCN mission, vision and values.
B. Criteria – In the realm of Truth & Reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, each of these individuals:
1) Has made a remarkable impact or service to the legal community or their organization;
2) Exemplifies and drives positive change;
3) Is a leader or connector who empowers and uplifts others;
4) Has accomplishments in the areas of social justice, public service, innovation, professional development, leadership, philanthropy, or volunteerism; and
5) Inspires, creates or leads in ways that align with NGCN’s mission, vision and values.
C. Nomination Submission
Nominations for the President’s Awards must be received by 5pm (Eastern) on Monday,October 19, 2026.
Nomination packages must include:
1) Nominee’s full name, organization, (year of call) and email address;
2) Nominator’s full name, organization, and email address;
3) A high-resolution photo of the nominee;
4) A description of how the nominee meets the criteria for the award;
5) A consent signed by both the nominator and nominee; and
6) Contact information for two references in support of the nominee.
Nomination materials will not be returned. Nominations and nomination packages will only be reviewed by the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of NGCN, and the Selection Committee, and will otherwise remain strictly confidential. The NGCN may accept late nominations.
All nomination packages must be submitted electronically to info@nationalgcnetwork.ca. Nomination packages are valid for two consecutive award periods and can be updated.
D. Selection Process
The Board of Directors of the NGCN will form a minimum three-person selection committee comprised of (i) at least two board members, and (ii) any one individual from the legal community or judiciary selected by the Board or another board member. The committee may proceed with two Board members in the event the full committee is not constituted. The current year Selection Committee members cannot be nominators.
The awards are granted at the sole and absolute discretion of the NGCN. Final award candidates will be reviewed to ensure individuals are in good standing and not pending disciplinary or other adverse action. The award may be removed at any time if the recipient no longer aligns with the mission, vision and values of the NGCN.
E. Award Ceremony
The President’s Awards will be announced and presented at NGCN’s 2026 Empowered Voices annual conference. The award recipients will be notified of NGCN’s decision as soon as practicable.
