Celebrating Excellence: NBCC Edmonton Awards of Excellence 2026

Each year, the National Black Coalition of Canada (NBCC) Edmonton chapter brings the community together to celebrate leadership, achievement, and the powerful contributions of Black individuals and organizations across Alberta. One of the organization’s most respected traditions is the Awards of Excellence, an annual program that has been recognizing outstanding community impact since 1982.

As part of the closing celebrations for Black History Month, the Awards of Excellence shine a spotlight on the people whose work continues to uplift, inspire, and strengthen the community through leadership, service, creativity, and resilience.

A Tradition of Recognition and Community Pride

For more than four decades, the NBCC Awards of Excellence have honoured individuals and groups whose contributions go far beyond personal success. These awards celebrate those who dedicate their time, talents, and passion to improving the lives of others and advancing the Black community in Alberta.

Each award is named after distinguished Black Canadians and Albertans who have left a lasting legacy through their work and commitment to community development.

2026 Awards of Excellence Event

The 2026 NBCC Awards of Excellence Banquet will take place on:

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
📍 Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The evening will bring together community leaders, professionals, artists, students, entrepreneurs, and supporters for a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.

Honouring Achievement Across Multiple Fields

The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding contributions across a range of fields including arts, professional service, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy.

Among the honours presented are:

Mary Burlie Award – recognizing individuals or groups of any background who have delivered impactful programs supporting the Black community.
Fil Fraser Award – celebrating excellence in literary, performing, and visual arts.
Clarence “Big” Miller Award – recognizing achievement in music performance, composition, or instruction.
Youth (NBCC) Award – honouring young Black leaders aged 35 and under who demonstrate academic excellence and community impact.
Rosalind Smith Awards (Professional & Business) – celebrating outstanding leadership in professional fields and entrepreneurship.
Dr. John Akabutu Award – recognizing individuals who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
Noel Chen Award – supporting Black individuals pursuing trades, vocational education, or apprenticeships.
NBCC – Edmonton Police Service Inspector Joel Derrick Whittaker Youth Leadership Scholarship Award – recognizing young leaders making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Community Nominations Now Open

NBCC encourages members of the community to nominate individuals or groups whose work deserves recognition.

Nominees must generally be Black individuals or groups, except for nominations submitted for the Mary Burlie Award, which recognizes allies who have made meaningful contributions to the Black community.

Each nomination must include:

Two nominators familiar with the nominee’s accomplishments
A minimum of two colour photographs of the nominee
Supporting information or website links where available

The nomination review process is overseen by an NBCC committee, which ensures that each submission is carefully evaluated and recognized in the most appropriate category.

Award Nomination Deadline

🗓 Friday, March 13, 2026

Why These Awards Matter

Recognition programs like the NBCC Awards of Excellence play an important role in preserving the stories, achievements, and contributions of Black Canadians. By highlighting excellence across generations—from youth leaders to seasoned professionals—these awards reinforce the importance of mentorship, resilience, and community leadership.

For many recipients, the recognition is not just about personal achievement. It is a celebration of the communities, families, and mentors who helped make those accomplishments possible.

Continuing the Legacy

As the community gathers in March to celebrate the 2026 recipients, the NBCC Awards of Excellence will once again remind us that the story of Black excellence in Alberta continues to grow—through leadership, creativity, innovation, and service.

And through the power of recognition, that legacy continues to inspire the next generation.