New Brunswick Multicultural Council announces the 2026 Champions for Cultural Diversity Award recipients
Nine champions recognized for advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging across New Brunswick
Fredericton, NB — September 15, 2026 — The New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Champions for Cultural Diversity Awards (CCDA), marking the 10th anniversary of this province-wide celebration of leadership in cultural diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Since 2016, the Champions for Cultural Diversity Awards have recognized individuals, organizations, and community leaders whose work strengthens connections across cultures, supports newcomer integration, and helps build welcoming communities throughout New Brunswick.
This year’s recipients reflect the many ways people and organizations are creating meaningful change—from community leadership and youth advocacy to settlement support, intercultural programming, inclusive employment, and volunteer service.
“Each of this year’s recipients demonstrates what is possible when people lead with inclusion and bring communities together,” said Ben McNamara, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the awards, we are honoured to recognize these champions and the lasting contributions they are making across our province.”
Congratulations to the 2026 CCDA recipients
Connect Award — Ukrainian Association of Moncton
Impact Award — Haruka Kudo
Inspire Award — Alaa Al Sheikh Zein
Rise Award — Kateryna Omelianchenko
Prix CONNEXION — Nicole Poirier
Prix IMPACT — Pecos Neutchawo
Prix INSPIRATION — Patrick Tiam
Prix ÉLAN — Hajer Mhirsi
Prix ÉLAN — Jean Henry
The recipients will be celebrated at the 2026 Champions for Cultural Diversity Awards ceremony on October 2, 2026, at Grey Rock Casino in Saint-Basile, near Edmundston, New Brunswick. The event will bring together community leaders, settlement agencies, partners, employers, and supporters from across the province.
The evening will also feature remarks from the Honourable Francine Landry, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and MLA for Madawaska Les Lacs–Edmundston, and a welcome to the region from Shawn Francis of the Wolastoqiyik Madawaska Maliseet First Nation.
Tickets for the ceremony are available at Eventbrite.
To learn more about the awards and this year’s recipients, visit www.nbmc-cmnb.ca/ccda2026.
About the Champions for Cultural Diversity Awards
The Champions for Cultural Diversity Awards recognize outstanding contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across New Brunswick. The awards highlight individuals, organizations, and initiatives that strengthen community connections, promote intercultural understanding, support newcomer integration, and contribute to a more welcoming province for all.
About the New Brunswick Multicultural Council
The New Brunswick Multicultural Council supports multicultural and newcomer-serving organizations across the province and promotes inclusion, collaboration, and community engagement throughout New Brunswick.
Media Contact
New Brunswick Multicultural Council
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