Lindsay ‘eekwol’ Knight’s work spans the province.
She is a musician, educator, and academic. Currently, she’s a PhD candidate and is teaching at the University of Saskatchewan. For more than two decades, she has used Indigenous hip hop, education and community engagement to advance conversations around truth and reconciliation in Saskatchewan.
But for Knight, the interdisciplinary work of building a better Saskatchewan begins with something closer to home: her children.
“My most important role is being a mom to my two kids and just being able to be a part of their journey, and how amazing that is,” Knight said while sitting down with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) to discuss the Leading Together award she was honoured with at our 50th anniversary gala in Regina
“If I’m not doing something to make this world a better place for my kids, then why am I even here?”
That perspective shapes the rest of her work.
For Knight, making that world better means being honest about the realities Indigenous people continue to face.
She describes herself as an urban Indigenous person and member of Muskoday First Nation who is also bi-racial and half-Russian. She says she tries to remain aware of her own privilege while speaking openly about systemic racism and colonial violence.
“I’m always being really vocal about that, to the point of being really annoying in grocery stores and stuff like that,” she said, laughing. “I can’t not do it, because once you know, you can’t unknow critical race theory.”
Knight also sees multiculturalism as an opportunity to build relationships across cultures. She has made a point of stepping outside her own comfort zone to experience other cultures and nationalities, learn languages and participate in religious and ceremonial events.
“There’s so many nations and cultures … but the fundamental reality is that we all want the same things for our families, for our future generations.”
For Knight, that shared desire creates an opportunity to work together rather than remain divided.
Imagining a Better World for Youth
Despite all her essential work, when Knight first heard she was nominated in late 2025 by Rachel Fiddler for the Leading Together Award, she felt like an imposter.
But with the recognition, also became a reminder that she was following the path she had chosen for herself as an auntie and a mother.
“It reinforces that idea that I’m doing things right, that I’m following the path that I intended to follow,” she said.
The awards ceremony itself became meaningful for Knight because she was able to share the experience with her children.
“It’s really important to have these types of events because it reminds us that we … have [many] people that are so kind, and compassionate, and capable, and skilled, and when we all get together, we’re quite a force,” she said. “It’s a hopeful feeling.”
On stage, Knight found herself thinking not only about the award, but about the young people listening to her.
“Whenever I’m on stage and my kids are there, I always think about them and any other kids that are sitting in the audience first,” she said. “I’m always thinking, ‘what are my words, how are my words going to impact the younger ones here … reminding them and everybody to hold their heads high because we belong here,’” Knight said. “It’s good to be Nehiyaw.”
For Knight, the Leading Together Award is an opportunity to encourage others to recognize the people around them who are already doing the work of building stronger communities.
Her advice to anyone considering a nomination is simple: don’t overthink it.
“With this award it’s really based on spirit and compassion and really … wanting a better future,” she said. “If you feel like somebody is worthy of it, you’re right. They are worthy.”
Coming Together: Building a Better Saskatchewan
As Saskatchewan continues its work toward reconciliation and stronger relationships between communities, Knight believes there is a need for more opportunities to recognize and celebrate that work.
“This event [Honours Awards] is so important,” she said. “It’s so important because we need so much more of this in our society right now.”
For Knight, leading together means to ultimately come back to the same place it always has: creating a better future for the generations that come next.
—The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) partner to present the Leading Together: Healing the Past – Empowering the Future Award.
The Sarkar Family Foundation donated funds to MCoS to launch and maintain an award that recognizes work with measurable long-term impact towards reconciliation. The work the Leading Together Award will honour may relate to issues and/or areas of activity including land, education, anti-racism, MMIWG2SBM, justice, health, social services, economic development, arts, language and culture, etc. —
To learn more about nominations for this year’s Leading Together award, visit our website before the September 15, 2026 deadline, HERE!
