SaskatchewanBrad Spence spent years travelling the world with rock bands from Rush to the Backstreet Boys, handling multiple elements of production, before returning home to George Gordon First Nation. Now he helps other people find jobs and purpose, work which saw him recognized with an Okimaw award, which honours Indigenous male leaders.Brad Spence’s work has earned him an Okimaw award, which recognizes Indigenous male leadersDanielle Dufour · CBC News · Posted: Oct 11, 2025 7:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoBrad Spence had a career that took him all over the world touring rock bands before returning to his home nation and becoming the director of training and employment for George Gordon Developments Limited. That work recently earned him an award recognizing Indigenous male leaders. (Dani Dufour)Brad Spence still remembers showing up at the BHP Jansen Discovery Lodge, a Saskatchewan potash mine worksite, and feeling completely surprised when a young woman came up to him and gave him a big hug for his help.She was just one of the hundreds of people that Spence has found a job for, as the director of training and employment for George Gordon Developments Limited.That work earned him a Respect award at the first-ever Saskatchewan Okimaw awards, held Sept. 12, 2025, in Regina to recognize Indigenous male leaders.To hear Spence tell it, the woman who stopped him broke out in tears, thanking him for helping her find a job at the mining site.“She starts crying and says, ‘Brad, thank you so much. Because of you, I finally got myself a car. I can finally take my kids traveling,’” recalled Spence, who spent years travelling the world working with bands and musicians like Rush and the Backstreet Boys before coming home to Saskatchewan. “I stopped during that conversation. I said, ‘No, it’s not because of me. It’s because of you. You reached out. I didn’t do any of this. All I did is give you the opportunity.’”Brad Spence was surprised to receive a letter nominating him for an Indigenous leadership award, not believing he would get it. (Dani Dufour)The Okimaw awards originally began in Alberta, with Chelsa Racette bringing it to Saskatchewan this year. Okimaw is a Plains Cree word that means chief or leader.“The Okimaw Awards is an event where we celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous men throughout Saskatchewan for their contributions in various fields including: The 7 Sacred Teachings, entertainment, creative arts, justice, and more,” said Racette. Racette gave credit to Spence as a worthy recipient of the respect award, as someone who treats everyone equally. “He lives in a way that uplifts others, strengthens the community, and shows gratitude for life.”Spence said he was doubtful he would win the award after hearing he was nominated.“It was very humbling. I looked at the list of people with their high academia and accolades; I had self doubt because it’s driven into us that you can never excel or be something.”As a young man coming out of school, Spence got involved in the music business, working with bands on everything from lighting to handling events and operations. “I worked in production in 22 different countries, and I was respected,” said Spence. Brad Spence worked in 22 different countries, with multiple musicians and bands, collecting memoribilia and access passes along the way. (Submitted by Brad Spence)But missing his family, he returned to Saskatchewan. He eventually trained in psychology and Indian studies which led to taking on his current role to help people find employment.“We help people that may not have identification, phone access, or internet access, or do have skills, but just don’t have that encouragement or the opportunity to become employed.”Spence said that the role of a leader means leading with integrity and responsibility.“It’s not 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, it’s answering those 3 a.m. phone calls, doing the right thing at the right time, but also to stand up when it’s necessary.”He sees his role as guiding people and helping them to listen and work towards progress, to become their best selves.“The Creator gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” said Spence. “We have to show the world that we’re better than what society’s false opinion of us is, and we have to sparkle and shine because the little ones are watching.”ABOUT THE AUTHORDanielle Dufour has spent the last 10 years teaching piano and vocal lessons to students across Saskatchewan. She is currently studying Journalism, News Media, and Communications at the University of Regina. As an urban member of the George Gordon First Nation, she lives in Regina with her son. with files from The Morning Edition
This Sask. man was a rock band roadie. Now as an Indigenous leader, he helps people find jobs
