BONNYVILLE — The Bonnyville Friendship Centre is proud to celebrate Chief Executive Director Janet Gobert, who has been recognized with a 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Award for her contributions to seniors and the community.
Gobert received the provincial honour during an awards ceremony at Government House in Edmonton, where individuals and organizations from across Alberta were recognized for their dedication to supporting seniors and strengthening their communities.
For the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, the award recognizes leadership that extends well beyond any one program or initiative.
Under Gobert’s leadership, the Centre has continued to provide programs and services supporting people throughout Bonnyville and the Lakeland, including seniors. Its work includes community kitchen and cooking skills programs, shelter services, mental health supports, cultural connections and other community-based services.
Gobert described receiving the award as both an honour and a surreal experience.
“I am deeply grateful and humbled to receive the 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Award,” Gobert said.
She was also quick to share the recognition with the people who make the Centre’s work possible.
“This honour, however, is not mine alone. It is shared with my wonderful staff at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre,” she said. “Their dedication, compassion and genuine passion for serving the Bonnyville and Lakeland community is evident in everything they do.”
Gobert also recognized the important role of the Centre’s Board, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, whose guidance and support continue to shape the organization and its work.
Her connection to the broader Friendship Centre Movement has also played an important role throughout her career.
“The Friendship Centre Movement has also played such an important role in my journey,” Gobert said. “I am grateful for the mentors I have had the privilege of learning from throughout the Movement.”
She said the knowledge, teachings and experience shared by those mentors helped shape her own path and contributed to what has been accomplished in Bonnyville.
“I accept this honour with a full heart, knowing that it represents the collective efforts of so many people who believe in community, connection, culture and service,” Gobert said.
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr attended the ceremony and congratulated Gobert on the provincial recognition.
“This award reflects years of dedication, leadership and service, alongside the important work carried out by the Bonnyville Friendship Centre Board, staff and volunteers, who help turn that commitment into meaningful support for our community,” Cyr said.
Gobert was among nine individuals and organizations recognized through the 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards.
The Bonnyville Friendship Centre congratulates Janet on this recognition and thanks its staff, Board, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, volunteers, partners and the broader Friendship Centre Movement for their continued commitment to the community.
“To my staff, Board, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, mentors, colleagues, volunteers and the entire Friendship Centre Movement, thank you for being part of this journey,” Gobert said.