Commissioner Heather Kuttai receives 2021 USask Lifetime Achievement Award

March 19, 2021

SHRC Commissioner Heather Kuttai has been named a 2021 recipient of the USask Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her accomplishments and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of society.

Heather is an author, disability advocate, and human rights activist who has lived in Saskatoon for the last 27 years. She has a background in disability policy development, leadership in management, and post-secondary education administration. She credits her success to her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan, where she received both her Bachelor of Arts and Science (with Distinction) in 1994 and her Master of Science in Kinesiology in 2009.

Heather gives back to her community through volunteerism. As a disability rights advocate, she is a Rick Hansen Ambassador, giving presentations to elementary and secondary schools on the benefits of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. She is also a YWCA volunteer. Since 2012, she has been a volunteer administrator for the 1989 Canada Games Foundation, helping to disperse awards to dozens of amateur and grassroots sport and recreation organizations all over the province.

“Heather has been a champion for human rights for most of her life, with an unwavering commitment to equity and equality,” said SHRC Chief Commissioner David Arnot. “Her groundbreaking work at the University of Saskatchewan in the student services office has had a long lasting legacy for the students she has helped succeed in their post-secondary goals.  She is an asset to the community and a credit to the University of Saskatchewan.”