Nora Vedress has been ‘overwhelmed’ since learning she would be recognized as the 2025 Prince Albert Citizen of the Year and that feeling continued on Friday night.
Vedress was the guest of honour at the formal Citizen of the Year Banquet at the Coronet Hotel. The evening was filled with speeches recognizing her work with the Prince Albert Police Service, Prince Albert Pride, Plates of Hope among countless other volunteer efforts.
Vedress said she did not know how to react after the ceremony on Friday.
“It was incredibly overwhelming,” said Vedress, who is the Minister at the Calvary United Church. “When I got ambushed … that just felt surreal, but it’s also like imposter syndrome to me, right? Because I really was like, ‘I don’t know why I’ve gotten this.’
“It’s going to take me a little while to process everything,” she added. “I guess I’m just really honoured to be a part of all of this Like, all of these people who spoke tonight, from Andromeda (Eremondi) to Deputy (Farica) Prince to Staci (Hayes) to everyone in the room, every single person in the room tonight, I’ve worked with in some way, shape, or form. It’s really overwhelming to be a part of something so big.”
Vedress said she did not realize how large of an impact she had really made.
“You don’t realize the impact a person can make when you aren’t really intentionally trying to do that, but then they’ve all made impacts on me, right? I could have said as much about them in more than they said about the evening. It’s just made me realize even more how incredibly special this community is. We’re really, really lucky.”
The emcee for the evening was her friend Pamela Booker. The head table included Kinsmen President Wes Moore, Daily Herald Publisher Donna Pfeil, Mayor Bill Powalinsky, Vedress and her husband Derek. The head table was piped in by Dave Monette to get the evening under way.
The evening opened with the singing of O Canada and the Kin Cheer.
Vedress’ friend Elder Liz Settee gave the blessing.
“Liz is an unbelievable human being and this community is incredibly blessed to have her. She’s changed my life,” Vedress said.
Head nominator Bob Hayes did not make a speech. Prince Albert Pride Chair Andromeda Eremondi, Prince Albert Police Service Deputy Chief Farica Prince and Vedress’ friend Staci Hayes gave speeches about her impact.
Eremondi called Vedress a ‘one person safe space’ for her work with the LQBTQ2S community through making Cavalry United a space for the community.
In her speech, Deputy Chief Prince made reference to how Vedress occasionally uses ‘spicy language.’
“I swear sometimes,” Vedress said. “Sometimes. Once in a while. Only when necessary.”
Vedress was introduced by her children Grace Vedress and Luke Vedress.
“Tonight we celebrate someone in our community who not only helps the people around her, be it in her home, her work, or in the city, but also inspires others to do the same, from organizing events to feed those who need it, and giving a place to people who otherwise may struggle to speak, or being outspoken in her support for the marginalized in our city, or just taking care of her husband with a broken foot,” Grace said.
Vedress was honoured to have her children introduce her.
“I have great kids. They’re very, very special.”
(L to R) Nora Vedress and Prince Albert Kinsmen Club President Wes Moore. Moore presented Vedress with the Citizen of the Year plaque at the Prince Albert Citizen of the Year Banquet at the Coronet Hotel on Friday.
(L to R) Prince Albert Daily Herald publisher Donna Pfeil and Nora Vedress. Pfeil presented Vedress with a framed front page plate and print of the Daily Herald at the Prince Albert Citizen of the Year Banquet at the Coronet Hotel on Friday
During her speech, Vedress also requested a group photo of all of the former Citizen of the Year winners in attendance. Vedress said she had never been to one and this was a new experience for her.
“That was great I love that we got that photo,” Vedress said.
During her speech she helped to lead the room in three part harmony on the hymn ‘When I Breathe In’ by Sara Dan Jones.
“It just kind of came to me. I knew that everyone would be tired the end of the evening, but I just wanted to share what was on my heart and that was kind of the best way I could talk about us doing stuff together that makes the world a better place.
“I felt bad because I lost my voice, but my friends helped out,” Vedress said.
She said that her friends helping her with the three-part harmony showed how she also became Citizen of the Year.
“We do it all together, man, we’re never alone,” Vedress said.
Powalinsky presented Vedress with recognition from the City along with a City of Prince Albert Award of Merit.
Moore presented Vedress with the Citizen of the Year plaque. Daily Herald Publisher Donna Pfeil presented Vedress with the plates and front page from the issue where she was named Citizen of the Year.
Pfeil, Powalinsky, Moore and Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross each gave speeches recognizing all that Vedress has done as a volunteer.
Also on hand were former Citizen of the Year honourees Alma Newman, Fred Matheson and Diane Matheson on behalf of Jack Matheson, Howard Gange, Malcolm Jenkins, Dr. Lalita Malhotra, Frank Moore, Harris May, Lyle Karasiuk, Marj Bodnarchuk and Sonya Jahn.
There were several representatives of the United Church in attendance including former Moderator Jordan Cantwell and other Ministers.
Vedress said it was incredibly special to have them all in the room.
“That’s incredible, I’m honoured,” Vedress said.
Vedress had one simple message about being a great citizen.
“Just add your voice, being willing to help, setep up when maybe you’re too tired, (and) you don’t really want to,” she said. “Find a way to make a difference, even if it’s just teeny tiny. It doesn’t have to be grand. Just do one small thing to make your corner better and the ripple effect on that is enormous.”
The Citizen of the Year Award has been handed out every year since 1958. Winners are chosen by a committee that includes members of the Prince Albert Kinsmen Club and Prince Albert Daily Herald.
Recent Citizen of the Year winners:
2025 – Nora Vedress
2024 – Sonya Jahn
2023 – Barry Brezden
2022 – Marj Bodnarchuk
2021 – Marie Mathers
2020 – Margaret Ferguson
2019 – Janet Carriere
2018 – Felix Casavant and Derek Smith
2017 – Ron and Shelley Horn
2016 – Sheryl Kimbley
2015 – Duane Hayunga
