BONNYVILLE — Years of community service and leadership at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre have earned Chief Executive Director Janet Gobert provincial recognition.

Gobert received a 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Award during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton, recognizing her contributions to seniors and the broader community.

For Gobert, standing inside Government House and hearing her name recognized was a moment that was difficult to put into words.

“Today was truly an honour, and honestly, a little surreal,” Gobert said. “I am deeply grateful and humbled to receive the 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Award.”

But she was also quick to make one thing clear: she doesn’t see the award as hers alone.

“This honour, however, is not mine alone. It is shared with my wonderful staff at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre,” Gobert said. “Their dedication, compassion and genuine passion for serving the Bonnyville and Lakeland community is evident in everything they do.”

A team effort at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre

Gobert has led the Bonnyville Friendship Centre through work that reaches people across the community, including seniors.

Programs and services offered through the Centre include community kitchen and cooking initiatives, shelter services, mental health supports, cultural programming and other assistance aimed at helping people stay supported and connected.

In accepting the award, Gobert also recognized the Centre’s Board, Elders and Knowledge Keepers for the guidance they provide.

She said the broader Friendship Centre Movement and the mentors she has met through it have also shaped her approach to community service.

“Their willingness to share their knowledge, teachings and experience has helped shape my own path, and without that support, many of our achievements would not have been possible,” Gobert said.

“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.”

Local work recognized provincially

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr attended the ceremony and said he has seen Gobert’s work firsthand through his involvement with the Bonnyville Friendship Centre over the years.

“Under her leadership, the Centre has become an important source of support for individuals and families throughout our region,” Cyr said.

He pointed not only to the programs offered by the Centre, but also to Gobert’s work building relationships and strengthening connections within the community.

“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 one of nine individuals and organizations recognized through the 2026 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards.

The awards recognize Albertans and organizations for their work supporting seniors and helping older Albertans remain connected to their communities.

For Gobert, however, the provincial recognition ultimately came back to the people she works alongside in Bonnyville and throughout the Friendship Centre Movement.

“To my staff, Board, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, mentors, colleagues, volunteers and the entire Friendship Centre Movement, thank you for being part of this journey,” she said.

“Migweetch.”