Charlene Belleau (Eaglestar Woman)
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. Learn more about the BC Reconciliation Award recipients.
A lifelong advocate for truth, justice, and healing, Charlene Belleau (Eaglestar Woman) has devoted her career to advancing reconciliation and supporting residential school survivors, their families, and communities across British Columbia.
Appointed in 2021 by the Honourable Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, as First Nation Liaison, Charlene provides critical guidance to the Province of British Columbia in its response to findings at former Indian Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals. In this role, she serves as a vital bridge between governments and First Nations, helping ensure that communities receive the resources, respect, and support needed to pursue truth, healing, and accountability.
A residential school survivor herself, Charlene has been a leading voice in addressing the intergenerational impacts of colonial institutions. She has supported communities in collecting and protecting oral histories, accessing historical records, and creating safe spaces where survivors can share their truths with dignity and care.
Charlene’s expertise and lived experience have also informed broader public understanding of this history. She served as Senior Investigator on the documentary Sugarcane (2024), which was nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Documentary Feature and awarded Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Her contribution helped ensure that survivor voices and community perspectives were honoured with integrity and respect.
Over decades of leadership, including her service as Chair of the First Nations Health Council and as Provincial Indian Residential School Coordinator, where she played a key liaison role with the RCMP Native Indian Residential School Task Force, Charlene has worked tirelessly to confront systemic injustice and advance Indigenous rights. Her compassion, integrity, and steadfast commitment continue to inspire a collective journey toward reconciliation grounded in truth-telling, healing, and the restoration of dignity for Indigenous Peoples.