Henry “Gizmo” Williams and Notorious Cree
We are thrilled to announce that Henry "Gizmo" Williams and Notorious Cree will be joining us at the 2024 Awards Banquet on March 5, 2024. Gizmo, a well-known, local speaker and football player, will be delivering the keynote address. With his extensive experience and expertise in athletics, he will inspire and motivate the audience.
In addition to Gizmo, we are also honored to have Notorious Cree with us. Notorious Cree will be providing the land acknowledgements and dinner blessing. We are grateful for Notorious Cree's participation and look forward to hearing from him.
Henry “Gizmo” Williams
Football star Henry Gizmo Williams has had to deal with uncertainty and change his whole life. He comes from a family struck by multiple sclerosis. It claimed his mother in 1969 and took seven of his 10 siblings.
While no one in his family lived beyond 35 years old, Gizmo is over 60. He said he doesn’t worry about what he can’t control but trusts God.
It was hard after his mom died that Christmas. His father was killed in a house fire a year later. His older brother kept the family together and he became Gizmo’s hero.
Gizmo’s story is one of faith, vulnerability, resilience, and strength. Even as a punt returner, Gizmo never felt the pressure on the field that he felt in life.
Football was Henry’s way out of a hard life. It was in his first year as a professional, back in 1983 with the Memphis Showboats, that an imaginative lineman named Reggie White sized Henry Williams up, watched him play a little and dubbed him `Gizmo.’
Williams played on two Grey Cup championship teams in Edmonton and was a five-time league all-star. Williams has also been very active in the community, receiving the 1988-89 Eskimo Community Service awards for those efforts.
Renowned as one of pro football’s most electrifying players, Edmonton Eskimos kick returner Henry “The Gizmo” Williams is the most prolific kick returner in CFL history. However, it is his exceptional character, in addition to his outstanding athletic ability, which have made him the remarkable fan favorite he is throughout Canada.
Notorious Cree
James Jones is Nehiyaw (Cree) from Tall Cree First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory in Northern Alberta. Known as Notorious Cree across Instagram and TikTok. James uses his voice to educate and spread awareness on the issues impacting Indigenous communities across the globe. As a traditional hoop and powwow dancer, performance artist, youth workshop facilitator and public speaker, James advocates to inspire future generations by reclaiming his culture and encouraging others to do the same. Notable performances include the Winter Olympics, Juno awards, Pan Am Games, Coachella and was a previous contestant on SYTYCD Canada.
We are confident that this year's Awards Banquet will be a truly memorable event. We hope that you will join us in welcoming them and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our award recipients.
