King Charles III Award
Image Above: Stardale Executive Director Helen McPhaden and The Honourable Len Webber, ECA, MP
Today we want to take a moment to celebrate an incredibly exciting and momentous occasion. Stardale’s Founder and Director—Helen McPhaden has been honoured with the King Charles III award presented by The Honourable Len Webber, ECA, MP and we could not be more proud. From the very beginning, Helen has always been the heart and soul behind Stardale Women’s Group and a true driver of change across communities.
This award is more than just a recognition of achievement; it is a testament to a lifetime of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to breaking cycles of poverty, abuse, and marginalization through education, advocacy, and community action. Stardale was created as a support group for low-income Indigenous women and blossomed into a widespread source of programming, resources and advocacy work. Helen has never been one to stand on the sidelines or wait for change, and has spent decades amplifying voices and rolling up her sleeves to take on the difficult task of implementing real and meaningful change for these women and girls. Even beyond the origins of Stardale, Helen has worked to offer voices to those that too often go unheard, open doors that were once closed, and ensure that young Indigenous women are not just seen and heard, but empowered to thrive.
This award not only reflects the incredible progress and outcomes seen by the creation and implementation of the Stardale Model and Stardale as an organization, but serves as a reminder of the countless challenges, obstacles and “no’s” overcome to bring them into existence. As anyone who has met Helen can attest, she is a woman with perseverance and resilience many might not think possible for just one person. Leading through action Helen has broken barriers, cycles and stood as a pillar of strength to enact that change she speaks on. From Helen’s work prior to Stardale supporting and empowering women through her modeling agency, to the the original inception of Stardale in Melfort Saskatchewan, and all the way through the development of countless programs, partnerships, tools and resources. She has always been a catalyst for change and worked tirelessly to pursue that vision.
At the core of Stardale Women’s Group is a mission Helen has poured her heart into—breaking cycles of trauma, building bridges to opportunity, and creating a future where Indigenous girls have the confidence, resources, and support to achieve their dreams. Through mentorship, education, advocacy, and the tireless work or bringing together all the people, resources and support needed, she provided a space where young women are given the tools to reclaim their power, their stories, and their futures. Stardale and by extension Helen’s Legacy has always centered around inspiring action and giving the women and girls the tools and confidence they need to rewrite their own narrative and strive towards a better future.
Helen’s impact cannot truly be condensed into the recognition she receives today— Every life touched. Every soul set on a different path. Her dedication to hope and empowerment lives in the countless lives she has transformed, young women she has uplifted, and the systemic changes she has fought for.As many who know her would say, “She is a force of nature” and her work reaches far beyond those directly involved in the Stardale program to touch their loved ones, communities and beyond.
Receiving this King Charles III Award is a beyond well-earned moment of recognition and an opportunity for us to express our deepest gratitude to a woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting generations of women and girls. The legacy of Stardale Women’s Group and that of Helen have and will always be deeply connected and intertwined as her heart is truly the heart of Stardale.
Today, we honour Helen’s vision, perseverance, and unwavering belief that change is possible for those willing to go out and make it happen. Please join us in celebrating this incredible woman and the legacy she continues to build every single day.
