Human Rights Commission to Honor Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award and Business/Organization Humanitarian Efforts Awardees
The City of Traverse City’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award and the 2025 recipients of the Humanitarian Business/Organization Award.
Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award
The HRC is honored to recognize the late Holly T. Bird as the recipient of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. This annual award honors individuals who embody the Commission’s core values of mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community. Holly(ba) was a local attorney, Indigenous activist, and member of the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education. A dedicated advocate for Indigenous visibility, racial and environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and youth empowerment, Holly’s impact on the region was profound. As a founding board member of Title Track, she brought joyful optimism, tireless dedication, and fearless love to the work of advancing equity and community well-being. Holly was also a founding member of Northern Michigan E3 and the Children’s Garden. Though she is no longer with us, Holly’s legacy continues to inspire and guide.
Humanitarian Business/Organization Awards
The HRC is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Business/Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award. This award was established to honor and publicly recognize businesses or organizations that have shown a sustained and meaningful commitment to helping others in the Traverse City region. This year, two outstanding organizations will be recognized. Michigan Indian Legal Services and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS), is a statewide provider of free legal assistance for those living in poverty with federal-Indian or tribal law issues. This year, MILS proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, having called Traverse City home since its incorporation in 1975.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), protects the well-being of their present and future members by promoting the culture, sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resources, health, public safety, education, financial management, housing and agriculture. They also support the local and regional economy with over 1,540 year-round jobs and 350 seasonal employment opportunities in our Government, Economic Development Corporation, Gaming, and Resort. GTB proudly gives back to the community at large through 2% grants, issued twice a year, to local units of government and nonprofits.
Please join the HRC in celebrating the honorees on June 16, 2025, in the 2nd Floor Training Room located in the Governmental Center 400 Boardman Ave. at 5:30 pm. Following, awards will be presented at the City Commission meeting at 7:00 pm.