Holly (ba) T. Bird recipient of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award

From the June 11 article in the Traverse City Ticker by Beth Milligan:

The Traverse City Human Rights Commission (HRC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award and Humanitarian Business/Organization Award.

The HRC recognized the late Holly T. Bird as the recipient of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. The annual award honors individuals who embody the HRC’s “core values of mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community,” according to a city release. Bird 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,” the release states. “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.”

Honoring Holly (ba) T. Bird at City Hall!

Holly (ba)’s sister, Sarah Moore Kuschell, describes the awards ceremony so beautifully:

“Annabella Thompson & Sonny Haworth accepted the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award at City Hall for their mother.

REFORMERS-RESISTERS-BUILDERS-HEALERS

It takes these types of hearts for Transformative Change.

This was the message that I heard from her there. Which one are you?

Grateful for Eva Petoskey, Courtney Wiggins, Seth Bernard (Iris), Percy Bird Jr. and Emily Kuschell who carried a good message for her.

Love the sign that Seth brought in her beautiful handwriting. Such good instructions. ”

Photos from the awards ceremony:

1. Title Track’s Seth Bernard alongside Iris Bernard

2. Closeup of the Butterfly Model for Transformative Justice with the 4 wings of Resist, Reform, Build, Heal. This poster was designed and created by Holly (ba) for our Water Protector’s Training Camp

3. Eva Petoskey – community leader, water protector, and member of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

4. Courtney Wiggins of Northern Michigan E3

5. Holly (ba)’s husband, Percy Bird

6. Holly (ba)’s sister, Emily Kuschell

7. Holly (ba)’s children Annabella and Sonny accepting the award

8. Holly (ba)’s family in attendance

9. Holly (ba) T. Bird, recipient of the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award presented by Traverse City’s Human Rights Council

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Photos from the June 16 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award ceremony at Traverse City’s City Hall.

Shoutout to the City of Traverse City for lifting up the importance of human rights and articulating a commitment to equity and justice through this award and the continued work of the city’s Human Rights Commission.