Award for Outstanding Contribution recognizes an individual, group, or organization for their exemplary contribution to the lives of children and youth in the areas of inclusive health and physical education, health and physical activity promotion, advocacy, and/or community development. Most years, only one Award for Outstanding Contribution is awarded, however, if a second individual, group or organization is worthy, up to two may be awarded.
Ophea is honoured to recognize Myrtle Henry Sodhi as one of the recipients of the 2024/2025 Ophea Award for Outstanding Contribution.
A visionary artist-scholar, educator, and equity advocate, Myrtle’s work spans decades of transformative contributions to health and education in Ontario.
Myrtle’s work has a specific focus on culturally grounded well-being, inclusive curriculum development, and empowering Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth. Her professional journey bridges education, postsecondary research, and artistic expression – each rooted in justice, representation, and care. With 16 years of classroom teaching experience with the Toronto District School Board, Myrtle has been a champion of student-centered learning and inquiry-based practice, consistently challenging conventional systems to prioritize well-being, ease, and joy in student success. Whether as an Early Math Trainer for the Ontario Ministry of Education or as a Student Success Transitions Counsellor who founded Black Student Alliance groups, Myrtle has prioritized student voice and identity in all that she does.
In her current roles as Artistic Research Manager and Assistant Researcher at York University, and as a Research Consultant with Ophea, Myrtle continues to lead equity-centered projects that drive structural change.
Myrtle’s approach to wellness is holistic and deeply rooted in African and Caribbean Indigenous knowledge systems. She has designed and led culturally responsive arts and wellness initiatives that foster identity, belonging, and healing for Black youth. As a co-researcher with Dr. Vidya Shah, Myrtle’s work on York University’s BIPOC Leadership Energies Project (BLE) reflects her commitment to community-driven models of empowerment—co-creating mentorship programs for youth and non-profit leaders that center lived experience and relational leadership. Her work with Ophea has been especially impactful—co-developing inclusive programming, revising key certification initiatives, and delivering professional learning for educators on intersectional allyship and anti-Black racism. Myrtle’s insight has directly influenced the re-visioning of the Healthy Schools Certification program, a province-wide initiative that reaches over 500 schools and 100,000 students annually.
As both an educator and an artist, Myrtle seamlessly weaves together storytelling, policy, pedagogy, and performance.
Myrtle’s creative work – exhibited in galleries and conferences – adds a powerful dimension to her advocacy, amplifying underrepresented voices and inviting communities into dialogue around equity, health, and healing. Through every role she holds, Myrtle has redefined what health and physical education can be: not just physical activity, but a space for restoration, identity affirmation, and collective care. She reminds us that true well-being requires cultural relevance, inclusion, and structural change—and that when education embraces these values, every child and youth can flourish.
Ophea is proud to celebrate Myrtle Henry Sodhi’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education, equity, and transformative change. Her work continues to inspire communities across Ontario and beyond.
