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."

The HRC also announced the recipients of the 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," according to the release. This year, both Michigan Indian Legal Services and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians were recognized.

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. MILS is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having been incorporated in Traverse City 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," according to the release. GTB gives back to the community through two percent grants - issued twice a year - to local units of government and nonprofits, the release notes.

The HRC will celebrate the honorees on June 16 at 5:30pm at the Governmental Center. The awards will be presented immediately afterward at the 7pm city commission meeting.

Pictured: Holly T. Bird