A Lasting Thank You for Lasting Impacts

By Kim Francoeur

October 31, 2026

All members are invited to participate in the Threads of Wisdom – A Life Members’ Learning Weekend, where, among other rug hooking activities, we will celebrate the contributions of our Life Members.  It will be held on November 20-22, 2026, in Truro, NS.  You can learn more about what will be happening at the retreat by clicking here.

As the weekend approaches, it seems timely to discuss what Life Membership means.

Our RHGNS Life Members

The Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia is built on the generosity, creativity, and enthusiasm of its members. Over the years, rug hookers have given countless hours to sharing their knowledge and skills, encouraging others, and helping the art of rug hooking flourish.

Some have made particularly lasting contributions, and the RHGNS Life Member Award is our way of saying thank you. It is a special, elevated honour, carefully considered against a high bar, recognizing individuals whose dedication has made a substantial difference to our rug hooking community.

You can find a list of our current and past Life Members by clicking here.

What Does It Mean to Be a Life Member?

Recipients are recognized at a Guild-sponsored rug hooking event, where they are presented with a Life Membership certificate and receive complimentary Guild membership for life, including the right to attend and vote at general meetings.

Who Can Be Nominated?

There are detailed criteria in the RHGNS committee guidelines which are used to determine eligibility for lifetime membership.  They can be found by clicking here and selecting the “Awards Committee.”  

Here is a high-level summary:

Any current RHGNS member in good standing may be nominated for Life Membership.

Nominees must have made significant contributions in at least two of the following areas:

• Promoting rug hooking
• Fostering the sharing of knowledge and ideas
• Bringing rug hooking to the public
• Preserving our rug hooking heritage
• Contributing to rug hooking literature

Nominations Process

• A nomination describing how the nominee meets the criteria is submitted in writing through the nominee’s Regional Director. (contact the RHGNS VP if no Regional Director is currently assigned).
• At least 25% of the Guild members in the nominee’s rug hooking group and the Regional Director must sign the nomination.
• Completed nominations are submitted to the RHGNS Vice-President, who chairs the Awards Committee, by June 1 of each year.

How Are Recipients Chosen?

The RHGNS Awards Committee carefully reviews each nomination.

The person submitting the nomination is informed of the Committee’s decision in writing.

Honouring Our Life Members

Life Member recipients are invited to receive their awards at the October AGM, where we have the pleasure of recognizing their achievements among fellow rug hookers and friends.

Their contributions are also celebrated in The Loop, with an article sharing their story and a photograph of the presentation.

Need More Information?

For further nomination information, please contact the RHGNS Vice-President, Chair of the Awards Committee.