Winnipeg singer-songwriter Steve Bell is being honoured by Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) early next year.

CMU announced that Steve Bell will receive the 2018 CMU PAX Award, to be presented in April 2018. The award honours those who dedicate themselves to service, leadership and reconciliation.

Over the past few years, Bell has been working on a number of projects related to reconciliation between the church and Indigenous communities around Canada. This includes pushing the government to adopt Bill C-262 and being an advocate for the building of Freedom Road towards Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

"I think the North American church has lost its moorings," Bell said, explaining why he wanted to be involved in Indigenous affairs. "I think there is something about First Nation intuition that could return us to our own first love . . . our own first encounter with God."

Bell wants to leave the world better than he found it for his grandkids, which pushes him to learn more, study more, and fight for these issues more.

"This [award] is kind of different," Bell said. "You become mindful that your actions matter."

Bell encourages people to get involved in their communities in things that they are interested in. Use your existing connections and your existing love.

"Compassion can be sustained over the long haul because this is an issue that I'm connected to," Bell offered. "I'd start with, what are the issues that are important to you."

Over the past few years, Bell has learned that the world needs us to be involved.

President of CMU Dr. Cheryl Pauls will be presenting Bell with the award on April 5, 2018, at the Gather. Give. Celebrate. Spring at CMU annual fundraiser.