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Robert Campbell - Academic Senior Award |
Nominated by Skye Contractors |
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Robert recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts - honour degree, majoring in economics. His exceptional efforts had gained him four years on the Deans Honour roll with a commutative grade point average of 3.70. Robert has won the Joseph Wolinsky Scholarship and a Foundation for the Achievement of Aboriginal Youth Scholarship. During the summer of 1998, Robert worked in the economic analysis department of Manitoba Hydro. Robert has specialized in developmental economics and natural resources economics. From this background Robert believes himself to be very valuable to the Aboriginal community. He believes that our community will look upon educated youth in the future to lead them into a new era of aboriginal development; one that is a combination of traditional wisdom and modern education. In the future Robert hopes to work and be a part of the development of the aboriginal community. |
Vanessa Flett - Academic Junior Award |
Nominated by Shannon Flett |
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At an early age, Vanessa enthusiastically met the challenges of academics and extra-curricular activities. She has tutored in her spare time, on weekends and during the holiday breaks from school. Recently, Vanessa was chosen by her history teacher to attend a forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa, which was aimed at teaching students a deeper understanding if the Constitution of Canada. Vanessa has accomplished all this despite having to adjust to a large, urban school and city, from her small, semi-isolated, northern community on Matheson Island. Vanessa hopes she can be a positive role model for her peers and would like to enter nursing upon completion of high school. |
Kali Leary - Artistic Performance Award |
Nominated by Norway House Cree Nation |
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At the age of 10, Kali gained recognition through the Peace Gardens League for her incredible singing. She sang at the Jack River School Speech Festival and the opening ceremony for Norway House Cree Nation's new school in 1999. Kali performed in a variety of settings including: The 1997 Christmas Bazaar fundraiser and the York Boat and Treaty Days in 1999. Kali's greatest accomplishment is through her beliefs and dedication to her people through songs and helps those in need. Kali believes that music is a powerful way to awaken people and encourage them to keep hate and anger out of their hearts. Her plans for the future are to attend university and to obtain an undergraduate science degree and become an Obstetrician. Kali also plans to one day have her own jazz band and open up her own jazz club. |
Amber-Sekowan Daniels - Artistic Visual Award |
Nominated by Ecole Secondaire Churchill |
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Amber is an artist who has shown considerable talent in various mediums such as: writing, photography, video, theater and music. She has been a mentored artist with both Video Pool and Urban Shaman Gallery. Amber is an accomplished musician and has played in several rock bands. Currently, she is involved with Shooting from the Hip 2 and her work is on display at the Urban Shaman Gallery until November 12, 1999. Amber and her collaborator produced a six minute video comedy titled "Dig It" which illustrates the politics of peer pressure. The video debut at Video Pool's Vanity Nite at the Imax Theatre and has since been screened at several national film festivals. "Dig It" was also curated into Plug In gallery's exhibition "Laughing." Amber was the youngest artist presented in the group show, and the work held it's own in a professional context. Amber and her partner have been the recipients of Video Pool's First Video Fund and their second production will debut at the Imax on October 23, 1999. Amber is planning a career in the film industry. She will attend the University of British Columbia in the fall of 2000. |
George Montpetit - Athletic Senior Award |
Nominated by Cross Lake Education Authority |
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Through sports, George has shown his commitment to the community by volunteering for events such as basketball and volleyball tournaments. His future goals are to graduate with Bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, and then to enter the work field or further his studies in engineering. He also has plans on becoming one of the fastest speed swimmers in Canada and to have a top 12 finish in the Canada nationals for swimming. |
Edward Keeper Athletic Junior Award |
Nominated by Tony Nocita and Cyril Keeper |
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As a soccer player, Edward was selected for Manitoba's 1995 under 17 All Star Team, and Manitoba's 1999 Western Canada Games Team. He has played for many other local soccer teams including the Sons of Italy Soccer Club, his current club, which is a top men's team. Edward has helped his teams win the: 1995 Youth Indoor Soccer Championship, 1995 and 1996 City of Winnipeg Championships, 1997 Provincial Championship, Bronze at the 1997 National Champions and Bronze at the 1999 Western Canada Summer Games. In 1997 he was awarded the Order of Sport Excellence by the Province of Manitoba. His highest honour was when Sport Manitoba chose him as one of six athletes who represented all Manitoba's Athletes in a special flag ceremony at the Opening Ceremonies of the Pan Am Games. Edward's future goals are to play soccer at a university and then professionally. His dream is to make the under 23 national soccer team. |
Donald Henry Jr. - Business Entrepreneurial Award |
Nominated by Roseau River First Nation |
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After completing an entrepreneurial training program at Red River College. Donald acquired valuable skills that would help him develop and prepare his own business plan. This plan has been completed and Donald has secured funding through various parties along with his own cash equity to make his dream a reality. Donald has gained praise from the lending community by showing strong planning skills and a thorough and realistic evaluation of the risks and opportunities involved with starting and operating your own business. Donald has purchased a building and will take ownership next week. He will open the Syber Dex Internet Cafe on October 29, 1999. |
Joe Shofley - Cultural Male Award |
Nominated by Nominated by R.C.M.P. Aboriginal Policing |
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Joe has been exposed to the traditional way of life since he was a baby. As a young adult, Joe lives by the traditional beliefs taught to him by his father and hopes to be seen as a helper of the people and a positive role model for the youth. A member of the West Coast Traditional Salish Longhouse for the second year, he wishes to continue this life long commitment. Joe is presently in his fourth year of sun dancing and is the carrier of a whistle and eagle staff. He is a ceremony helper, being a Fire Keeper for people in the traditional lodges. Joe is also a traditional dancer and a singer. He started a youth drum group at Churchill High School known as Manitou Mahkwa and has recently started a youth drum group at Tec Voc High School. He was the Youth Ambassador of the 1999 Native Pavilion at Folklorama and was a Arena Director at the 1999 Henry Shingoose Traditional Pow Wow. Joe will co-facilitate the Community Justice Forums for the Loss Prevention Program in Anti-shop lifting beginning this fall. His goal for the future is to pursue a career in Law Enforcement with Restorative Justice. |
Angela Busch - Cultural Female Award |
Nominated by Aboriginal Student Centre, University of Manitoba |
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She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Native Studies. She strongly believes that the traditional values are the key to restoring justice and political power to Aboriginal peoples. Angela is a singer with the Daughters of the Dream Drum. Angela is a board member of the Urban Sports Camps, and Manitoba Crime Prevention Awards Steering Committee. She is a co-founder of the new political Aboriginal Women's organization called, Mother of Red Nation's Women's Council. Angela has conducted extensive research on Health in First Nation's communities for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the University of Manitoba, and on environmental health in Nischawayasihk Cree Nation. She is the only First Nations person to run for a University of Manitoba Student Union Presidential election. She is also the President of the Aboriginal Student Association and organizer of the first official U of M Student Union-Aboriginal students Association Outreach Initiative. Angela is currently in the two year after-degree program at the Faculty of Education and plans to pursue a doctorate in Native Studies. |
Roy Folster Jr. - Community/Volunteer Senior Award |
Nominated by Norway House Cree Nation |
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Roy's dedication to the youth and his community is shown through his endless community activities. He has a firm belief in maintaining culture through a healthy lifestyle making him a role model in Norway House. His volunteer experience started at an early age. He was involved in student council fund-raising groups and numerous other activities geared towards the betterment of his community. Roy sits on several local community boards such as the Public Library, local radio and television and the Kinasao Sipi Video Board. Acting as the official representative for youth of Norway House Cree Nation, Roy has been active in attending regular Band meetings, organizing dances and other activities in the community. He is also involved with a project to build a new church and has encouraged others to assist with the project. Roy plans to complete his education and to assist the youth of Norway House. |
Warren Hotomani - Community/Volunteer Junior Award |
Nominated by R.B. Russell High School and C.E.D.A. |
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Warren has excelled both personally and academically over the years.Warren is active in school as a mentor, helper and a positive peer influence. He has given countless hours to The advisory Committee for Youth Opportunity Project and the Urban Green Team. He has helped organize a series of mini conferences for youth and professionals for the R.B. Russell High School. Currently, Warren is an active volunteer at the Health Science Center. Warren has also excelled in Karate. In a two year period he earned a first degree brown belt and ranked third place at the 1998 Provincial Championships. Encountering many obstacles, one of which was a serious illness, Warren found the inner strength to overcome these and move forward with his goals. He is a prime example of someone who receives strength from giving and encouraging others. His long term goal is to obtain his Black Belt and become a Karate instructor in the Aboriginal community. |
Maurice Robinson - Employment in a Traditional Field |
Nominated by Crystal Finarson |
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Maurice was introduced to this occupation at age four when his father taught him the art of hunting and fishing. He learned about commercial fishing and Trout farming. The teachings Maurice received saved his life when at age twelve, Maurice, his father and his uncle were all in a boating accident. Maurice was the sole survivor who was able to swim to a near Island. Rescue teams found Maurice 4 days after the accident. He survived by building a dug out in the earth without food, dry clothing, or fire and faced with harsh evening weather. The tragedy did not discourage Maurice from his traditional way of life. During the annual fall culture Camp in Grand Rapids, Maurice teaches the youth traditional employment methods. Currently, Maurice is fund raising for his grade 12 graduation. His graduation T-shirt from Kindergarten stated he would be a millennium graduate and he is right on schedule for June 2000. His future goal is to take the Electrical Journeyman training at Red River College. He plans to maintain his traditional skills. |
Dale Piche - Personal Achievement Senior Award |
Nominated by Miles Macdonell Collegiate |
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Dale is an important member of the Special Olympics Sharks Swim Club where he excels in the freestyle and backstroke swims. Dale also volunteers at Mile Macdonell, which provides information to Aboriginal students on the various supports and services available in the community. He has been a recipient of the "Yes I Can Award" from the Manitoba Council of Exceptional Children. Dale is known for his gentle nature, good sense of humour and positive attitude which has helped him rise above his present medical condition and deal with his medical challenges. His future goals are to continue working with the Work and Social Opportunities, a supported work experience program. |
Personal Achievement Junior Award |
Nominated by John Howard Society |
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Under construction. Biography not available. |
Robert is a 22-year-old Metis man who was born in New Zealand with roots in Norway House Cree Nation, He resides in Winnipeg. He is a rugby player and has played for the Manitoba under 19 provincial rugby team in 1995 and 1996. Robert was the captain of the team for the two years.
Vanessa is a 17-year-old member of Split Lake Cree Nation, who grew up on Matheson Island. She is currently residing in Winnipeg where she is a grade 12 student at Maples Collegiate. Over the past three years, Vanessa has been an honors student by maintaining an 80% average. She has received numerous certificate and awards for academic excellence.
Kali is a 16-year-old Metis woman who was born in Winnipeg and raised in Norway House Cree Nation. She currently resides in Winnipeg and is attending grade 11 at Oak Park High School. Kali's natural talent for singing has always been a part of her. She first performed to an audience when she was in Kindergarten. Kali has performed at numerous events and gathering in her home community of Norway House. She is a Contemporary, Rhythm & Blues Singer. 
Amber is a 17-year-old band member of Garden Hill First Nation, who was born and raised in Winnipeg. She is a grade
12 immersion student at Ecole Secondaire Churchill.
George is a 20-year-old member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation who was born and raised in The Pas, Manitoba. He currently resides in Winnipeg and is enrolled in the Access Engineering program at the University of Manitoba.
Edward is a 20-year-old, Metis man who was born and raised in Winnipeg. He has excelled as an athlete in soccer. Edward also works as a dedicated volunteer in the Aboriginal Community. He has worked with the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee through which he encourages young people to go after their dreams as a guest speaker at schools and career fairs.
Donald is a 24-year-old member of the Roseau River First Nation where he was born and has resided all his life. With the support of his mother and late father, Donald overcame the temptations of alcohol and drugs by traveling to Pow
Wows and spiritual gatherings all over Canada and the United States. This has also helped him to stay focused on his goal to be financially independent.
Joe is a 16-year-old member of the Hollow Water First Nation who has resided in Winnipeg all his life. He is a student at Tec Voc High School pursuing his academic goals as well as a trade in commercial cooking. He holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Joe's spirit name is Kinew Inini Zhoway
Makwa.
Angela, a 22-year-old member of the Nischawayasihk Cree Nation was raised in the communities of South Indian Lake and Lynn Lake, Manitoba. Her spirit name is Muskome Iskew. Angela is a single parent to 19 month old Fredrick.
Roy is a 24-year-old member of Norway House Cree Nation where he was born, raised and currently resides. He is currently in the Program for the Education of Native Teachers (PENT) at the University of Brandon. During the last two sessions he has maintained a 4.00 average. When he is not attending classes, Roy works as a Teacher's Assistant.
Warren is a 19-year-old band member of the Carry the Kettle First Nation. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Warren is a grade 12 student at R.B. Russell High School. He volunteers his services to many organizations in the community.
\Maurice is a 17-year-old member of the Grand Rapids Cree Nation where he has resided all his life. His spirit name is Kinikoni Piwan Okimaw. He currently attends grade 12 at Grand Rapids School and pursue hunting, fishing and trapping as his after school job.
Dale is a 21-year-old member of the Nut Lake First Nation who was born and raised in Winnipeg. He has completed his studies in the Special Education Transition Program at Miles Macdonell Collegiate. Dale preserved in his academic and social pursuits despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor in September of 1997. Throughout the past two years, Dale has been undergoing treatments, doctor's appointments and weekly blood checks. This meant a tremendous interruption in his usual routine.