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Eric Pashe - Academic Senior Award |
Nominated by Dr. Mary Young and Andrea McCluskey, University of Winnipeg Aboriginal Student Services |
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Aside from his "Student of Highest Distinction" award, Eric has earned many awards, bursaries, and honors through out his academic career including "The Irving L. Hechter Memorial Award", the "Derek Wong Memorial Award", and the "The Collegiate Award for Academic Excellence in Biology 40S. In the summer of 2002, Eric was selected as a youth leader for his community. He serves as a role model for the youth in his community. One member of his community credits Eric with inspiring younger students to go back to school. Eric himself finds inspiration in his role models-those who try to create a better sense of recognition and acceptance of Aboriginal people. Eric is currently enrolled in his first year of the five year Bachelor of Education Program the University of Winnipeg. He is taking a double major in two areas that he is passionate about; Calculus and Biology. Eric plans on graduating with his Integrated Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education Degrees. His hope is to obtain his Provincial Teaching Certificate and teaching Biology and Mathematics in a high school. Eric continues to pursue academic excellence with a vision of one day teaching Aboriginal youth, enabling and empowering them to overcome their circumstances through education. |
Travis Lavallee - Academic Junior Award |
Nominated by University of Manitoba Engineering Access Program |
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Aside from school, Travis was involved in many extra-curricular activities that included the Student Council, the Student Perspectives in Educational Decision-Making group, the 30-hour famine, Christmas Hampers, and the Model United Nations. He plays many sports including volleyball, baseball, rugby, soccer, and track and field. His athletic capability shone when he won two Provincial Championships in wrestling, once defeating the former champion who had eight years of experience. Travis is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba and is a member of the Engineering Access Program. He plans on graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering and then continuing on to a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. His dream is to help with the many issues regarding the Northern Hydro Dams proposed by Manitoba Hydro. Through his endeavors in community, sports, and school, Travis has earned the admiration and respect of his fellow students, family, and teachers. |
Frances Koncan - Artistic Performance Award |
Nominated by Susan Bruyere-Koncan |
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Frances is a gifted and accomplished musician. Her training in classical music began at the age of seven with the piano. She has been able to translate her musical ability to several different instruments; she is a proficient player of the flute, clarinet and trumpet. She is also the primary Alto voice and leader of her section in the Fort Richmond Collegiate Choir. Having taken up the French horn only recently, Frances has quickly become one of the top players in Manitoba, and currently holds second chair in Fort Richmond Collegiate’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. At the age of seventeen Frances is already a seasoned performer. She has competed in numerous musical festivals as part of her high schools bands, and as a soloist for the piano and clarinet. Recently she completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 8 Piano Examination, which is a demanding, one-hour test of the examinee’s musical ability, and performance and technical skills. Frances’ generous and cheerful personality is appreciated by the many organizations for which she volunteers. She has given her time and energy to a variety of causes such as The Sisters of Charity Soup Kitchen and Amnesty International. She volunteers her musical talent as 1st French horn for the Westwood Community Symphony, and has participated in the “Pianothon”, an annual charity event at Polo Park Shopping Centre. At present, she is preparing for her Grade 9 Piano Examination. Although she is undecided on what she will study at the Post-Secondary level after high school, she says that no matter what her future career will be, she plans on working with the Aboriginal community. |
Daniel Dupont - Artistic Visual Award |
Nominated by École Powerview School |
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While sculpting wood is one of Daniel’s favorite mediums of artistic expression, his greatest artistic achievements have come from videography. He has filmed and edited two films. His first film has been recognized in a provincial competition, winning Best Advanced Film, Best Cinematography and Public’s Choice Award. His second film was chosen from among 1800 videos to participate in the International Movie Festival of Toronto. Daniel was also chosen to be a member of the board of jury for the International Film Festival in Rimouski, judging films from around the world. Daniel was selected as the 2001 National Métis Youth Role Model in Athletics. He was also the finalist in the Manitoba High Schools’ Provincial Concours D’Art Oratoire. He has been on Principal’s honour roll for academic excellence in High School and was one time director and recipient of “Best Videography/Les Meilleurs Imageins” for his group’s submission at the Festivales Videastes du Manitoba. While maintaining a very high level of academic achievement, Daniel participates in many extra-curricular activities that not only contribute to his personal development, but to his school environment as well. In High School he sat on the school’s Athletic Council and was a member of various varsity sports teams. In his final year of High School, he was co-president of his graduating class. Daniel assisted in organizing and planning for graduation ceremonies, spirit activities, and fund raising. Daniel has demonstrated his respect for the elderly by volunteering his time keeping them company and assisting them with yard work. In the summer of 2001, Daniel organized and participated in a volunteer work detail that landscaped the Powerview Soccer Field top make it safe for children to use. Daniel is a young man who cares for his culture, community and country. |
Jared Fletcher - Athletic Senior Award |
Nominated by Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre |
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In 1999 he began his academic career at the University of Manitoba and joined the Bison's track and field team. Since then he has been chosen to represent Manitoba at the Western Canada Summer Games and the Canada Summer Games where he placed within the Top 10. He was also chosen to represent the University of Manitoba at the CIAU Track and Field Championships. Jared's biggest achievements have come at the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games, where in 2000, 2001 and 2003, he won a total of 15 gold metals. Throughout Jared's track and field career he has won numerous provincial indoor and outdoor championships. It is through sport that Jared has come to recognize that hard work and dedication are important to achieving goals. Jared's involvement in athletics has not only given Jared the opportunity to better himself but it has provided him with many opportunities to promote sports and recreation within the Aboriginal community. Through the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games, and Jared's employment at the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre, he has been able to better the lives of many aboriginal youth and children by acting as a role model and friend, encouraging them to do their best. In the summer of 2003, Jared acted as the Chef de Mission for the Winnipeg Region at the Manitoba Indigenous Games in Brandon, Manitoba. He was the Chef de Mission, and inspiration and leader to Team Winnipeg, winning five gold medals in cross country and track and field events. Jared says of himself, "I am inspired by my Aboriginal role model Billy Mills, Olympian, who left a legacy which inspires Aboriginal youth such as myself to carry his spirit in overcoming all obstacles in pursuit of excellence." |
Hazen Chessie - Athletic Junior Award |
Nominated by Linda Scott, St. James Collegiate |
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At the age of twelve, Hazen joined the Clifton Boxing Team and since then has competed in over 60 bouts. A three-year provincial champion, he has represented Manitoba all across Canada. Hazen was a silver medalist at the Western Canadian Championships in Kelowna. He also won a gold medal at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games. In March of 2003, Hazen competed at the Canada Winter Games in New Brunswick and won a bronze medal. Hazen currently attends school at St. James Collegiate where he maintains above average grades. He is enrolled in the leadership program where he is involved in projects which benefit his school and community. Hazen also volunteers his time as a student monitor in the weight room at school. This past year, he won a school-based award for his accomplishments in athletics and academics. This coming year, Hazen will represent Manitoba at the 2004 Canadian National Boxing Championships in Montreal. He dreams of one day representing Canada in international events. |
Carmelle Barnabé - Business Entrepreneurial Award |
Nominated by Aboriginal Business Ed. Program, University of Manitoba |
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Carmelle has volunteered her time with Aiesec, which is a student run committee that creates traineeships for foreign students to come to Canada and work in the business sector. She has also volunteered her time with the Aboriginal Business Education Program, becoming a student mentor for entering aboriginal students. Carmelle’s academic goal is to achieve her bachelor of commerce Honours degree, double majoring in Finance and Accounting. She has been the recipient of Shell Canada’s Aboriginal Scholarship and is presently second year student in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program at the I.H. Asper School of Business in the University of Manitoba. She was awarded a Business Council of Manitoba Aboriginal Education Award for the 2002/2003 term from the Business Council of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Government of Manitoba. She was also awarded Beta Gamma Sigma from the University of Manitoba, in recognition of high scholastic Achievement. Carmelle’s dream is to be a leader of tomorrow in order to inspire and enrich the lives of youth. In her own words, “I believe that the emphasis should not be placed on what I expect to achieve from my education but what I am doing with the knowledge that I am gaining.” |
Anthony Tssessaze - Cultural Male Award |
Nominated by Victor Tssessaze, Northlands Denesuline First Nation |
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Since the age of 11, Anthony has participated in many spiritual ceremonies. He has learned how to sing with the Dene hand drum and the sacred water drum. His Elders taught him how to build sweat lodges and set up tipis. Later in life, Anthony took up Tae Kwon Do, and has since become a first degree black belt. A competitor at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games, he took home a silver and gold medal. Anthony is a willing role model and friend to those around him. As a teacher of Tae Kwan Do, he models for his young students the importance of discipline, and the importance of retaining their culture. He credits Dene teachings and sacred ceremonies with keeping him drug and alcohol free. As a member of Lac Brochet’s Canadian Junior Rangers Program, Anthony participates regularly in traditional Dene activities like hunting, fishing, and setting camp. He would like to continue with the Rangers program, so that one day he in turn can teach young people to preserve the Dene way of life. In 2001, Anthony’s community awarded him with a Dene Go Theh Achievement Award in the cultural category. A determined and enthusiastic student; Anthony’s attendance rate is among one of highest in his school. Upon graduation, he plans on attending university so that he can balance his traditional knowledge with academic knowledge. |
Lisa Muswagon - Cultural Female Award |
Nominated by Nominated by Canadian Plains Gallery |
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For as long as she can remember, Lisa has been exposed to her traditional culture, beliefs and teachings. From the age of nine through to thirteen she had been a fancy shall dancer. She took an interest in Pow wow singing and drumming and has participated in local drum groups. She has sung with Nay a No Singer Band with the Blue Eagle Women Singers; they sing various traditions songs that have been passed on to them or learned from their travels. Lisa has participated in various fashion shows and cultural performances for the Canadian Plains Gallery. She has sung hand drum songs at numerous events is has been called an ‘Ambassador’ for the culture. She has also worked in the gallery as a student, sharing stories and meaning behind her artwork. As well, Lisa is currently involved with the Circle of Life Thunderbird House as a singer of traditional songs for presentations and tours. Lisa is presently vice president for the Youth of the Seventh Generation. They are a youth group that is developing a mechanism for the delivery of awareness to the youth regarding the social problems faced in an urban setting. Lisa’s tremendous talents include not only singing traditional singing music, public presentations, modeling but ceremonial awareness and involvement, parenting and independent living, public performances and a dedication to getting the best out of life. |
Carrie Okemaw - Community/Volunteer Senior Award |
Nominated by University of Manitoba Aboriginal Student Centre |
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During the summer months, Carrie was employed at the Winnipeg Boys & Girls Club. Because of the admiration she gained from the youth, Carrie was offered a part-time job as a Cultural worker. While working there, Carrie taught the children how to bead. Carrie credits these children of teaching her that it’s “not what you have, but what you do for others makes you important in this world”. Carrie’s volunteer efforts include being a member of the Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee of Winnipeg, under the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Committee with Canadian Heritage, for the past three years. Carrie was a volunteer during the 1999 Pan American Games, where she had the chance to present team Chile with a Star Blanket. This past year, Carrie was the coordinator for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the 2nd Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering at the University of Manitoba and she was a speaker and singer at the 2003 Lost Prizes Conference. Carrie was an athlete in the 2002 North American Indigenous Games and at the 2000 National Aboriginal High Performance Volleyball Camp. Today, Carrie is in her second year in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, and a member of the University of Manitoba’s “Special Pre-Medical Studies Program” with the Access program. She plans on enrolling in the Faculty of Medicine to become a medical doctor. Carrie continues to live her life with the words of her grandmother guiding her way, “Make your dreams as high as the eagles fly”. |
Rémi Dupont - Community/Volunteer Junior Award |
Nominated by École Powerview School |
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His motto is “servant leadership” one person at a time. Rémi has been involved with his community since a young age. He became a dedicated referee for the RCMP implemented North Eastman Soccer Association which provides children and youth with a positive summer recreational alternative. As a skillful peer counselor and tutor at Powerview School, Rémi has been described as “being able to help other students learn without making them feel inferior.” From 1998 to 2002, Rémi served as a Youth Leader on week long canoe trips for community youth. His other volunteer work has included Master of Ceremonies for Coffee Houses and Remembrance Day. Rémi is actively involved with his high school and church where he serves as a positive role model for youth of all ages. His ability to put others at ease has earned him the trust and admiration of his peers and elders. He made his community proud when he participated in the track and field events at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games and the Western Canada Francophone Games. Rémi has been recognized for his academic and volunteer achievements with many awards, scholarships, and honors including the Governor General’s Bronze Medal. In 2003, Rémi earned the National Métis Youth Role Model Award for Personal Achievement. Rémi is currently enrolled at the Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface working towards his Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion, Rémi plans to pursue studies in Pharmacology at the University of Manitoba. |
Jared Danttouze - Employment in a Traditional Field |
Nominated by Nominated by Victor Tssessaze, Northlands Denesuline First Nation |
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Jared’s role models are his Elders-the ones who have taught him the Dene, ideologies, histories, legends and skills. He looks to them for guidance. In turn, Jared has earned the respect of his community as a young Aboriginal man who is able to retain and practice the traditional lifestyle of his people with confidence in the modern world. He sets an example for his peers with his strong work ethic, knowledge, skill and character. In 2000, Jared was honored with a Dene Go Theh Achievement Award in the Employment and Traditional Field category. |
Daniel Muller - Personal Achievement Senior Award |
Nominated by Brenda LaFreniere, University of Manitoba Access Program |
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While in high school, Daniel registered in the Junior Team Canada competition with Global Vision, and was selected to be part of a team that traveled to Asia to study the business practices of Thailand and the Philippines. He spent the summer of 1998 doing research for the financial sector of Canada on possible trade investments in Thailand and the Philippines. It was these experiences that gave Daniel the ambition to pursue a career in business. During his last year of High School, he was part of the Chamber of Commerce of Saint-Boniface. He was also President of a Junior Achievement Company. Now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) with a Major in economics at the University of Manitoba, his long-term goal is to obtain his graduate degree in economics. He has been elected to the University of Manitoba Student Union Senate as the representative of the Faculty of Arts, and is actively involved in the Arts Student Body Council, promoting new initiatives throughout the faculty. He has been asked to participate in the Honours Economics retreat at Delta Marsh. In addition to his academic awards, Daniel is also the recipient of the Export Development Canada International Studies Scholarship. Daniel says of himself, “I strive to be the best student that I can be and realize my dreams for the future. My hope someday is to inspire someone who is in unfortunate circumstances to rise above it all.” |
Alisha Roberts - Personal Achievement Junior Award |
Nominated by Lia Yankewicz, Tec Voc High School |
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Things changed again when Alisha started high school. After nearly dropping out of school a number of times and finishing the year with only one credit, Alisha realized that the key to success lay in her education. She returned to school and began to work harder to reach the goal of one day getting her diploma. During this time, Alisha began to realize the importance of her Aboriginal culture. She received the traditional name of Blue Thunderbird Woman and shortly after began dancing and learning the art of bead work. Alisha was accepted in the Aviation Maintenance and Manufacturing at Tec Voc High School. Because of all her hard work and determination over the past couple of years, Alisha will be graduating with a dual diploma from Tec Voc High school in June 2004. With a new outlook on life, Alisha is currently volunteering at Clifton Community Center where she works with youth. She continues to dance traditionally and would like to work with her father as an office assistant after school. Trusting her Aboriginal heritage for inspiration and strength, Alisha continues to pursue her goal of graduating this summer and attending post-secondary school next fall. She plans to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. |
Born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Eric Bruce Donald Pashe is an 18-year-old member of the Dakota Tipi First Nation. He is of Sioux and Dakota decent. Eric graduated as a "Student of Highest Distinction" from the University of Winnipeg Collegiate with an average of 91.6% in May 2003. Throughout his high school career, Eric was on the honor
roll every year despite taking the most challenging courses. 
Travis Lavallee is an 18-year-old Métis from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was raised in Clandeboye and Selkirk, Manitoba. Travis graduated with First Class Honors from Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School in June 2003 with a 92% average. That same year, he was named Athlete of the Year. During his high school years, Travis never achieved any grade under 80%. 
Frances is 17 years old and is presently in grade 12 at Fort Richmond Collegiate in Winnipeg. She is a member of the Couchiching First Nation in North-Western Ontario and is very proud of her Aboriginal heritage. She spends her summers and holidays on her First Nation.
Daniel is a 19-year-old Métis youth. He is currently on the Honour roll at the University of Manitoba, pursuing his dream of having a career in medicine. A multitalented young man, Daniel has a particular interest in visual arts. 
Jared
Fletcher is a 22-year-old man of Métis descent. His first success in
sport came at the provincial indoor championships in 1994, when at the
age of 13, he won a silver medal as part of the 4x400 metre relay. Jared
has since had the honor of representing his track club, his university,
and his province in numerous sporting events.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hazen Chessie is a 17-year-old member of the White Bear First Nation. Since he was a young boy, Hazen has won many awards in numerous team sports, such as flag football, polo, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, but his greatest passion is for boxing. 
Carmelle is a 21-year-old Métis woman. She grew up in the French rural community of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. As class president in High School, she organized school banquets and festivities, and supported many philanthropic events such as the Thirty-Hour Famine, and Multiple Sclerosis Marathon. She was selected by her fellow classmates to give the valedictory address for graduation. Upon graduation she was presented with awards for achieving the highest number of secondary school credits, the highest academic standing in five subjects, the ‘Savoir-Vivre, Savoir-Faire’ leadership award, the University of Manitoba Entrance Scholarship, and the Miller Environmental Corporation Post Secondary Award.
A
member of Northlands Denesuline First Nation in Lac Brochet, Manitoba, Anthony Tssessaze is 18 years-old and has learned to live off the land since he was a young boy. Fluent in the Dene language, Anthony learned the traditional ways of life from his grandparents. Not only did they teach him to hunt, trap and fish, they also taught him about the traditions of his ancestors. Anthony learned to take pride in his identity as an Aboriginal man. 
Lisa is a 23-year-old artist and member of Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake, Manitoba). Her ancestry consists of the Cree-Sioux/Assiniboine tribe. Lisa has completed two years of university and is presently enrolled at Yellowquill College, completing the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Program. Lisa wants to focus her career in the area of finances and accounting, to be a Certified General Accountant. She has received a certificate of appreciation from Southeast Education Centre (Southeast College) Pow Pow in May 30, 2003.
Carrie Okemaw, Golden Thunderbird Woman, is 20 years old from the Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Berens River First Nation. Carrie has danced as a Fancy Shawl dancer at traditional and competition powwows across Canada and the United States. She sings with an all-women’s drum group called Sweet Grass Road Singers. They plan on recording a CD within the next year. The experience of being on the powwow trail has brought joy and happiness to Carrie’s life. She turns to this way of life when faced with difficult and pressuring times. 
Born in Pine Falls, Manitoba, Rémi Dupont is a proud 17-year-old who grew up in Sagkeeng, Pine Falls, and the St. Georges area. Because of his academic excellence and achievements, Rémi graduated from École Powerview School in June 2003, one school year ahead of his peers. 
Jared Danttouze is a 17-year-old Dene youth who was raised in Lac Brochet, Manitoba. Fluent in his native tongue, Dene, Jared learned the ancient hunting skills of the his people from his father, who has taken Jared hunting and trapping since he was two years old. Jared continues to hunt caribou as a means of survival. He continues to trap for income and is able to support his family through these means. He has an intimate knowledge of the northern Dene lands and is able to travel the land independently. 
Daniel is a 22-year-old Métis youth who was born and raised in Winnipeg. At the age of 5 he was diagnosed with Perthies, a disorder which forced him to wear a leg brace for more than three years. It didn’t stop Daniel from learning how to ride a bike, play soccer and do most everything that other children did. Daniel’s early experience with overcoming his hardship would lay the foundation for the rest of his life. Eventually Daniel became an accomplished athlete, competing and winning awards in track and field, badminton, soccer and hockey. 
Alisha Roberts is an 18-year-old student from Winnipeg who is attending Tec Voc High School. All throughout Alisha’s life, she has moved back and forth between Manitoba and British Columbia. Because of the constant moving, Alisha found it difficult to stay interested in school. In Fourth Grade alone, Alisha attended four different schools. Things changed when Alisha joined the basketball team in her Fifth Grade. She had found something that caught her interest and then continued to achieve A’s on all report cards. With such hard work, she received the Bruce M. King student scholarship; an award presented to the top four Aboriginal grade six students.