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The tribute recognizes the outstanding
achievement of Manitoba’s Aboriginal youth who exhibit high standards
of excellence, dedication, leadership and accomplishments in the
following areas: Academic, Athletic, Artistic, Cultural,
Community/Volunteer, Business/Entrepreneurial, Personal Achievement, and
Employment in a Traditional Field. The MAYAA selection process is
unique in that recipients are chosen by committees consisting of
Aboriginal youth from the community.
In 1994, a group of concerned Winnipeg individuals
formed a committee to counteract the growing negative image of
Aboriginal youth. They knew of youth in the community who excelled in
their activities, and who they felt should be recognized for their
achievements. The first annual Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards was
born through this committee's efforts.
The first event was sold out within weeks of the ceremony with 750 in
attendance. In 1995, in response to the community at large, the awards
were expanded to include all Aboriginal youth within the province, and
became the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards.
The awards continued to grow each year with sold out capacities. Youth
participation also increased thanks to corporate and community sponsors.
The award categories doubled from 7 awards in 1994 to fourteen in 1995,
and the event has more than doubled in size since 1994, with record
attendance of 1600+ in 1999 and 2000.
Anishinaabe Oway-Ishi Inc. is a
non-profit, community based 30-week employment and training preparation
program. Our unique training model was designed by Aboriginal
youth, for Aboriginal youth who have experienced difficulty accessing
employment and training opportunities. Using
Anishinaabe Oway-Ishi as their launch, participants have either entered
the workforce or gone on to continue their education.
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Co-chairs
Darlene Daniels and Dan Highway
Manitoba Aboriginal Youth
Achievement Awards
Mailing address: Suite 316, 35-2855 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg MB R3T 2H5
Phone: 204.255.8919
Fax: 204.255.1182
Email:
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