The National Aboriginal Role Model Program, hosted by the National Aboriginal Health Organization, recognizes 12 Aboriginal youth who are making a difference. Nominated by their peers and selected for their achievements, the role models share their stories with Aboriginal youth at celebrations, functions and conferences.
On June 21, 2008, 12 new role models were announced with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival on Victoria Island.
Here are biographies of the 2008-09 role models:
John Carriere
John, 22, comes from Cumberland House, SK where he learned to hunt and run a dog sled team. He is a graduate from the Northern Professional Access Program with a Bachelor of Arts. John participates in a variety of athletic and traditional activities despite suffering from hemophilia.
Robert Animikii Horton
Robert (Bebaamoyaash), 26, is Anishinaabe from Rainy River First Nations, ON. He has spent over 10 years as a progressive social and political activist for Indigenous rights and education, is a spoken-word poet, and has advocated for youth from Manitou Rapids. Robert is working on his Master’s in Sociology.
Inez Jasper
Inez is a registered nurse in Chilliwack, BC. Very committed to her work, she is employed as a community health nurse and homecare nurse for Stó:l_ Nation Health Services. Inez, 27, spends her spare time canoe racing, learning the Halq’eméylem language and recording songs.
Jenna Kilabuk
Jenna is a confident, 15-year-old from Pangnirtung, NU, who loves sports. She is involved with her school and community, is a member of her student council executive, and, despite being the youngest member of her volleyball team, was selected as captain.
Kyle Kuptana
Kyle graduated from Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik, NT and is enrolled in the Natural Resources Technology program at Aurora College. At 21, Kyle is active; he stays involved with sports and has travelled to demonstrate or compete in Arctic sports.
Channing Lavallée
A 21-year-old student at the University of Manitoba, Channing is working toward a degree in Social Work. Her dream is to join the Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Department in Winnipeg. Originally from St. Ambroise, Channing works as a youth co-ordinator at the St. Ambroise Manitoba Metis Federation Youth Centre.
Katelyn Matthew
Katelyn, 14, volunteers her time at school and is involved in community activities. She leads a reading and dance club at her school, volunteers at the Kamloops Wildlife and Animal Shelter, and gives speeches in her community of Chase, BC. Katelyn has studied ballet for six years.
Ry Moran
Ry, 29, is an accomplished musician, business-owner and speaker living in Victoria, BC. He is the founder of Yellowtilt Productions, a music, video and event productions company. Ry wrote and directed a video detailing how to properly record and document Aboriginal languages, which led to the creation of LearnMichif.com.
Candace Polson
Candace is a 17-year-old Algonquin youth from Timiskaming First Nation, QC. She is a talented fancy-shawl dancer, hoop dancer, traditional singer, and hand-drummer. She is a member of the Senior Girls Varsity Volleyball Team and, for the last eight years, has been a ballet student at the Paula Davey Dance School in Ontario.
Shaneen Robinson
Shaneen, 28, is a member of the Cree and Gitxsan nations. She has emceed powwows and other Aboriginal-themed events. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Winnipeg, Shaneen works as the midday host and community events reporter at Native Communications Incorporated FM.
Heather Watts
At home in Six Nations of the Grand River, ON, Heather has organized and fundraised for families in need and various community functions. Heather was involved with drama productions, basketball, rugby, student council, and was the first Aboriginal Co-Prime Minister at her school. At 18, she is a member of the Lost Dancers Dance Troupe.
Jennifer Williams
Jennifer, 27, originally from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, is committed to keeping her Inuit heritage alive through the arts. She is one of the founders and is the manager of the Nipik Inuit Drummers, an Inuit drum-dancing and throat-singing group. Jennifer also uses different mediums to depict the traditional Inuit way of life.
For more information about the program please visit www.naho.ca/rolemodel.