Youth For Recognition

“Year of the Youth”
First Nations
Youth Recognition & Acknowledgment
A Project by the OFNYPC
Special Chiefs Assembly
November 2010
MARTIN PANAMICK,
Anishnaabe, M’Chigeeng First Nation
Martin is a young 22 year old youth from M‟Chigeeng
First, and he has done good things within the
community all on his own initiative. He attends
community events regularly and speaks on community
issues when the people of M‟Chigeeng are asked for
ideas and feedback. Martin successfully coordinated a
project which aimed to get more street lights at the new
basketball court in the Pinewood Park area of our
community. And it is now a well utilized recreation area
where he and his peers play basketball. Martin is also
working towards completing his education program
within our community. And just recently, he volunteered
to be the M'Chigeeng mascot for an event during
National Addictions Awareness week. During our
annual Powwow, Martin took the second lead on
organizing the volunteer security workers for the
duration of the powwow. And in seeing Martin take his
little brother out to enjoy community events and
programing, it‟s evident that he is a positive role model
for our younger male youth. He is a friendly, kind young
man
who
deserves
this
recognition
and
acknowledgment.
Nominated by,
G‟Mewin Migwans
M‟Chigeeng First Nation Councillor
LILY MCKAY,
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Productions Cazabon is proud to
nominate Lily McKay for her
outstanding courage and for her voice in
the documentary film project, „3rd
World Canada‟. Three years after her
first interview in the film, Lily continues
to travel with the film and be present on
panels while pursuing her high school
diploma. Lily is also a committed
member of her family and says that what
gives her the greatest hope is her
connection to her seven siblings.
Overcoming her shyness, Lily continues
to stand up with the film in front of
audiences of hundreds to help viewers
understand the impact of third world
conditions on children and families. The
film is currently on tour in communities
across Canada.
And is currently a training tool for a number of professional organizations and will continue to be
shown to schools and campuses across our country with guest presenter Lily. She will be travelling on
November 30th to the Nation‟s capital to celebrate the Ottawa premiere of „3rd World Canada‟ for the
public at large, the media and parliamentarians alongside the leaders and the youth drumming circle of
her home community, Kitchenumayhkoosib Inninuwug and National Chief Shawn Atleo. Productions
Cazabon is grateful to Lily and her family for providing film viewers and the public at large a rare
opportunity to be witnesses to the devastating impact of current policies on First Nations children. Lily‟s
story is now viewed around the globe.
MAV DOXTATOR,
Oneida
Mav is recognized as a leader among
his peers. He exhibits pride in his
cultural heritage. He appreciates the
traditional teaching. He knows that
these will give him strength to reach
his own goals. Mav is capable of
hard work. Education is important
to him. He has studied Oneida
language
and the history of
Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Mav
takes direction when it is required.
He has suffered some set backs, but
his reputation remains in tact as he
makes the changes to succeed. He
is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
MICHELLE KENNEDY,
Oneida
Michelle was H.B. Beal‟s grade 12 female athlete
of the year for 2010; in addition, Michelle has been
a member of the cross-country team for the past 4
years, the track & field team for the past 3 years,
and the badminton team for the past 3 years.
Michelle has volunteered at ATLOSHA (a native
soup kitchen in downtown London), the breakfast
program at Beal, and is a mentor in the native
program of 4th R Peer Mentoring. Michelle was the
2010 recipient of the Jason Edmonds Memorial
Award, presented annually by the London Free Press,
which goes to a senior student who best
exemplifies integrity of character, community
activism and citizenship, and excellence in sports.
Michelle has participated in organizing of
elementary track & field meets for the neighboring
elementary schools and in native Powwows held at
Beal. Michelle is regularly requested to give tours
to school groups or individuals interested in Beal.
Nominated by,
Joe Leckie
Special Education Teacher, on behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
MONTY ROSS MCGAHEY III,
Chippewa's of the Thames First Nation
Monty has been nominated for recognition as he has been an
inspiration in the areas of sports, education and language to our
community. Monty has won medal after medal each year for his
excellence in track and field. Monty went on to compete in the
Ontario Aboriginal Games and the North American Indigenous
Games. His attendance at the North American Indigenous
Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2002, saw him bring back 3
gold medals. And in Denver, Colorado in 2006, he brought
back 3 gold's and 1 silver medal. And finally in Cowichan,
British Columbia, he won 4 gold medals. Monty graduated
from high school in 1999 and went on to attend and graduate
from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Still wanting to
further his education and strengthen his athletic abilities, he
went on to attend the University of Western Ontario and joined
the UWO track team. From UWO, he graduated with his B.A
Degree in First Nations Studies. Monty also attended the
Language program in Sault Ste. Marie and is currently enrolled
in the 4 year language immersion program on Walpole Island.
Monty currently volunteers his time teaching our youth to play
hockey and hopes to someday lead his team to victory in the
Little Native Hockey League, but more importantly, teach them
the love of the game! Monty still strides towards being a fluent
Ojibwe speaker and volunteers his time twice a week at our
local library and seniors complex teaching anyone who wants to
learn. His goal is to someday become a fluent language teacher
and bring the language back to the people.
Nominated by,
Kristen Hendrick,
Muncey, ON
NAYDINE SAINNAWAP,
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Productions Cazabon is proud to nominate
Naydine Sainnawap for her outstanding
courage and for her voice in the documentary
film project, „3rd World Canada‟. Naydine
Sainnawap is a seventeen year old from
Kitchenumayhkoosib Inninuwug. Three years
after her first interview in the film, Naydine
continues to travel with the film and be
present on panels. Naydine is taking steps to
return back to school and complete her high
school. She wants to participate in the youth
engagement workshops with the film project
to encourage students to create their own
reconciliation toolkit which will be available
with the film in 2011.
Naydine continues to be a beacon of hope and a public demonstration of standing for something in
spite of fear, each and every time she presents the film. The letter Naydine has written read on
camera to her deceased mother is for many, one of the most beautiful love letters written to a
mother. It is one of the most powerful moments in the film and stands for the love First Nations
people feel and express towards each other, in spite of the living conditions. So many Canadians are
passionately moved by her story and so very proud of her. Productions Cazabon is grateful to
Naydine and her family for providing film viewers and the public at large a rare opportunity to be
witnesses to the devastating impact of current policies on First Nations children.
ROBERT ANIMIKII HORTON,
Anishnaabe, Rainy River First Nation
I would like to nominate Robert Animikii Horton, 28,
Anishnaabe, and member of Rainy River First Nations.
I have known Robert for eight years since he was a
Sophomore at St. Cloud State University. Robert is an
emerging
First
Nation
leader,
recognized
internationally, as a dynamic speaker/orator,
sociologist, spoken-word poet, and political/social
activist for the past 15 years. Robert is finishing his
Masters Degree in Sociology with a Thesis that has
developed a framework to increase support for First
Nation students in schools. He is a lifetime inducted
member of Alpha Kappa Delta (International Honour
Society for Sociologists) and has received national and
international awards for his leadership, activism, and
progressive positive message to youth and leaders alike.
He has contributed greatly with articles in media and
print, including, Wawatay News and Rabble.ca He was
raised by Native educational leaders in Minnesota and
Ontario and is following those footsteps today. He
walks his talk like few do and in lock step with the
seven teachings.
Nominated by,
Josie Rinkevicius
RAIN DOXTATOR,
Oneida
Rain knows many things about her culture.
She speaks with pride about her
community, family and heritage.
She
participates in cultural activities in the
community and in school. Rain has placed
her education as a very important part of
her life. She chooses to seek out extra
help rather than avoiding classes in which
she finds challenges. Rain has chosen to
study courses in Aboriginal Art and
History.
Rain knows the meaning of
loyalty and friendship. She makes wise
choices in circumstance that could
interfere with her reputation and studies.
Rain is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
VICTOR PELLETIER,
Serpent River First Nation
Nominated by,
Robert Derbyshire
Economic Development Coordinator
Chiefs of Ontario,
Toronto, ON
Victor Pelletier is a remarkable example of what
determination and hard work can achieve. Originally
from Serpent River First Nation, this 22 year old leads
a life that most established professionals would
consider strenuous. Currently completing his final year
of a Political Science/Economics degree at Ryerson
University, Victor maintains a nearly straight-A average,
and plans to attend University of Toronto‟s prestigious
Law School for his J.D. When not busily studying for
mid-terms and the Law School Admission Test, Victor
spends time with his girlfriend and family, runs every
morning and plays hockey, and even takes in the
occasional pow wow. Each summer, he helps run a
charity hockey tournament that raises tens of
thousands of dollars for leukemia and lymphoma
research. He‟s also begun putting pen to paper to write
the Great Canadian Novel. And as if juggling all of
those demands weren‟t enough, to help pay for school
Victor also works full-time as a Researcher for the
Chiefs of Ontario. His eagerness, positivity and
unfailing enthusiasm have made Victor a role model for
all of Ontario‟s youth.
RYANNE WHITE,
Lakota/Ojibway, Naotkamegwanning First Nation
This past year (2009-2010) Ryanne held the title
of Miss Manito Ahbee. She lives to be a good role
model for herself, peers, and community through
a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. She carried
herself with dignity, pride and represented her
community, family, people, and the Manito Ahbee
organization very well through-out Indian
Country. Ryanne has been given the opportunity
to represent her community and Ontario in the
North American Indigenous Games held in
Cowichan, British Columbia in 2008 in the sport
of Basketball. She continues to strive and do her
best in all athletics. Ryanne‟s goals and aspirations
for the future in regards to education consist of
attending University, majoring in Kinesiology. At
the same time, the different experiences she had
during her reign as Miss Manitou Ahbee have
taught and had shown her the varying
opportunities that universities offer. In closing,
Ryanne is an excellent role model for all
Anishnaabe people
Nominated by,
Carmen J. Bird,
Naotkamegwanning First Nation, ON
Salakwa Arron Doxtator,
Oneida First Nation
Since the age of 11yrs old, Salakwa started
playing billiards in the basement of his home.
His mom and stepdad had probably had an
influence on him because they played pool
leagues in London. When they weren‟t playing
then he started shooting balls for fun. Then it
became an interest for him. Once he found out
there was a Junior league in London he
immediately wanted to be part of the league. In
2004-2005 Salakwa began playing in a Junior
Pool League at Hustlers in London, Ontario,
from then on he has been playing in league for 6
years now. He was also nominated/voted by his
league players in 2006 for the Most
Sportsmanship player. One of his main goals is
to be one of the best pool players and strives on
how he can be better. He will continue to play in
tournaments around home and away from home.
He says In order to be the best he feels you have
to play with the best and learn from his mistakes.
He is a very dedicated to pool and willing to
further his skills and compete professionally.
Nominated by,
Tara Brown
Community/Youth Supervisor,
Southwold, ON
SARAH RILEY,
Chippewa
Sarah is nominated for recognition because she
meets all the benchmarks of an excellent student.
She is involved in the First Nations student
activities. She attends classes punctually and
regularly. She has excellent marks in courses that
will lead her to university. She currently is
studying Ojibway language and Aboriginal history.
She has a deep understanding of traditional
teachings and applies these to her personal life.
Sarah is a talented artist. Her work exhibits a deep
perception of the world. Sarah is reflective
beyond her young years. She seeks out positive
role models. Sarah is developing leadership skills
and confidence. Sarah is a nominee worthy of
recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
THOMAS STEVENS,
Nipissing First Nation
Thomas is a role model for youth and adults as
he has never missed a day of school, or work and
has never been late in his fourteen years of
education. Thomas is currently a grade twelve
student, but he has worked many summer
student positions throughout his young life.
Thomas is also a young entrepreneur. Some of
his accomplishments are:
• Owner and operator of “Tom‟s Sugar
Shack”
• Nipissing First Nation Volunteer Fireman
• Perfect attendance award mounted in the
Nipissing First Nation Administration
Building
• Principal‟s Award for Student Leadership
2010
• Rachel Durand Memorial Award 2009-2010
which is given to the athlete who has
demonstrated the highest level of team spirit
towards the athletic program
• Rookie of the Year – for Senior Football
2009
• Excellence Award in grade 11, and Academic
Award in Grade 10
Nominated by,
Fran Couchie, Director of Education
Garden Village, ON
SHARISSA MORRISON,
Chippewa
Sharissa is nominated for recognition
because of her cultural knowledge and
participation. She has studied Ojibway
language and Aboriginal History. She is
extremely reflective on the challenges
that are faced by her First Nations
community - in particular the youth.
She wants to make a difference.
Younger students look to Sharissa as a
role model. She is able to articulate the
right path for them to follow using both
the traditional teachings and her own
experiences. This year Sharissa has
taken on a leadership role by keeping the
First Nations Activities and Awareness
bulletin board up to date. Sharissa is a
worthy nominee for recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
ZACHARY BURTON HILL,
Oneida
Zack exemplifies the spirit of this award. He is always
polite, optimistic and courteous.
He works
compassionately and cooperatively in the classroom,
often assisting students who are nervous to speak publicly
or work with others. This leadership role results in
consistent positive peer feedback -- students often
comment on his ability to help them achieve academic
success. Zack aspires to earn a civil engineering degree
from the University of Toronto; as he demonstrates a
strong work ethic and has consistently achieved level 4
(“A”) marks, we have every confidence in his success.
He is also extensively involved in extra-curricular
activities. He plays on Beal‟s football and rugby teams.
He has been a peer mentor for Beal‟s FNMI students and
serves on the Thames Valley District Board of
Education‟s FNMI Student Advisory Council. In short,
Zack is a well-rounded young man whose humanitarian
interests are obvious. He is an excellent role model for
younger students and one of Beal‟s shining stars.
Nominated by,
Teachers Robin Giles and Diane Fenn of H. B. Beal Secondary School,
London, ON
DARRYL SAINNAWAP, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Productions Cazabon is proud to nominate Darryl
Sainnawap for demonstrating outstanding community spirit
and
innovative
leadership.
Darryl Sainnawap is one of the most admirable young
leaders
we
have
in
our
province.
He would most likely be voted „Canada‟s future Governor
General in the making‟ as he has natural nation-building
skills. The pride he has for his community is contagious and
shines all around him from the small daily gestures to the
large-scale sacrifices he has made for his community;
sacrifices most leaders in our country would be hard
pressed to make. His passion and pride for
Kitchenumayhkoosib Inninuwug resonates far and wide to
young and old alike and is creating positive change at a
community and provincial level. Darryl‟s code of ethics and
values and the vision he upholds for his people are
contagious to the young people he works with. He provides
a shining example for his son and for youth all across the
province
to
follow
in
his
footsteps.
Filmmaker Andrée Cazabon has known Darryl Sainnawap
from the very first moment of the making of 3rd World
Canada and has been a witness to the many struggles of the
community. Throughout all these years, Darryl‟s
commitment to his community and his innovative
leadership has been humbling and inspiring to observe.
Productions Cazabon is grateful for the level of service
Councillor Darryl Sainnawap has shown.
On behalf of the Ontario First Nations Young People’s
Council, we would like to thank all the nominator’s for
taking the time to submit nominations for these amazing
young leaders.
MIIGWECH, NIA:WEN, THANK YOU!