Nyle is a 20-year old status Ojibway from Chippewas of Nawash First Nation in Ontario who is in the second year of a culinary management program at Humber College in Toronto. This is his second FAAY award. Nyle is achieving honours-level marks at school and is a respected volunteer back in his home community. One of his instructors calls him a young man of vision who sets high standards for himself and is an exceptional representative for his Nation at school. His sponsor says he showed great enthusiasm and commitment when working with the elders at Nawash. Nyle’s dream is to be a world-class Anishinawbe Chef de Cuisine.

Stacey is a 29-year old status Mi’kmaq from Glooscap First Nation in Nova Scotia who is in the second year of a bachelor of science - nutrition program at Acadia University in Wolfville. This is her second FAAY award. She is a single mother of two. One of her professors calls her one of her most outstanding students. Her sponsor speaks of the great impact her volunteering has had on her community and says she is not surprised that Stacey is on the Dean’s list. She was working as the coordinator of a diabetes program when she became convinced that she needed more education to carry on the fight against the disease and returned to school. Stacey plans to work in the community when she becomes a registered dietician.

Bonnie is a 42-year old status N’Xwisten St’at’imc from Bridge River First Nation near Lillooet, British Columbia who is in the second year of a travel and tourism program at the Canadian Tourism College in Surrey. This is her second FAAY award. A residential school survivor, she is the proud mother of one. One of her instructors calls her dependable and trustworthy and a pleasure to teach. Her sponsor speaks of the example her courage, determination and hard work is providing for the younger members of her community. Bonnie hopes to return to Bridge River and work in the hospitality industry once she graduates.

Ben is a 22-year old Métis from McBride, British Columbia who is in the first year of a culinary arts program at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver. After a difficult adolescence, he worked in the hospitality industry for a few years after high school before discovering how much he enjoyed cooking and decided to get formally qualified. One of his instructors describes him as a model student, dedicated to his studies and enthusiastic about the culinary arts. One of his sponsors speaks of how cheerful and friendly he was as he participated in many community charity events. After he finishes school, Ben hopes to run a café and catering business.

Angeline is a 21-year old status Ojibway from Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba who is in the third year of a nutrition program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Growing up in a small Aboriginal community taught her the value of close family ties and gave her a close-up look at the health needs of her people. One of her professors calls her one of her best students and believes she will excel at whatever she chooses to do. Her sponsor tells us of her hectic volunteer schedule and what an excellent role model she is for the other students at the University of Manitoba. After graduation, Angeline plans to become a registered dietician and help fight the epidemic of diabetes afflicting Aboriginal Canadians.

Michelle is a 23-year old Métis from St. Paul, Alberta who is in the fourth year of a nutrition and food science program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. An active community volunteer, she was also a nationally-ranked competitive swimmer who represented Canada at the 2001 World Championships. One of her professors says she is an excellent worker, a thinker, reliable, resourceful and thorough. Her sponsor calls her work as a volunteer at a community centre innovative and interesting and speaks of her passion to help the Aboriginal community. After graduation, Michelle plans to pursue her registered dietician certification and then continue her studies to become a Naturopathic Doctor.

Bryce is a 16-year old status Nlakapamux from Lytton First Nation in Lytton, British Columbia who is in grade 12 at the Stein Valley Nlakapamux School. Among other things, he has been part of his school’s BDC e-Spirit team for the last two years. After high school Bryce plans to study culinary arts at Thompson Rivers University and then apprentice as a chef.

Casey is a 17-year old non-status Aboriginal student in grade 12 at Fraser Heights Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. A consistent honour roll student, she is also a gifted athlete and engaged community volunteer. After high school Casey plans to attend university to study the humanities and then go on to law school.