Linda is a 32-year old status Saulteaux from Coté First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the third year of an integrated business administration program at Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is her third FAAY award. Linda and her husband have two children. Since she has gone back to school she has maintained good marks despite her hectic childcare and volunteer commitments. One of her instructors says having Linda in class is a privilege and calls her hard-working and focused. Her sponsor calls her a devoted and committed student, mother and role model. Linda hopes to one day obtain an accounting designation and perhaps open a business with her husband.

Kerrie is a 27-year old status Cree from Ahtahkakoop First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the second year of a business administration course at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. She is the proud mother of two and was recently elected as first Vice-chief of the student body at FNUC. One of her professors says she has excellent academic and interpersonal skills. Her sponsor says her enthusiasm, conviction and heart are apparent. Kerrie hopes to go to graduate school after she finishes her degree, with a view to one day teaching at FNUC.

Sarah is a 22-year old status Cree from Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of a commerce program at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Last year she was on the Dean’s honours list; this year she has joined the Aboriginal Business Education Program and appreciates the services they provide as she combines her volunteer efforts with school work. One of her professors says she works hard, asks good questions and has an excellent personality. Her sponsor says she is dedicated and committed to her studies. After she graduates Sarah plans to pursue the Chartered Accountant designation.

Crystal is a 22-year old Métis from Courtney, B.C. who is in the fourth year of a commerce program at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. This is her third FAAY award. She was an exchange student in France for a term last year and says the experience was incredible. One of her instructors says she manages to balance her academic and employment responsibilities very well and is an excellent student and a hard worker. Her sponsor says she shows leadership and vision and is an inspiration to the newer students in school. Crystal plans to pursue the Chartered Accountant designation once she has completed her Bachelor of Commerce.

Tracy (a.k.a. Zhiish) is a 30-year old status Ojibway from Temagami First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of medical school at the new Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay. She has a biology degree from Laurentian University and Calgary’s Mount Royal College, where she was on the Dean’s honours list despite her heavy schedule as a volunteer. One of Zhiish’s professors calls her highly motivated and says she is willing to do the work necessary to succeed. Her sponsor praises her great leadership skills and her strong commitment to family and community. After graduation Zhiish plans to practise and do research in Aboriginal communities and work to bridge the gap between Western and traditional medicine.

Valerie is a 20-year old non-status Algonquin from Maniwaki, Québec who is in the first year of a finance program at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Québec. This is her second FAAY award. She graduated from Heritage College in Gatineau with an average of over 90%. She has been a volunteer and organizer of the Foire Agricole de la Haute Gatineau for many years. One of her professors says it was a pleasure to have Valerie in class and praises her commitment to her studies. Her sponsor speaks of her leadership skills and organizational abilities. After graduation Valerie plans to make a business career back home in Maniwaki.