Kristen is a 23-year old status Mi’kmaq from Listuguj First Nation in Québec who is in the second year of a marketing program at New Brunswick Community College in Moncton. She is a good student and a very active volunteer in her community and at school, where she is part of the student’s council. One of her instructors lauds her strong academic showing and says she is very engaged in the program. Her sponsor calls her very reliable and says she can be trusted to perform her duties well. After graduation Kristen plans to study business at university and eventually start a business back at Listuguj.

François is 28-year old status Huron from Wendake First Nation in Québec who is in the first year of a doctoral program in administration at l’ecole des Hautes Études Commercialles (HEC) in Montréal. This is his second FAAY award. A talented soccer player and coach, he has organized youth soccer programs in several communities in the Montréal area in addition to keeping up with his studies. One of his professors calls him an excellent student who has superb potential. His sponsor lauds his strong leadership and interpersonal skills as a volunteer. François plans to study organizational theory and behaviour for his doctorate and eventually teach at the university level.

Terra is non-status Mi’kmaq mature student from St. George’s First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the second year of an on-line MBA program at Lansbridge University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She holds a BBA from the University of New Brunswick. She and her husband currently live in Ontario with their five children. One of her professors says she has the ability to motivate others to excel. Terra has not had much time to volunteer lately because she has been working full-time and raising her kids in addition to being a full-time student for the past four years. After she graduates Terra would like to return to Newfoundland to teach part-time and open a consulting business.

Jordan is a 21-year old Métis from Beauval, Saskatchewan who is in the third year of a commerce program at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. This is his third FAAY award. When he’s not hitting the books he spends a lot of time volunteering at the Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre, where he is treasurer of the youth council. One of his teachers says Jordan is an independent learner who seldom requires extra help. His sponsor speaks of his curling prowess and the important role he plays at the friendship centre. Jordan hopes that his graduation from university will encourage his brothers and sisters to stay in school and study hard.

Nancy is a 35-year old status Tl’azt’en from Tl’atz’en First Nation in British Columbia who is in the first year of a business administration program at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George. Her 11-year old son has helped her overcome her addictions and made her realize that the best course for her was to return to school. One of her instructors calls her hard-working, friendly and dedicated. Her sponsor says she is always there for other students with support and encouragement. Nancy’s long-term goal is to live a happy and independent life with her son Theodore.

Morgan is a 24-year old Inuit from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories who is in the fourth year of a bachelor of commerce (accounting) program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She is an excellent student who is also a talented figure skater and volunteer coach. One of her professors says she is at the top of her class and has the talent to remain there. Her sponsor calls her a very well organized volunteer who is willing to take the initiative to get the job done. After graduation Morgan plans to return to Yellowknife and work toward getting her accounting charter; then she’ll start her own business.

Kevin is a 30-year old status Ojibway from Ebb and Flow First Nation in Manitoba who is in the first year of a business administration program at Red River College in Winnipeg. He and his wife Donna are the proud parents of two daughters. Kevin worked for about ten years before returning to school so he can make a better living to provide for his family. One of his instructors calls him an excellent student and says he deserves a scholarship. His sponsor considers him a capable and dedicated volunteer hockey coach and praises his leadership skills and rapport with his players. Kevin plans to make a career in business after he graduates.

James is a 20-year old Métis from Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, New Brunswick who is in the third year of a business administration program at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is an honours student and a strong supporter of independent films who volunteers at the Acadia Cinema Co-op of the Fundy Film Society. One of his professors speaks of his excellent work ethic and ability to stay organized and on task. His sponsor calls him an astute cinephile and a positive individual who is thoughtful and intelligent. After graduation James plans to make a career as an investment banker on Bay Street.

Laura is a 20-year old Métis from Stony Plain, Alberta who is in the second year of a commerce program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. This is her second FAAY award. She is spending this school year on an exchange program at a university in Vienna, Austria. One of her teachers says she demonstrates superior ability and a determined work ethic. Laura’s sponsor says her vibrant personality and fun-loving attitude made being part of her team a lot of fun. After finishing her degree Laura plans to attend law school and make a career in international business.

Barry is 39-year old status Ojibway from Fort Alexander First Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of a business administration program at Red River College in Winnipeg. He is an honours student and a talented member of the Whitehorse Singing group, which performs around the province. One of his teachers says he did an exceptional job in his first year at Red River and is a joy to have in class. His sponsor says he is willing to lend his time and efforts whenever needed. Barry has returned to school after many years to seek an accounting designation which he will use to work with First Nations communities.

Karl is a 24-year old status Salteaux from Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of a commerce program in the Asper School of Business of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He is an award-winning scholar who is working toward honours-level marks in his second year. One of his instructors says he has proven he can maintain good balance and follow through with his responsibilities. His sponsor says his energy, youthful perspective and commitment are wonderful gifts. Karl plans to finish at Asper “with distinction” and start his own business.