Nancy is a 33-year old non-status Mi’kmaq from Port au Port Indian Band in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the third year of a Canadian studies program at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. She is a single mother of one and returned to school after 13 years in the workforce. She is getting excellent grades and has joined the Canadian Studies Society on campus. One of her professors calls her intelligent, determined and well organized. Her sponsor speaks of the enjoyment her presentations on reptiles bring to her audiences. After graduation Nancy plans to study education and become a teacher.

Daniel is a 21-year old Métis from St. Georges, Manitoba who is in the fourth year of a science program at the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg. He was the National Métis Youth Role Model in athletics in 2001 and has won numerous other athletic and scholarly awards. One of his professors calls him a model student who excels in all his courses. His sponsor praises the leadership he showed in helping to start the Métis student association at his university. After graduation Daniel plans to attend the University of Manitoba across the river in Winnipeg to study physical therapy.

James is a 23-year old status Cree from Saddle Lake First Nation in Alberta who is in the final year of a Masters of Health Science - Community Nutrition program at the University of Toronto. This is his second FAAY award. An active volunteer in the community and at school, he has maintained a straight A average in grad school. One of his professors speaks of his tremendous passion for his culture and his unfailing commitment to contributing to Aboriginal communities. His sponsor speaks of James’s volunteer work with other Aboriginal students and the larger Toronto Aboriginal community. After completing his masters James hopes to study medicine and one day practice back at Saddle Lake.

Debra is a 36-year old status Cree from York Factory Cree Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of an Aboriginal child and family studies diploma program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. She is the mother of two high school aged children who returned to school after many years as a front-line child care worker. One of her instructors calls her an extremely intelligent and hard-working student. Her sponsor says she is a positive role model for the youth and women of York Factory who deserves to be acknowledged for all she has done for her community. After she gets her diploma Debra plans to stay in school and pursue her BSW with a view to returning to York Factory to practice.

Anik is a 29-year old status Algonquin from Abitibiwinni First Nation in Québec who is in the second year of a community psychology doctoral program at l’Universitié du Québec à Montréal. She has a psychology degree from l’Université de Montréal and worked as a counsellor at the Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal before returning to school. Her thesis supervisor says Anik’s sense of initiative, autonomy and professionalism make her a model for others. Her sponsor says she is extremely organized, resourceful and professional, with incredible energy and a positive attitude. After she achieves her doctorate Anik intends to focus her research on the prevention of child abuse.

Jimmy is a 23-year old status Cree from La Ronge First Nation in Saskatchewan who is studying at the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon. He is a nationally-ranked kayak racer who has represented Canada internationally and now volunteers as a coach at his local canoe club. His professor speaks of the leadership, character and hard work Jimmy shows in his pursuit of excellence. His sponsor says he has lived a life of commitment and passion. After graduation Jimmy plans to return to Saskatoon, where he was raised by his grandparents, and make a career as a fire service paramedic.