Rose Ann Beauvais

Rose Ann is a 33-year-old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Quebec who is in the first year of an educational psychology master’s program at McGill University in Montreal. She holds a BEd from McGill and taught at a Mohawk school for four years before returning to university. Rose Ann is also the mother of two daughters. One of her professors says she is so committed and passionate about her education that she is a pleasure to have in the classroom. Her sponsor speaks of her valuable volunteer work at McGill. Once she completes her master’s, Rose Ann intends to return to Kahnawake to work with children with learning disabilities.

Rainey Gaywish

Rainey is a 54-year-old Métis from Riverton, Manitoba who is in the final year of a PhD program in Native Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. This is her fifth FAAY award. Her work has focused on the protection and preservation of Midewiwin theology and history as an original source of the values and traditions of Anishinabe people. Her professor praises Rainey’s dedication, maturity, drive and ambition. Her sponsor speaks of her dedication to, and hard work on behalf of, the Three Fires Society. Rainey intends to use her doctorate to continue her life-long work of bringing spiritual and social regeneration to her people through education.

Carleigh Johnston

Carleigh is a 21-year-old non-status Carrier from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in British Columbia who is in the third year of a forestry program at UBC in Vancouver. An award-winning scholar, she has been accepted for a prestigious exchange program to Sweden. One of her professors says Carleigh stood out for her abilities to synthesize information and ideas and to ask thoughtful questions. Her sponsor says she has displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility and commitment; she is definitely a leader. After graduation, Carleigh may continue in grad school, but whatever she does will be dedicated to helping preserve the forests that have provided so much for her people for thousands of years.

Gina Metallic

Gina is a 19-year-old status Mi’kmaq from Listuguj, Quebec who is in the second year of a social sciences program at John Abbott College in St. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. An award-winning scholar and figure skater, Gina was named “Lady Winter” and performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2003 Canada Winter Games. Her professor calls her a hardworking, diligent and intelligent individual with a strong commitment to learning. Her sponsor calls Gina a pleasure to be around and a team player. After she finishes at Abbott, Gina intends to study psychology at McGill University and eventually work with children back in her home community.

Kylie Annie Proznick

Kylie is a 22-year-old non-status Dene from Meander River, Alberta who is in the third year of a social work program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, British Columbia; the course is offered in conjunction with Thompson Rivers University. Her family was disrupted by the residential school experience and Kylie wants to get a good education as part of the healing process. One of her professors calls her an excellent student who is thoughtful and precise, diligent and respectful. Her sponsor says she is excelling in her work and is an accomplished student. Kylie plans to practice as a social worker in an Aboriginal setting.

Curtis Avery

Curtis is a 17-year-old status Ojibway from the M’Chigeeng First Nation in Ontario who is in Grade 12 at Lasalle Secondary in Sudbury. An award-winning student, he has been on the honour roll all through high school and has volunteered at the local hospital. Curtis plans to attend the new medical school in Northern Ontario and practice medicine in the North.

Daniel Baker

Daniel is a 15-year-old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake, Quebec who is in Grade 10 at Ratihen:te High School in Kanesatake. An accomplished athlete, he plays hockey (floor and ice) and lacrosse, studies karate and runs track. He is also a member of the Kanehsatake Canoe Club. Daniel plans to go to college in Montreal and eventually become a police officer.

Alyssa Biasini

Alyssa is an 18-year-old non-status Blackfoot from the Blood Tribe in Alberta who is in Grade 12 at Holy Trinity Catholic High in Edmonton. A talented basketball and volleyball player, she also maintains an A average and volunteers at her church and in the community. After high school, Alyssa plans to study science at the University of Alberta and eventually become a psychologist.

Sonya Deering

Sonya is a 16-year-old Métis from New Liskeard, Ontario who is in Grade 11 at Temiskaming District Secondary in New Liskeard. This is her second FAAY award. She is an active and valued member of the Temiskaming Métis Community Council, where she spends much volunteer time. After high school, Sonya plans to study psychology at Nipissing University in North Bay.

Tewentenhawitha Gabriel

Tewentenhawitha is a 14-year-old status Mohawk from Kanesatake, Quebec who is in Grade nine at Ratihen:te High School in Kanesatake. She is an avid horseback rider and student of Kanien’keha (the Mohawk language) who has traveled with her class to their ancestral home in New York State. After high school, Tewentenhawi:tha hopes to study fashion design and become a dressage rider.

Cailean MacNeil

Cailean is a 17-year-old Métis from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia who is in Grade 12 at Cole Harbour District High in Dartmouth. He is a talented fiddler and saxophone player in the school band and an avid hockey and soccer player. Cailean plans to study science at a university in Nova Scotia, with an eye to one day becoming a high school teacher.

Jordan Mihalicz

Jordan is a 17-year-old Métis from Beauval, Saskatchewan who is in Grade 12 at Valley View School in Beauval. An A student, he was elected as the Grade 12 rep to the student council. Jordan is also an outdoorsman, spending time camping, hunting and fishing. He plans to study mechanical engineering at university and then continue his education to become a chiropractor.

Nicole Selkirk

Nicole is a 16-year-old non-status Ojibway/Cree from Pine Dock, Manitoba who is in Grade 11 at Maples Collegiate in Winnipeg. She is an honours student and is known as a role model for her peers, who she has helped tutor in English and Math. After high school, Nicole intends to go to university and qualify as a teacher.

Nicole Marie Therrien

Nicole is a 17-year-old Métis from Hamiota, Manitoba who is in Grade 12 at Hamiota Collegiate. She was elected president of her student council this year, after being on the honour roll for her first three years and winning awards for her athletic abilities and dramatic talents. Nicole plans to attend university next year to further her aim of becoming a teacher.

Dominique Watcheston

Dominique is a 17-year-old status Ochappawse from the Ochappawse First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in Grade 10 at Joe Duquette High School in Saskatoon. After a very troubled young adolescence, she has settled down and is getting good marks at school and helping out several local charities. Dominique plans to attend university, study social work and one day work with troubled youth.