Jolene Bourque

Jolene is a 25-year-old status Gwich’in from Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories who is in the third year of a bachelor of education in native studies program at Aurora College in Fort Smith. She is the mother of a four-year-old son. She is very concerned about the climate change that is apparent all around her. One of her professors says she is a very motivated and committed student who got great reviews on her teaching practicum. Her sponsor speaks of her professional focus, unwavering commitment to excellence and positive attitude. When she achieves her teaching certificate, Jolene plans to teach Aboriginal students in the north about their proud past as a people in order to help them build an even prouder future.

Dustin Bursey

Dustin is a 22-year-old Métis from Ajax, Ontario who is in the fourth year of a business administration program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. This is his third FAAY award. An award-winning student, Dustin has been active as a volunteer both on and off campus. One of his professors calls him a hard-working, energetic and trustworthy individual who has demonstrated abilities as a true leader. His sponsor says he has a strong sense of social responsibility and a natural talent for community involvement. After graduation, Dustin hopes to pursue an MBA, specializing in human resource management.

Sarah Horne

Sarah is a 24-year-old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Quebec who is in the fourth year of a dietetics program at McGill University in Montreal. She found volunteering at a refugee shelter for women and children very rewarding. She will complete her training with an unpaid 18-month practicum, working at a local institution. One of her professors says she has made good progress and highly recommends Sarah for assistance. Her sponsor says she was very happy that Sarah attended the annual meeting of a group dedicated to improving the nutritional standards of Quebec’s First Nations and Inuit peoples. After finishing her training, Sarah plans to make a career in dietetics.

Lesley Levasseur

Lesley is a 21-year-old Métis from St. Paul, Alberta who is in the fourth year of a nutrition program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. A keen athlete, she was on the Team Alberta soccer squad at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games. Lesley has also been an active volunteer both on and off campus. One of her professors tells us he finds her to be straightforward, virtuous, and conscientious and says she is an excellent student. Her sponsor calls her a responsible, goal-oriented and organized young woman who is extremely involved in her community. After finishing her nutrition program, Lesley plans to study physiotherapy and work in the sports field.

Dawn Marie Marchand

Dawn is a 35-year-old status Cree from Cold Lake, Alberta who is in the second year of an education program at Keyano College in Fort McMurray. She returned to school after 10 years in the workforce, including two years as an Aboriginal Educational Assistant at a school in Bonnyville. She is the single mother of two. One of the teachers at the school tells us that Dawn is a talented artist and teacher and is a true treasure. Her sponsor speaks of the help she has received from Dawn in her own educational endeavors. Dawn plans to transfer to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to complete her degree and then return home to teach.

Trisha Redman

Trisha is a 19-year-old Métis from Armstrong, B.C. who is in the first year of a culinary arts program at Okanagan College in Kelowna, B.C. An honour roll student throughout high school, she also excelled in judging livestock as part of the 4H Club. One of her instructors says it has been a pleasure to have Trisha in her class – she believes she will go far in the food service industry. Her sponsor tells us of Trisha’s growth and improvement over the many years he has known her and calls her a very positive role model. After finishing at Okanagan, Trisha plans to continue her culinary education.

Heidi Dixon

Heidi is a 15-year-old non-status Gwich’in from Inuvik, Northwest Territories who is in Grade 10 at Gander Collegiate in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. An honours student, she is a very active volunteer in the community. Heidi is an award-winning public speaker and a dancer and musician. She is also diabetic and plans to pursue a career in medicine or research.

Lori-Lei Mercredi

Lori-Lei is an 18-year-old Métis from the Fort Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta who is in Grade 12 at Saint Joseph High in Edmonton. A talented athlete and scholar, she has won many awards for her volunteer work in the community. She has recently taken up fancy dancing, which she very much enjoys. Lori-Lei hopes to attend the University of Texas to study aerospace engineering.