Barbara Allan

Barbara is a 40-year-old status Carrier from the Stellat’en First Nation in British Columbia who is in the fourth year of a business management diploma program at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, B.C. She has obtained an office administration certificate, which whetted her appetite for more education. She is a mother of four. One of her instructors calls her a dedicated student who is going to school so she can assume a greater role with her people in the future. Her sponsor calls her a diligent worker who carried out diverse responsibilities with great professionalism. After graduation, Barbara plans to work in the human resources area of Aboriginal economic development efforts in B.C.

Kerrie Ahenakew

Kerrie is a 28-year-old status Cree from the Ahtahkakoop First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the third year of a business administration program at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. This is her second FAAY award. An award-winning scholar, Kerrie was recently elected president of her student association. One of her professors says she has excellent academic and personal skills and works well with students and faculty. Her sponsor says Kerrie takes her work very seriously and presents herself in a professional manner. Kerrie plans to pursue her doctorate and one day teach at the university level.

Janis Brooks

Janis is a 19-year-old non-status Sto: lo from the Chehalis First Nation in British Columbia who is in the second year of a business management program at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo. An award-winning student, she is a dedicated volunteer who especially likes to help and learn from the elders. One of her professors says that her enthusiasm for learning and willingness to participate should serve her well in the years ahead. Her sponsor calls her a motivated and capable woman. Janis plans to pursue an MBA and eventually work in an Aboriginal business or government.

Robert Daniels

Robert is a 38-year-old status Cree from the Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the second year of a management studies diploma program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology in Saskatoon. He holds a BSW from the University of Regina. He and his wife have three children. Robert spent a decade as a social worker before returning to school to study business. One of his instructors says Robert is one of the best students in the program. Another praises his team building and leadership skills. Robert plans to carry on in school to obtain an MBA and then make a new career in business.

Nicole Edwards

Nicole is a 23-year-old member of the Métis Nation of Alberta from Calgary who is in the second year of a business administration program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. An honours student, she took two years off after high school to decide what she wanted to do. One of her instructors calls her a strong student who maintains a high grade point average while balancing work and family with education. Her sponsor says Nicole is enthusiastic, determined and personable. After graduation, Nicole plans to work toward her CGA designation to build a comfortable life for herself and her young daughter.

Tina Fabian

Tina is a 29-year-old status Dene from the Katlodeeche First Nation in the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of a business administration program at Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie, Alberta. She holds certificates in office administration, administrative technology and business administration. Tina’s instructor calls her an excellent student with a strong work ethic who sets a good example for her classmates. Her sponsor says she has been an energetic, diligent, punctual and reliable volunteer. Tina plans to stay is school until she achieves a bachelor’s in business. She will then work to become a chartered accountant.

Jordan Henry

Jordan is a 22-year-old Métis from Beauval, Saskatchewan who is in the fourth year of a commerce program at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. This is his fourth FAAY award. He recently served as treasurer of the local Indian Métis Friendship Centre youth council. One of his teachers says Jordan has the ability and work habits to assure his success. His sponsor tells of the scope of his volunteer work and his skill as a curler. Jordan hopes that his success at university will serve to inspire his younger brothers and sisters to stay in school and study hard.

Nina Herard

Nina is a 21-year-old member of the Manitoba Métis Federation from Winnipeg who is in the second year of a business administration program at Red River College in Winnipeg, where she is on the Dean’s List. She tried working right out of high school, but soon discovered that she would need more education to get ahead. One of her instructors found her to be a woman of the highest intelligence and utmost integrity. Her sponsor says she displays an active commitment to the community and demonstrates strong leadership and initiative. After graduation, Nina would like to run a community resource centre to link clients with the services they need to become successful.

Louis-Rene Kanatewat

Louis-Rene is a 28-year-old status Cree from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, Quebec who is in the fourth year of a commerce program at the University of Ottawa. He is a graduate of a business administration program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. He took a year off school to reevaluate after a difficult initial period; since then he has been getting As and Bs. One of his professors speaks of his maturity and excellent work. His sponsor says she really appreciated the time and diligence that Louis-Rene showed as a volunteer. After graduation Louis-Rene plans to return home to work for the band office for two years and then return to Ottawa U to pursue an MBA.

Danielle Levine

Danielle is a 33-year-old Métis from Winnipeg, Manitoba who is in the second year of a MBA program in leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. She is expecting her first child in March, 2007. An award-winning student and community activist, Danielle returned to school to get the kind of education that will help her manage an Aboriginal non-profit organization. One of her instructors says Danielle shows leadership beyond the classroom while maintaining an A average. Her sponsor says she is a dedicated member of the Aboriginal community and a valuable volunteer. After graduation Danielle would like to work with a community organization and pursue her Ph.D. in community economic/social development.

Natalie Lukiw

Natalie is a 33-year-old status Ojibway from the M’Chigeeng First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of an entrepreneurship and small business program at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She has a kinesiology degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has been a member of the national volleyball and beach volleyball teams. One of her instructors says she is well-organized, attentive and interested and has achieved very good marks. Her sponsor calls her brave, intelligent, hard-working, gifted and generous of spirit. Natalie plans to own her own business by 2008.

Jason Prevost

Jason is a 21-year-old Métis from the Whitefish River First Nation in Ontario who is in the fourth year of a joint commerce and native studies program at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. Jason grew up in Southern Ontario without much exposure to his Métis culture. At Laurentian he is taking the opportunity to volunteer with several Aboriginal organizations to learn more about his background. One of his professors calls him an excellent, hard-working student who will achieve academic success. His sponsor says Jason displayed exemplary leadership and dedication in his volunteer work. After he finishes school, Jason plans to pursue his accounting charter.

Raylene Whitford

Raylene is a 20-year-old member of the Métis Nation of Alberta from Edmonton who is in the third year of a commerce program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. This past summer Raylene volunteered to teach English in a small village in Thailand, an event she calls a total culture shock, although she’s glad she had the experience. One of her professors calls her mature, personable and enjoyable to work with and says she has a strong academic record. Her sponsor from the village in Thailand says she was one of their best volunteers and they were all sad when she had to return to Canada. Raylene hopes to pursue her charter in accountancy after she graduates.

Karl Zadnik

Karl is a 25-year-old status Salteaux from the Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba who is in the third year of a commerce program at the Asper School at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. This is his second FAAY award. His church helped him to overcome some bad decisions in high school by showing him the potential God had given him shouldn’t be wasted. One of his instructors says he has demonstrated his excellent potential to be a good scholar. His sponsor says he serves as a respected mentor and role model to the younger students. After graduation, Karl plans to work for a few years and then start his own business.

Jeffrey Folster

Jeffrey is a 17-year-old non-status Ojibway from the Brokenhead First Nation in Manitoba who is in Grade 12 at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. An honours student, Jeffrey is also a talented pianist and clarinet player. He plans to study music at university and make a career either teaching or performing, or maybe both.

Natasha Jones

Natasha is a 16-year-old non-status Mi’Kmaq from the Sle’ek First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador who is in Grade 12 at Lakeside Academy in Buchans, NL. An honours student, Natasha volunteers at school and in her community and is part of her school drama group. Natasha plans to study visual arts at university and one day teach art or own a gallery.