Lisa Charleyboy

Lisa is a 27-year-old status Tsilgotin from the Alexis Creek First Nation in B.C. who is in the second year of a professional writing program at York University in Toronto. She has completed three years of a fashion marketing program at Ryerson University in Toronto and a diploma in fashion arts from the John Casablanca Fashion Institute in Vancouver. Lisa had to overcome many family problems to excel as a student in high school. At York, she has made it onto the academic achievement list. Her sponsor says Lisa fueled the project they worked on – she demonstrated all the qualities of a leader. Lisa plans to one day make a career as an arts journalist.

Courtney Flynn

Courtney is an 18-year-old non-status Ojibwe from the Hiawatha First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of a psychology program at the University of Ottawa. An enthusiastic volunteer, Courtney helped her mother develop and deliver youth-oriented HIV/AIDS awareness training while still in high school. One of her teachers calls her an invaluable contributor to classroom discussions and a positive role model for her peers. Her sponsor speaks of her eagerness to participate in helping other people from an early age. Courtney hopes to move on to graduate school once she gets her BA and eventually work in behavioural sciences.

André Gauthier

André is a 19-year-old Métis from Maniwaki, Québec who is in the first year of a mathematics program at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. He graduated from a French-language high school in Barrie, Ontario with honours last year and had four universities to choose from. His research suggested that Waterloo was just about the best math school, so that’s where he went. One of his teachers calls him a calm and responsible person. His sponsor says he is a very good worker, pleasant and thorough. André plans to continue his mathematical studies and one day work as an actuary.

Lara Rachelle Kramer

Lara is a 27-year-old status Ojibway from the Berens River First Nation who is in the third year of a contemporary dance program at Concordia University in Montreal. She had a very troubled home life and battled anorexia for a number of years before returning to school and to the dance that she loves. One of her instructors says Lara has the passion that is crucial for success and has worked incredibly hard since she has known her. Her sponsor speaks of her leadership skills and great enthusiasm for the dance. In the past few years, Lara has reconnected with her family; she plans to make a career in dance.

Emily Devon Logan

Emily is a 21-year-old Métis from Edmonton who is in the fourth year of a psychology program at the University of Edmonton in Alberta. This is her first FAAY scholarship, although she received a FAAY bursary in high school. She attended a French immersion program in Québec last spring which she thoroughly enjoyed. One of her professors calls her an extremely hard-working and responsible student. Her sponsor, a visually disabled student she was a note-taker for, speaks of the extra effort Emily put in to make sure he got as full a course experience as possible. After finishing her BA, Emily plans to study nursing and hopes to work in Nova Scotia to be near her grandparents..

Kayla Miles

Kayla is a 20-year-old non-status Mi’Kmaq from the Flat Bay Indian Band in Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the third year of a criminology program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This is her third FAAY award. She started her first business – teaching piano – at age 13. Kayla is currently an A/Sub-lieutenant in the Sea Cadets. One of her teachers says Kayla is a natural leader who takes great pride in helping others. Her sponsor, her commanding officer, calls her a responsible and dedicated officer and an indispensable trainer. After university, Kayla plans to study law and return to Newfoundland to practice.

Benjamin Powless

Benjamin is a 20-year-old status Mohawk from the Six Nations First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of a political science program at Carleton University in Ottawa. He spent a year in an exchange program at the University of Alberta where he spent half the year living and studying in Mexico. One of his instructors praises his outstanding academic abilities and his potential as an excellent role model. His sponsor says Benjamin has volunteered to help out at many events and is a valued asset for the community. After graduation, Benjamin hopes to work in indigenous rights and promote environmental sustainability, among other things.

Manon Tremblay

Manon is a 38-year-old non-status Plains Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the second year of a doctoral program in linguistics at the Université du Québec à Montréal. This is her second FAAY award. Her love of the Cree language grows stronger each day as she learns more about it. Her thesis advisor says she is one of the best students she has seen in 30 years of teaching. Her sponsor says there is no doubt in her mind that Manon will make a difference to Cree people everywhere. After graduation, Manon plans to specialize in teaching Aboriginal languages at the university level.