Lisa deWit

Lisa is a 33 year old status Wet’su’weten from Moricetown, B.C. who is in the fourth year of a commerce program at the University of Victoria. She is the single mother of a nine year old daughter. A top student, she is heavily involved with her native students’ union and volunteers with Junior Achievement. One of her professors appreciates her maturity and class leadership and places her near the top of his class. Her sponsor calls Lisa a valuable part of her organization and a role-model for other students. Lisa plans to pursue a certified Aboriginal financial manager designation as well as her CGA. She hopes to one day specialize in Aboriginal financial services.

Michael Dubois

Mike is a 26 year old status Cree from the Muscowpetung First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the first year of a pre-administration program at the First Nations University of Canada. His goal is to obtain a degree in business administration with majors in management and marketing. One of his professors places him at the top of the class and praises his professional attitude. His sponsor says he has demonstrated excellent ethics and capabilities. After graduation, Mike hopes to assist organizations in retaining their Aboriginal employees, or own a restaurant franchise. He may even pursue a career in politics.

Ian Joly

Ian is a 26 year old Québec Métis of Algonquin heritage who is in the second year of a business administration course at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. He returned to school after several years in the financial services industry revealed his enthusiasm for financial planning. His professor praises his entrepreneurial spirit and initiative and foresees a promising future. His sponsor commends Ian on the quality of his volunteer work and his professionalism. Ian plans to pursue the Investment Dealers of Canada chartered financial analyst designation and make a career in financial planning, perhaps eventually starting his own firm.

Natasha Jones

Natasha is an 18 year old non-status Mi’kmaq of the Sple’tk First Nation from Buchans, Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the first year of a general studies program at Memorial University. This is her second FAAY award. She graduated from high school with honours despite having to take most of her courses via distance education. One of her teachers says Natasha is a person who cares for her world and everyone in it. Her sponsor says she goes above and beyond what is required and is happy to give freely of her time. Natasha plans to pursue a bachelor of arts with a major in Spanish or history and a minor in English.

Tabitha King

Tabitha is a 23 year old status Ojibway from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation who is in the third year of a business administration course at Nipissing University. This is her second FAAY award. She is a graduate of Mohawk College and decided to go to university after a year in the business world. One of her professors praises the way she has handled the transition from college-level work to the more difficult university courses. Her sponsor says Tabitha has been diligent in her volunteer work at New Credit and showed signs of great leadership abilities. Tabitha plans to pursue her CA designation and perhaps one day go back to school for an MBA.

Nicole Lay

Nicole is a 19 year old Métis from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan who is in the second year of a business administration program at the Northern Alberta institute of Technology. In high school she was an honours student who combined trombone-playing in the band with an active volunteer schedule. One of her teachers calls her intelligent and motivated and says it was a pleasure working with her. Her sponsor says that regardless of the weather Nicole could be relied on to umpire her assigned ballgames. Nicole plans to pursue her chartered accountancy designation after she graduates from NAIT.

Jeremy Lizotte

Jeremy is a 19 year old Métis from Penticton, B.C. who is in the first year of a business management program at the University of British Columbia in Okanagan. An honours student in high school, he also found time for sports, a part-time job, and volunteer work with his church while acting as a mentor to his younger foster siblings. One of his teachers calls Jeremy an excellent student and exceptional individual who has the right mix of attributes to succeed at whatever he chooses. His sponsor speaks of the way he applies his talent and diligence to the task at hand. Jeremy plans to take a commerce course and one day specialize in marketing so that eventually he can own his own business.

Natasha Marshall

Natasha is a 24 year old status Nuu-chah-nulth from the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni, B.C. who is in the third year of a bachelor of commerce program at the University of Victoria. Deeply committed to her language and culture, she works with her First Nation government every summer. One of her instructors says she is an excellent student who manages her time as a scholar and active community member. Her sponsor speaks of her leadership and professionalism. After she completes her commerce program, Natasha plans to concurrently take a law degree and a master’s degree in indigenous governance, gain international work experience, and lend her talents to her community.

Sean McFetridge

Sean is an 18 year old non-status member of the Samish First Nation from Kelowna, B.C. who is in the first year of a business administration program at Okanagan College. An avid outdoorsman, sailor and swimmer, he is also an honours student and a sought-after volunteer in the community. One of his teachers speaks of his exemplary conduct and says the help and support he has provided to others has gained him the respect of his peers. His sponsor describes the genuine dignity and respect with which he treats everyone. After graduation, Sean plans to make a career operating his own small business and building it into something respected and valuable.

Miranda McIvor

Miranda is a 27 year old status Saulteaux from the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of a bachelor of commerce (honours) program at the Asper School of Business. She is a business administration graduate of Red River College in Winnipeg. This is her second FAAY award. One of her professors says she is in the top ten per cent of students she has taught in her career. Her sponsor says her determination and dedication are inspiring. Miranda plans to focus on human resource management, industrial relations, and Aboriginal business.

Janice McKay

Janice is a 25 year old status Ojibway from the Pine Creek First Nation in Manitoba who is in the second year of a business administration program at Assiniboine Community College. An award-winning scholar, she carries an A+ average while serving on the student government and acting as a peer tutor. One of her instructors says he really enjoys having Janice in his class and believes she will accomplish any goal she sets for herself. Her sponsor says she is a brilliant and well-respected young woman who will go far in life. Janice plans to use her education to become a role model and leader in her community.

Stephen Middleton

Stephen is a 20 year old non-status Coast Salish from Sechelt, B.C. who is in the first year of an arts and sciences program at Langara College. He is a talented athlete, especially in soccer, and spends a great deal of time volunteering at school and in the community. One of his teachers calls him a very mature and personable young man who is trustworthy, responsible and principled. His sponsor says he consistently performs at a very high standard of excellence in challenging situations. Stephen plans to transfer to a university commerce program next year, take the Canadian Securities Certification Course and make a career in finance or business.

Arianne Mulaire

Arianne is a 24 year old member of the L’Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph from St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba who is in the first year of a communications and business program at the Université d’Ottawa. She is an honours graduate of Winnipeg’s Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. One of her professors calls her a motivated and serious student and praises her initiative. Her sponsor says he is proud of Arianne; she has all the characteristics necessary for success. Arianne intends to complete an honours bachelor’s degree specializing in communication with a minor in business administration. She hopes her education will eventually lead to a job with the federal government.

Chantell Quill

Chantell is a 29 year old status Cree from the Sapotaweyak First Nation in Manitoba who is in the first year of a business administration program at Red River College. She is a single mother of two young daughters. Chantell returned to school after several years in the workforce to set an example for her daughters and improve the family’s standard of living. One of her instructors calls her a serious and motivated student and likely to be successful. Her sponsor says she is a dedicated, reliable, hard-working and committed individual. After attaining her diploma, Chantell plans to pursue an MBA and find a career that she enjoys.

Karen Aglukark

Karen is a 16 year old Inuit from Iqaluit, who is in grade 12 at John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat, Nunavut. An excellent student and dedicated volunteer, she spent much of last summer in Ottawa as part of Northern Youth Abroad (NYA). This year she hopes to be a part of NYA’s International phase and go to Africa. Karen’s dream is to become a lawyer who specializes in aiding mentally and physically abused women and children.

Eugene Baker

Eugene is a 14 year old status Coast Salish from the Tsawout First Nation in Saanichton, who is in grade 9 at the LAU,WELNEW Tribal School in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. A talented athlete and award-winning student, he is studying SENCOTEN, his native language, to help preserve his culture. Eugene’s educational goal is to pursue a degree in science while helping to further the language goals of his community.

Stevie Bird

Stevie is a status Saulteaux/Cree from the Fishing Lake First Nation who is in grade 12 at Wadena Composite School in Wadena, Saskatchewan. She is a hard-working and talented student who spends much of her free time looking after her younger sisters, since her parents work away from home. Stevie is thinking about studying engineering because she wants to help build better communities.

Michelle Blimkie

Michelle is a 17 year old Métis who is in grade 12 at Campbellford District High School in Campbellford, Ontario. She is an award-winning honours student who enjoys working with children. Her career plans were reinforced by her co-op placement in a classroom of students with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Michelle plans to become a teacher, like her mother and grandmother. She hopes to attend Laurentian University in Sudbury, because the student placement program would let her do her practicum in a northern native community.

Clara Bob

Clara is a 15 year old status Coast Salish from the Nanoose First Nation who is in grade 10 at Dover Bay Secondary School in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She was voted MVP by her basketball team and won the award of achievement for studies in Huquminum, her traditional language. Clara enjoys working with children and hopes to attend university in order to work in child care or law enforcement.

Branden Bull

Branden is a 17 year old status Cree from Whitefish Lake who is in grade 12 at Ashmont Secondary School in Ashmont, Alberta. A very talented hockey and basketball player, he has been at the top of his class academically since grade 1. Branden plans to study engineering at the University of Alberta once he finishes high school.

Brittany Chubbs

Brittany is a 15 year old member of the Métis Nation of Labrador who is in grade 10 at Grand Centre High School in Cold Lake, Alberta. She comes from a military family and has moved around quite a bit. Despite this, she is an award-winning student, a competitive swimmer and coach and much-admired community volunteer. Brittany plans to study medicine with the hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming a physician.

Rebecca Commanda

Rebecca is an 18 year old status Ojibway from the Serpent River First Nation who is in grade 12 at W.C. Eaket Secondary School in Blind River, Ontario. She works hard for her good marks in school and volunteers as much as she can in the community. Rebecca plans to study massage therapy in college and eventually open a spa with her cousin.

Marion Cook

Marion is an 18 year old non-status Ininiw Cree from Grand Rapids First Nation who is in grade 11 at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She volunteered at an Aboriginal career symposium and also at an aviation career symposium, where she encouraged other students interested in earning their wings. Marion intends to get her commercial pilot’s license and continue on to university to either pursue aviation management or native studies.

Celeste DesRoches

Celeste is an 18 year old status Ojibway from the Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation who is in grade 12 at Campbellford District High School in Campbellford, Ontario. She is a single mother of a three year old daughter and a committed volunteer at the local hospital, who still manages to get good marks. Celeste’s dream is to get her nursing degree and then apply to medical school with the intention of becoming a doctor.

Kendra Eneas

Kendra is an 18 year old status Okanagan from the Lower Similkameen First Nation who is in grade 12 at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School in Keremeos, British Columbia. On the honour roll since grade 6, she recently helped an elder make a CD of key words and phrases in the Okanagan language. Kendra plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and eventually open a business in her community.

Melanie Flatt

Melanie is an 18 year old Métis from Maple Ridge, who is in grade 12 at Westview Secondary School in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. She has won several awards for her sports endeavours and her academic achievements. She volunteers her time as an assistant coach with a novice girls’ hockey team and has completed several summer work placements. Melanie’s dream is to attend university and pursue her goal of becoming a Marine Biologist.

Christy Groves

Christy is a 16 year old Métis from Forteau who is in grade 11 at the Mountain Feild Academy in Forteau, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is an A student and a talented portrait artist. She recently attended Stage Head Academy in an intensive two week theatre program and participated in the youth exchange program with the Community Youth Network. Using her experiences from the theatre program, Christy started a drama and dance club for the primary and elementary students in her school.

Aaron Holway

Aaron is a 17 year old non-status Tlingit from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation who is in grade 12 at Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse, Yukon. He is a dedicated student who has won the Yukon Excellence Award and is a talented athlete, on the school volleyball, basketball, soccer and badminton teams. Aaron plans to attend university in order to obtain an undergraduate degree in business with a focus on accounting or finance.

Melodie Langevin

Melodie is a 19 year old member of the Métis Nation of Alberta who is in grade 12 at the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts in Edmonton, Alberta. She has won several academic awards and is an active participant in the community. Last year she had the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Through the program, she was able to spend a year in Japan, learning about their culture and expanding her own horizons. Melodies’ dream is to get a bachelor’s degree in music and become a successful performer, teacher, composer and choir director.

Keith Letendre

Keith is a 15 year old Métis who is in grade 10 at Eagle River Secondary School in Sicamous, British Columbia. This is his second FAAY award. He is an army cadet and plays badminton, volleyball, basketball, tennis and soccer, but still manages to maintain top grades. After high school, Keith plans to study engineering at the University of B.C.

Alana Levi

Alana is an 18 year old status Ojibway/Mi’kmaq from the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick who is in grade 10 at Subway Academy One in Toronto, Ontario. Alana has persevered through personal hardships and has come to understand that education is a valuable tool for her future. She is doing well in her courses at an alternative school and hopes one day to either join the RCMP or study social work.

Michelle Matkowski

Michelle is a 14 year old Métis who is in grade 9 at Winnipegosis Collegiate, in Winnipegosis, Manitoba. She is a published poet, an honour student and a three time silver medalist of the Manitoba Indigenous Games. She works with seniors and solves problems with computers at the community centre. Michelle plans to attend university and is still thinking about what she will study.

Adam Mildenberger

Adam is a 17 year old Métis who is in grade 12 at Beaverlodge Regional High School in Beaverlodge, Alberta. This is his second FAAY award. An honour student and winner of the Leaders of Tomorrow award, he is also a talented athlete. Adam plans to attend university to obtain a bachelor’s degreer in science, and then specialize as a medical researcher.

Carmel Olson

Carmel is a 17 year old status Ojibway from the Brokenhead First Nation who is in grade 12 at Balmoral Hall School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is her second FAAY award. A long-time Honour Roll student, she is also an accomplished champion jingle dress dancer who goes on the pow-wow trail every year. Carmel plans to get her Bachelor of Science and study medicine in order to become a paediatrician. She intends to combine Anishinabe teachings with Western knowledge.

Caitlin Tolley

Caitlin is a 16 year old status Algonquin from the Kitigan Zibi First Nation who is in grade 11 at the Kitigan Zibi School in Maniwaki, Quebec. She is a talented cross-country runner and the only girl on her midget A hockey team. Caitlin is also an Honour Roll student who recently attended the Future World Leaders Youth Summit in Washington, DC. Caitlin’s philosophy is “Learn today, lead tomorrow “. She will attend Heritage College next year before going on to university.

Kelsie Young

Kelsie is a 17 year old non-status Mi’kmaq from Taqamkukewa’q, Newfoundland and Labrador who is in grade 12 at West Kings District High School in Auburn, Nova Scotia. She is a competitive figure skater and coach and has won many accolades for her academic work. Two years ago she started an Aboriginal awareness program at her school and, due to her dedication, she was appointed as the executive for “Respect for Diversity”. Kelsie plans to attend Saint Mary’s University and major in Accounting and International Commerce.