Rose Ann Beauvais

Rose Ann is a 35 year old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec who is in the second year of an educational psychology master’s program at McGill University. This is her second FAAY award. She has two children. Rose Ann is proud of her heritage and has a passion for inclusive education. One of her professors notes her high degree of professionalism in clinical work and great motivation as a student. Her sponsor says her program is very fortunate to have Rose Ann as a volunteer because of her enthusiasm, her many skills and broad experience. After finishing her master’s degree, Rose Ann is considering pursuing another master’s in educational technology or continuing on to a doctorate at McGill.

Valerie Karonhiatakwen Gabriel

Valerie is a 19 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in the second year of a health science program at Vanier College. This is her third FAAY award. She works actively as a volunteer in her community and was recently appointed assistant director of the Québec Natives Women’s Association. One of her instructors calls her a well-prepared contributor who shows great comprehension of the material she is working with. Her sponsor calls her a highly capable, motivated team player who is very committed to women’s causes. After college Valerie plans to pursue further education either in nutrition or environmental studies and then take her learning back to her community.

Kris Meawasige

Kris is a 25 year old status Ojibway from the Serpent River First Nation in Ontario who is in the fourth year of an honours indigenous studies program at Trent University. He is a graduate of Nipissing University in North Bay and a qualified teacher. This is his second FAAY award. An award-winning student, he has volunteered for several recreational and service programs and is currently a member of the Trent University Native Association. One of his professors says he is committed to improving the educational experience for Aboriginal students. His sponsor calls him a highly-respected team player with a great sense of humour. Kris is considering a master’s degree in indigenous studies.

Gina Metallic

Gina is a 20 year old status Mi’kmaq from the Listuguj First Nation in Québec who is in the first year of a psychology program at McGill University. This is her second FAAY award. Her volunteer work at women’s shelters in Montréal has given her knowledge she could not find in school and has strengthened her desire to succeed and make a contribution. One of her instructors says she is an outstanding student who pursues her interests with dedication and enthusiasm. Her sponsor says Gina has been a tremendous asset as a volunteer at her old school back in Listuguj. Gina intends to obtain a PhD in Psychology and conduct research into self esteem issues which she intends to use in her chosen career as a school psychologist.

Kerri Sampson

Kerri is a 20 year old status Ojibway from the Walpole Island First Nation in Ontario who is in the third year of a child and youth worker program at Lambton College. This is her second FAAY award. Kerri is an active member in her community and is currently volunteering with the Bkejwanong Trauma response team which offers support to victims and survivors of traumatic incidents. One of her instructors calls her a mature, determined and committed student who understands the value of her education. Her sponsor says Kerri has already contributed much to her community and will make an even greater difference in the future. After graduation Kerri plans to bring her skills back to her community.

Melissa Cree

Melissa is a 15 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 10 at Ratihen:te High School. She is a well disciplined student who helps out in her grandparents’ apple orchard. She is proud that the school chose some of her art for the yearbook. Melissa plans to go to college or art school and build a career on her talent.

Sophia Cross

Sophia is 15 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 9 at Ratihen:te High School. Although she did not do well in her first year, the experience made her realize the importance of her education and she is now on the honour roll. Sophie plans to go to university and eventually become a doctor or a veterinarian.

Patricia Gabriel

Patricia is 14 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 9 at Ratihen:te High School. She is a good writer and an honour roll student who worked with Sophia Cross on her school paper last year, to great acclaim from students and staff. Patricia is also thinking about medicine as a career.

Jodi Gustafson

Jodi is a 17 year old Métis in grade 12 at Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse. She represented the Yukon as a biathlete at the Canada Winter Games earlier this year. She was also chosen as the representative for the National Student Commonwealth Forum. An outstanding student and community activist, Jodi intends to pursue a bachelor of science program and eventually apply to medical school.

Harley Malcolm

Harley is a 15 year old status Ojibway from the Sandy Bay First Nation in Manitoba who is in grade 9 at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School. He is a keen football player and an energetic army cadet, recently promoted to Bombardier. Harley plans to finish school and then pursue a career in the trades.

Quinn Meawasige

Quinn is a 14 year old status Ojibway from the Serpent River First Nation in Ontario who is in grade 9 at Elliot Lake Secondary School. An excellent student, he won the high achiever award in grade 8. He is also a talented hockey player who wants to try out for the basketball team this year. Quinn plans to study physiotherapy at university.

Melinda Nelson

Melinda is a 17 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 11 at Ratihen:te High School. She is a hard-working student who spends a lot of her free time volunteering and encouraging the younger kids to learn their language. An avid reader and talented writer, Melinda plans to make a living with her pen after she finishes college.

Cheyenne Simon

Cheyenne is a 15 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 10 at Ratihen:te High School. This is her second FAAY award. She is a mature young woman who works hard at school and spent the summer working on her leadership skills at the local day camp. Cheyenne plans to return to Kanehsatake after university to teach history.

Joseph Huyer Upton

Joseph is an Inuit from Gjoa Haven in Nunavut who is in grade 9 at Northeast Kings Educational Centre. He is an excellent athlete who enjoys the outdoors. He is a hard working student who understands how important education is to his future. Joseph plans to travel to developing countries after high school and then return to school to study international development.

Brittany Veenstra

Brittany is 17 year old status Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte First Nation in Ontario who is in grade 12 at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute. She has received the Editors’ Choice Award for her poetry, been voted MVP in basketball, and will graduate with undergraduate awards in fashion and accounting. Brittany has a passion for business and plans to study commerce and management at university.