Janis Brooks

Janis is a 20 year old non-status Sto:lo from the Chehalis Band in British Columbia who is in the third year of a bachelor’s program in business administration at Malaspina University College. Last year she spent six months in an exchange program, studying at Australia’s Deakin University and interning at an Aboriginal co-operative and education institute. This is her second FAAY award. One of her professors calls Janis highly motivated, diligent and focused. Her sponsor says she is a capable young woman with a lot of passion and commitment for advancing the causes of Aboriginal people. Janis hopes to make a career in business by building relationships between the Aboriginal community and the general population.

Joanne Champlain

Joanne is a 29 year old status Dene from the WhaTi First Nation in the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of a business administration program at Aurora College. She took a teacher education program right after high school, but decided that she was better suited to business. One of her instructors calls her an industrious worker who seeks out challenges and works hard to achieve her goals. Her sponsor speaks of Joanne’s determination to learn to skate and play on the local women’s hockey team. Joanne’s daughter is her inspiration and she intends to fulfill her dream of becoming an administrative accountant.

Robert Daniels

Robert is a 39 year old status Cree from the Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the first year of an MBA program at the University of Saskatchewan. This is his second FAAY award. A married father of three, he left a successful career in social work to return to school and study business. One of his instructors praises his excellent academic and leadership skills. His sponsor speaks of the mentoring role he played as a volunteer tutor to younger classmates. Robert plans to work for a few years after graduation and then start a commercial property development business of his own.

Christopher Fry

Christopher is a 23 year old status Northern Tutchone from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation in Yukon Territory who is in the fourth year of a combined program in commerce and international indigenous studies at the University of Calgary. He is a dedicated community volunteer who has used his summer employment experiences to explore Alberta’s business and Aboriginal communities. One of his professors says Christopher demonstrates remarkable perceptiveness, openness and thoughtfulness in his studies. His sponsor, a former FAAY recipient herself, says he is a valuable male role model in the Aboriginal community. Christopher would like to start his own business and work internationally some day.

Nina Herard

Nina is a 22 year old Métis from Manitoba who is in the second year of a business administration program at Red River College. She has been on the Dean’s Honours List since she returned to school. This is her second FAAY award. One of her instructors knows her as a hard-working student with a strong sense of academic curiosity and great leadership skills. Her sponsor says Nina is actively committed to her community and helps steer younger people the right way. After graduating from Red River, Nina plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in commerce at the Asper School of Business. She hopes to make a career in government, as an economist or an actuary, to assist her community in utilizing all of its resources.

Jessie King

Jessie is a 20 year old Métis from Ontario who is in the second year of a business administration program at Trent University. She was inspired to study business after working as a summer intern with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. One of her instructors says she has been of great assistance to the members of the faculty and staff of her department at Trent. Her sponsor speaks of the many hours she dedicated to volunteering with Aboriginal students at the university. After graduation Jessie hopes to work at INAC, eventually rising to the position of Regional Director General for Ontario.

Allison McKinney

Allison is a 15 year old status Ojibway from the Swan Lake First Nation in Manitoba who is in grade 9 at St. Claude School Complex. A hard-working student with a flair for art, Allison loves volunteering and actively participates as a cook for community events. She has won second place in track and field and is working on improving her grades. Allison is determined to go on to college and perhaps become a counsellor.

Spencer Packo

Spencer is a 15 year old status Ojibway from the Iskatewizaagegan #39 First Nation in Ontario who is in grade 10 at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. He is a traditional dancer who enjoys competition dancing and participating as a singer and drummer. He is an excellent student, volunteer and award winning chess player. Spencer is determined to go to university and pursue a career either in education or medicine.