Marc Alexander

Marc is an 18 year old non-status Mi’kmaq from Port-au-Port, who is in the first year of a neuropsychology program at the University of Waterloo. An award winning athlete and community volunteer, recent sports injuries have limited his level of athletic activity. One of his teachers says his high academic standing testifies to his strong commitment to his goals. His sponsor says Marc carried out his duties at the local hospital with a high degree of maturity and professionalism. Marc hopes one day to be a practicing psychologist.

Andrea D’Ippolito

Andrea is a 19 year old Métis from St. Augustine River who is in the second year of an international studies program at Champlain Regional College in Lennoxville. She is dedicated to preserving the unique lifestyle of Québec’s Lower North Shore and has worked to help her village thrive. One of her teachers says she has made a positive impact on her school and community. Her sponsor says Andrea knows the importance of a good education, is helpful, shows concern for the environment, and always lends a hand when it is needed. Andrea plans to study international business at university.

William Dunlop

William is a 35 year old non-status Lil’wat from British Columbia who is in the first year of a master’s program in industrial relations at Queen’s University. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with honours) from the University of British Columbia. William taught English in Japan for four years before returning to Canada to pursue his education. One of his professors believes he has the capacity to be a leader in whatever field he chooses. His sponsor speaks of the many hours William has devoted to promoting business education among high school students in Aboriginal communities. William plans to return to B.C. and work in human resources consulting.

Courtney Flynn

Courtney is a 19 year old non-status Ojibway from Hiawatha First Nation who is in the second year of a program in conflict studies and human rights at the University of Ottawa. This is her second FAAY award. She recently volunteered as an intern for the United Nations Association and also works with the homeless in Ottawa. One of her professors says she is very bright, intellectually curious and highly-motivated. Her sponsor says Courtney demonstrates a keen interest and they welcome her participation and support. Courtney hopes to be an agent of change for disadvantaged people after she finishes school.

Lara Kramer

Lara is a 28 year old status Ojibway from the Berens River First Nation in Manitoba who is in the fourth year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (contemporary dance) program at Concordia University in Montreal. This is her second FAAY award. She is a fine dancer, choreographer and an excellent student. One of her professors calls her capable, self-disciplined, organized and mature. Her sponsor says Lara has demonstrated reliability and dedication in her volunteer work. Lara plans to continue to study dance and choreography and work with the dance company that she helped found.

Ben Powless

Ben is a 21 year old status Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River who is in the second year of a political science program at Carleton University. This is his second FAAY award. A work/study trip to Mexico and rural Alberta influenced him to join the environmental movement back in Ottawa. One of his instructors calls him one of the best undergraduate students he has ever taught. Ben’s sponsor speaks of his very active role in the Ottawa Aboriginal community. After he graduates, Ben plans to either pursue a master’s degree or study law, and work to promote human and indigenous rights within a framework of environmental responsibility.

Scott Maracle

Scott is a 27 year old status Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte First Nation in Ontario who is in the third year of a Russian history program at Concordia University in Montréal. Scott’s teenage years held personal challenges that he was able to overcome, and he eventually graduated from high school with honours. One of his instructors says his work is consistently well-written, thoughtful, analytical and interpretive. His sponsor praises Scott’s perseverance and dedication to learning and hopes he does well. Scott plans to stay in school until he obtains his doctorate in Russian history.

Aaron Mills

Aaron is a 26 year old status Ojibway from the Couchiching First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of law school at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honours from Carleton University. He worked for the federal Competition Bureau but turned down a permanent job to study law. One of his professors says he is an outstanding student who is committed to playing a leadership role in the wider community. His sponsor speaks of his commitment to his volunteer organization. After he is called to the bar, Aaron plans to use his education to be an agent of change. He eventually wants to get into politics.

Megan Beland

Megan is an 18 year old Métis from Ontario who is in grade 12 at Michipicoten High School. She is a prize-winning mathematician who volunteers with an environmental service club and Ontario Students Against Impaired Drivers. After high school Megan hopes to study and make a career in ecology or wildlife biology.

Justin Bull

Justin is a 16 year old status Cree from the Paul First Nation in Alberta who is in grade 10 at Memorial Composite High School in Stony Plain, Alberta. He is a hard-working student, is involved in many extracurricular activities, and has volunteered at his local food bank. Justin’s aspirations are to work in business and travel the world.

Natasha Harris

Natasha is a status Chemainus Coast Salish from the Stzumin’us First Nation in British Columbia who is in grade 11 at Dover Bay Secondary School. Natasha has volunteered with many organizations in the past, and when time permits will contribute again. Her interpersonal skills make her a valuable contributor. Natasha plans to continue her education after high school and hopes one day to run a counselling clinic.

Alaina Holitzki

Alaina is a 15 year old Métis from British Columbia who is grade 10 at Chase Secondary School. She has been an honour roll student throughout her school career. Alaina participated in E-spirit, a national Aboriginal youth business plan competition, and is very proud of the work her team did on her business plan. Alaina plans to study medicine and specialize in radiology.

Melissa Mallette

Melissa is a 17 year old status Mohawk from Kanehsatake Mohawk Territory in Québec who is in grade 10 at Rathihen: te High School. She calls herself a devoted bookworm and plans to use her FAAY award to buy lots of reading material. A talented poet and songwriter, Melissa plans to carry on to college and university and one day return home to teach English.

Daniel Nootchtai

Daniel is a 19 year old status Ojibway of the Whitefish Lake First Nation in Ontario who is in grade 12 at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. A determined and award-winning student and athlete, he played on his school’s championship football team last year. Daniel knows how important an education is these days and plans to go to college. His career goal is to work as a police officer.

Sam Huyer Upton

Sam is a 17 year old Inuit from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut who is in grade 11 at Northeast Kings Education Centre. He is a talented scholar and athlete. Sam also volunteers at his community centre and is eagerly waiting to become a junior volunteer firefighter. Sam plans to study geology at university and work in diamond exploration in Nunavut.

Kelsi Wilson

Kelsi is a 17 year old member of the Saugeen Métis Association from Ontario who is in grade 12 at Saugeen District Secondary School. A long-time honours student, she is a talented artist and proven fundraiser. She is also a dedicated volunteer in the community and holds down two part-time jobs. Kelsi plans to go on to college or university and build a successful family and career.