EDUCATION
COVER:
Grassy
Narrows Fights for their Future
BIOGRAPHY
Eskasoni's Icon: Seymour
Doucette
Sophie
Pierre, Lifetime Achiever Seeks a Better Future for Children
BUSINESS
Tobacco
Road Revisited
Interior
First Nations Awarded Forest Licenses
BOOKS
Fatherhood,
History, and Art
CULTURE
A
Mother's Prayer for Son's Safe Return
EDUCATION
CHIP
Hospitality "Future Tourism Leaders" Scholarship
HUMOUR
Bee in the Bonnet:
Circle the Wagon
MODERN
TREATIES
Top Court
to Determine Scope of Metis Rights
By Staff Writer
Scholarships of $2,000 for university and college students Foundation
For The Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
FAAY is a scholarship program dedicated to supporting the future generationsof
Aboriginal people in Canada through education.
Operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), FAAY
bridges the gap between the realities that kids confront in their communities
and the opportunitiesavailable to those with higher education.
This year FAAY awarded almost $215,000 in scholarship and bursary money
to130 scholars from across Canada. Since FAAY began in 1994 it has distributed
almost $1 million to more than 725 students in every province and territory
in Canada.
Scholarship Criteria
In the application process for 2002, FAAY received over 1,400 applications
from an array of Aboriginal students pursuing education in a variety of
areas from across the country.
After much deliberation the FAAY selection committee chose 130 students
from a variety of backgrounds all of whom demonstrated a high level of
talent. Applications for 2003 are available from the CCAB
web site.
2002 CHIP Hospitality "Future Tourism Leaders" Scholarship
Recipients
Sylvia Gopher
Sylvia is a 40-year-old status Saulteaux from the Saulteaux First Nation
in North Battleford, Saskatchewan who is enrolled in a Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer course at Nighthawk Technologies in Hull, Quebec.
Sylvia worked for a number of years as an office manager for Aboriginal
organizations in Saskatchewan before going back to school to improve her
chances of making a better life for her three children.
One of her instructors says she demonstrates a professional attitude and
has been an asset to her class. Her sponsor says she became a key person
in the Aboriginal community in Ottawa/Hull since her arrival last year.
Sylvia plans to become an IT consultant and trainer after she graduates.
Michelle Klippenstein
Michelle is an 18-year-old status Ojibway from the Popular River First
Nation in Manitoba who is in her first year at the University of Winnipeg.
She is taking a general program in first year while she decides on a major.
One of her teachers tells us she is a highly respected member of her class
who is responsible, caring and hard working. Her sponsor has, over the
years, observed a commendable perseverance from this very ambitious young
woman.
Michelle spent grade 11 studying in Guatemala and is narrowing her choices
of a major to tourism, business or international development.
Mellina Laboucan-Massimo
Mellina is a 21-year-old status Cree from the Lubicon Lake First Nation
in Alberta who is in the fourth year of a Spanish language and literature
program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
She has been active in her church, studied dance for 10 years and is currently
the Aboriginal representative on the City of Edmonton youth Council.
Her professor believes she will be an asset to any organization. Her sponsor
says she showed great ability and patience in dealing with children at
Sunday school. Melina would like to work overseas with a humanitarian
organization for a year and then return to school for a master's in community
development.
Leah Mack
Leah is a 21-year-old status Nuu-Chah-Nulth from the Toquat First Nation
in B.C. who is in the final year of a business administration program
at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Leah is the
recipient of many academic awards and scholarships.
She was elected a student member of the St.FX board of governors this
year. Her professor calls her a distinguished scholar and role model and
says she is a leader at her university. Her sponsor says she was highly
responsible, polite, positive and energetic in her volunteer work. After
graduation, Leah plans to attend law school.
Lisa Myers
Lisa is a 33-year-old non-status Ojibway from the Beausoleil First Nation
in Ontario who is in her first year at the Stratford Chefs School.
She has been cooking at the Enaahitig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre
in Victoria harbour for five years and wants to apply the skills she learns
in Stratford back home. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art
and Design.
One of her sponsors describes her leadership qualities as admirable and
unfaltering. Another says she has been an avid student, eager to learn
the traditional teachings and participate in the ceremonies. After graduation,
Lisa wants to teach cooking and art and eventually open her own restaurant.
Katie Robinson
Katie is a 20-year-old status Nuu-Chah-Nulth/Nisga'a from the Squamish
First Nation in B.C. who is finishing high school at the Roberts Education
Centre prior to entering the Tourism Training Institute, both in Vancouver.
Katie has a deep interest in her culture and traditions and is an accomplished
traditional dancer. She explored her heritage as an intern at the University
of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology.
One of her instructors is confident she will make a positive contribution
to the community. Her sponsor has seen her agonize over the smallest details
to make sure a job is done right. After she finishes school, Katie plans
to work in the tourism industry and someday own a business.