Eighteen receive prestigious role model award

Page 8

"If you are a role model, you are also a servant of your family, of your community, of our people," said Senator Thelma Chalifoux.

Chalifoux was in Edmonton as the keynote speaker at the fifth Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta Awards that honored 18 individuals for their contributions and achievements.

A 1998 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award herself, Chalifoux informed the audience that her role models were, in many cases, ordinary people. Some, she explained, were people like her Aunt Millie, who taught her all about herbal medicines, and her granny Kipling, who encouraged her to always be kind, patient and caring with the elderly.

Role models, she added, are people "who make a difference," people who make others' lives "a little better."

The awards, originated in 1995 by Irene Morin from the Enoch First Nation near Edmonton, were presented at a formal banquet Dec. 1 at West Edmonton Mall's Fantasyland Hotel.

As each recipient came forward, he or she was presented with a beautifully framed dreamcatcher, along with an accompanying eagle feather and an inscribed bronze plate acknowledging the individual's contributions.

The affair lasted well past midnight. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Herb Belcourt, founder, president and CEO of Canative Housing Corporation.

Belcourt was largely recognized for the part he's played in providing housing for urban Aboriginals and for financially assisting Aboriginal university students and programs.

Additional categories and people recognized were the following:

Justice - provincial court judge Tony Mandamin from Calgary, and Brad Enge, director of the Indigenous Law Program at the University of Alberta.

Business - Curtis Ermineskin, owner of the Bow 'N Arrow Convenience Store and Gas Bar at Hobbema.

Media - comedian, entertainer and wellness promoter Don Burnstick from the Alexander reserve.

Art - Alex Janvier, an internationally acclaimed flat artist from Cold Lake First Nation.

Politics - Enoch First Nation Chief Ron Morin, and Randy Parenteau, president of the Metis Settlements General Council in Edmonton.

Humanitarian - Edmonton's Georgina Donald, president of the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society.

Health - Ken Ward, international speaker and workshop presenter on AIDS/HIV, from the Enoch reserve.

Public Service - RCMP Corporal Cam Alexis from the Alexis First Nation, and Jim White, a Metis with the Edmonton Police Service.

Volunteer - Ralph Bouvette of Edmonton, for his work with United Way and the Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

Community Development - Heart Lake First Nation Chief Morris Monias, and Canadian Native Friendship Centre president, Martha Campiou.

Education - Joyce Goodstriker from Cardston, the Kainai Board of Education superintendent.

Sports Under 30 - Shane Peacock, from Enoch First Nation. He played for the WHL, NHL and Team Canada, and now lives and works in Europe.

Sports Over 30 - Dean Louis of Hobbema is a hockey player, steer wrestler and now an administrator with Peace Hills Trust.

Standing ovations during the lengthy presentations went to Ken Ward, Alex Janvier and Herb Belcourt.