Role model recognized by health group

Alberta's own Daniel McKennitt and Alexander Angnaluak, along with 10 other Aboriginal youth from across Canada, were presented with a National Aboriginal Role Model Award from Gov-Gen Michaelle Jean during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Oct. 16 in Ottawa.

Each year the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) recognizes the accomplishments of 12 Aboriginal young people, ages 13 to 30, from First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities.

This was the first year the governor general hosted the ceremony "so we were very honored," said Karin Kettler, co-ordinator of the program. "The ceremony was beautiful and I think everyone felt the excitement of the new role models."

NAHO selected McKennitt, a 23-year-old from Sandy Bay First Nation, Man. who now lives in Edmonton, and 13-year-old Alexander Angnaluak from Cold Lake as examples of what the program is all about.

McKennit attends the University of Alberta's department of Medicine, studying to become a physician. He recently obtained his bachelor of Science degree from the university. Upon graduation from the course, McKennit plans to specialize in community medicine.

"I believe that too many decisions affecting First Nations people are being made from the top without enough Aboriginal consultation, so I believe that if we can get more Aboriginal people into those kind of roles we can influence better decision making," he said.

With a double major in math and science and acting as a strong promoter of education, McKennitt admitted that he wasn't really surprised that he was selected as a role model.

"I knew that I had really strong references and I had a really strong portfolio going in."

He believes that education and health have a strong tie or they compliment each other, and as a result they lead to individuals being successful and staying healthy.

"A lot of the things I do are towards education because I strongly believe education is a very, very strong determinant of health," said McKennitt. "If we can improve our education rates among Aboriginal people then we can improve our health status as well."

McKennitt worked for the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre with the department of Heritage as a youth advisor. The program was designed to promote urban Aboriginal programming for youth. McKennitt's job was to evaluate the different proposals from different Aboriginal organizations in Edmonton.

Last year, he worked for the provincial government in the advanced education department. He would travel to different schools promoting post-secondary education to Aboriginal communities and children across Alberta.

"My really big thing is education, but also making healthy choices and healthy decisions," said McKennitt.

Traveling to a lot of communities he would notice problems that Aboriginal youth were dealing with like self-esteem and hopelessness.

"We've all been there; I've been there," he said. "In my community it's 90 per cent unemployment, but I know education can free you from that. It can make you have better self-confidence and better self-esteem, so those are all kind of intertwined."

According to Kettler, the focus of the program is to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue their dreams.

"The goal of the program is to influence Aboriginal youth towards healthy lifestyles and help Aboriginal role models be available to communities and youth," said Kettler.

"The other goals are to strengthen the Aboriginal identity, improve the public image of Aboriginal people and promote healthy self-esteem among Aboriginal people and encourage leadership."
Angnaluak admits that he may not have as much experience as the other role models, but he said he is proud of what he has accomplished so far.

He is currently in the ninth grade at Grand Centre high school. Upon graduation, he is interested in attending university to study environmental sciences.

As a teenager he agrees that he has been pretty grounded and on the right track to success, but his accomplishments wouldn't have been possible without the encouragement and firm hand of his mother.

"My mom has been very supportive," said Angnaluak. "She always told us about the negative affects of alcohol and drugs and the benefits of school."

Angnaluak recounts one occasion where he skipped school and his mom found him.

"Well, she sure gave me heck and after that I didn't skip school again," he said.

Aside from achieving high grades in school, Angnaluak is involved in a variety of sports, such as volleyball, basketball, track and field and downhill skiing.

When he's not doing a "ton" of homework, Angnaluak is trying to get his friends in touch with their culture and "I try to help them with education."

"I keep telling them that education is the key to life because without an education you really can't do much," said Angnaluak. "You can't make an impact in the world or help out very much. You can't get a very good job without an education."

Throughout the year, the role models will visit First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. This is something that Angnaluak is looking forward to. They will share their stories and inspire Aboriginal youth to achieve and accomplish their goals.

"I've always wanted to tour Canada and now here's the chance," he said. "I see the community speaking as a way to learn more about different cultures and to see the way of life."

The pre-screening and selection process of the nominations is an interesting aspect to the program. Kettler said the nominations are pre-screened by Aboriginal youth, which are then put into a grid and the highest ones are put forward to a selection committee made up of past role models.

"So it's Aboriginal youth nominating Aboriginal youth selected by Aboriginal youth," said Kettler.
For more information on the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, visit www.naho.ca.