Waddilove named NAHO national role model

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Jodie-Lynn Waddilove from the Munsee-Delaware Nation has been selected as one of 12 National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) national Aboriginal role models for 2006.

Waddilove, 29, is an Anishnabe (Ojibway) and Lenni Lenape (Delaware) lawyer who has worked with a number of legal and political organizations including the RCMP, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Environment Canada, the London Police Service and the Parliament of Canada. Most recently she has served as assistant commission counsel on the Ipperwash inquiry looking into the events surrounding the death of Dudley George in the provincial park during a 1995 protest.

Her academic achievements, community involvement and leadership abilities earned Waddilove a number of awards during her time as a student. She was recipient of the Indigenous Bar Association's first Ronald Peigan Scholarship, the Harvey Bell Q.C. Memorial Scholarship, Casino Rama's Awards for Excellence scholarship, the Sam Odjick Scholarship, Butterworth's Law Prize and a scholarship from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

A jingle dress dancer who has been dancing since she was two, Waddilove honors and values her First Nation culture. By her example she encourages Aboriginal youth to pursue their educational goals, to make good life decisions and to be proud of their culture.

Waddilove and the other 11 NAHO role models were announced and honored during a gala held in Ottawa on March 20. Throughout the year the role models will travel across the country to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth.