Calendar is unique way to highlight role models

A dozen young Aboriginal people from across Saskatchewan who view higher education as a priority have been chosen as role models to appear in the 2012 version of A Proud Generation Calendar.

“We’re really big on education,” said Conway Samuelson, the calendar’s recruitment specialist, who oversees the nomination process.

Applicants’ post-secondary education plans along with their achievements, leadership and innovations are all taken into consideration.  Applicants, who must be between 15-30 years of age and First Nation, Métis or Inuit, must submit their resume, biographies, school transcripts, reference letters, and a photograph.

Fifteen applications were received this year, with winners selected in early fall. The 2012 calendars will be unveiled next month, available for purchase in November.
Each recipient featured in the calendar received a bursary.

“They get the $500 bursary as well as the recognition,” Samuelson said. “Now we’re trying to see if we can up the bursary to $1,000. We’re just trying to make the calendar bigger and better every year.”

Various sponsors help cover some of the expenses incurred in making the calendars.

A total of 10,000 calendars were printed for 2011 and Samuelson expects the same number to be available this time around.

Calendars can be purchased at various retail locations throughout the province at $20 each.

“The calendar is sold across Saskatchewan. You’re pretty much featured as a role model across the province.”

All proceeds from this project are reinvested into those featured in the calendar.

During the past seven years more than $50,000 has been presented to the more than 80 individuals who have appeared in the various calendars.

A Proud Generation calendar was introduced in 2004. It was the brainchild of Tracey George-Heese, who worked at Regina’s Scott Collegiate. Her goal was to profile Aboriginal youth role models in the province so they could inspire other Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan.

George-Heese worked with the calendar for several years but is now no longer involved. The calendar project is run by a group of volunteers from Regina and Saskatoon.
Besides rewarding those chosen to be featured as role models in the calendar, A Proud Generation calendars also aim to promote healthy lifestyles and boost self-esteem among Aboriginal people.