Circle of Honour recognizes outstanding achievements

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The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) took time out from its spring legislative assembly in Prince Albert at the end of May to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of a handful of First Nations individuals from across the province.

Twenty-seven awards were presented during this year?s Circle of Honour banquet, held at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert on May 30.

Gabriel Mitchell Lee Cameron of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation was presented with a Circle of Honour Award in the Education-Academic/Scholastic Achievement-Male category. The 17-year-old attends Willow Cree Education Complex where he has demonstrated his abilities in both sports and his studies, achieving top marks in both math and science.

Denise Beaudin Anaquod of Cowessess First Nation was the recipient in the Education?Teachers/Instructor/Para-Professional category. A faculty member at Dr. Martin Leboldus high school in Regina, she has been involved in creating professional learning opportunities for fellow instructors and is currently co-authoring curriculum focusing on Aboriginal education and career success.

Leona Carignan of Pasqua First Nation was presented with the award for Education?Support Staff/Administrator. With more than 25 years working in the education field, Carignan has served as a strong role model for students and staff alike.

The award in the Education'Post-Secondary category was presented to Kerri Lynn Ahenakew from Ahtahkakoop First Nation. Ahenakew is currently pursuing her bachelor of administration degree at the First Nations University of Canada, minoring in marketing and human resources. She is chief of the university's student association and has been involved in promoting the Proud Generation calendar, which profiles young Aboriginal role models. She is also a tutor for mentally-challenged youth.

The Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation?Team Award went to the Team Saskatchewan boy's midget hockey team, which took top spot at this year's National Aboriginal Hockey Championships held in Kahnawake, Que. this spring.

The Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation/Amateur Athlete Award was presented to Renee Lynn Fox of Beardy?s and Okemasis First Nation. The 16-year-old student at Willow Cree Education Centre has been competing in soccer for a decade. She is consistently the leading scorer on the high school and senior ladies teams she plays on and is a natural leader, motivating her teammates to try their best.

The Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation/Professional Athlete Award was presented to hockey legend Fred Sasakamoose from Ahtahkakoop First Nation. At the age of 19, Sasakamoose joined the Chicago Blackhawks and became the first treaty First Nation member to play in the Original Six National Hockey League. Sasakamoose has also served as chief and headman for his community and has travelled across the country promoting positive cultural lifestyles to the young and the elderly.

The Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation/Youth Role Model Award was presented to Danielle J. Dupre from Lac La Ronge First Nation. The 18-year-old is in Grade 12 at St. Mary high school in Prince Albert, where she has an 82 per cent average. She spends three days a week volunteering at West Gate, a community after-school program, and also plays soccer, hockey and baseball and competes in modern dance.

The Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation/Art/Culture/Music Award was presented to Clarence Logan of Moosomin First Nation. Logan has studied organ and voice since he was 12 and has placed in the finals of many Saskatchewan Music Festivals. He recently completed his masters degree in music in the vocal performance and literature program at the University of Western Ontario and will be touring with Vancouver Opera's production of The Magic Flute.

The award in the Health and Social Development/Healing and Policy Initiative?Individual category was presented to Barbara Sankey of English River First Nation. Sank is an instructor for the community health service program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and is pursuing a bachelor of arts and science degree. She also volunteers her time to various organizations involved in the fight against breast cancer.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities/Health/Youth Leadership Award was given to Gerald Naytowhow of Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Currently in the Grade 12 alternative education program at Bishop James Mahoney school in Saskatoon, where he is achieving success despite his intellectual disability and significant health problems. Naytowhow volunteers at the Sherbrooke nursing home where he visits the residents. Once he graduates he plans to pursue vocational training at the Abilities Council.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities/Health/Adult Leadership Award was presented to Verna Whitford of Sweetgrass First Nation. Whitford is currently working as a community addictions worker at Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health and volunteers her time with a variety of organizations including the Red Cross, St. Thomas Church and Christopher Leadership.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities/Health/Elder Award was presented to Alva May Badger (nee Bird) of Mistawasis First Nation, who has been actively involved in her community for many years. She has been a member of the police management board, a councillor, an Elder for Mistawasis school, and a midwife. Her arthritis has forced her to slow down, but she continues to share her wisdom and teachings with her family and community.

The First Nation Justice & Individual Award was presented to Regina Police Service Staff Sergeant Jerry Nelson from Gordon First Nation. Nelson has received many awards recognizing his work with the community. He also volunteers with a number of organizations including the Kid Care Project and the Paul Dojack Youth Centre.

The award in the Justice Initiative & Community categry was presented to the Walking in Balance Group from Sakimay First Nation, which worked to make their high school drug and alcohol free.

Justin Conrad Scott of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation received the Lands and Resources?Environmental Respect Award. A certified eco-tourism and water technician, Scott represents his community in dealings with environmental agencies and tourism companies and helps promote environmental issues within area schools.

The Economic Development Housing Innovative Initiative Award was presented to South Beach Homes of Montreal Lake First Nation. The company is a subsidiary of the Montreal Lake Construction Company and is working to market the company's Ready-To-Move Homes.

The Economic and Community Development & First Nations Business Award was presented to Dakota Dunes, a golf course located on Whitecap Dakota First Nation, created through a partnership between four First Nation bands and their economic development corporations.

The Economic and Community Development & Labour Force Development Award went to Onion Lake First Nation's Labour Market Strategy, which opened up training and employment opportunities for community members by establishing a shuttle service to and from Lloydminster.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission?Youth Leadership Award went to Ariane Starblanket from Starblanket First Nation, who is completing a summer internship at the Business Development Bank of Canada's Aboriginal Banking Unit. She hopes to become a teacher and is enrolled in the Indian education program at the First Nations University of Canada.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission & Women's Leadership Award was presented to Carmen Blackstar of Moosomin First Nation, a founding member of Speaking for Our Silent Sisters, which works to raise awareness of the many First Nations women who have been murdered or have gone missing.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission & Honouring Our Mothers ward was pesented to Agatha Durocher of Canoe Lake First Nation, who is actively involved during the general band meetings and treaty land entitlement meetings in her community. She acts as an Elder, counsellor and mentor at the school and takes part in the annual summer camps, serving as cook, supervisor, Kohkom and counsellor.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Veteran?s Association & Humanity Award was presented to eight-year-old Russell Mackenzie from Stanley Mission First Nation, who was recognized for his quick thinking and bravery. McKenzie was walking on the ice of the Churchill River with his seven-year-old step brother Gary Sanderson in April when the younger boy fell through the ice. McKenzie grabbed his brother?s arm and pulled him to safety.

The Indian Government & Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Beverly Waditaka, a band councillor from Wahpeton Dakota First Nation. When Damian Prosper, a member of the community went missing in March 2006, Waditaka organized a search and rescue team to help Prosper's family search for him. She also organized fundraising and team assignments and helped prepare food for the searchers.

The award for Indian Government & Citizen of the Year was presented to Ray Fox from Sweetgrass First Nation. Currently a city councillor for North Battleford, Fox is also employed by the Battlefords Tribal Council justice program. He has many years working in radio and television and has held management positions with the Battlefords Friendship Centre, the local United Way and the Prairie Employment Program.

The Indian Government & Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Roland Crowe of Piapot First Nation. Crowe is chairman of the FSIN senate. He began his political career in the 1960s, serving first as councillor then as Piapot chief. He serves as FSIN vice-chief for four years, then was elected as FSIN chief for another eight years.

During his time on the FSIN executive, he worked to improve housing conditions and c