Award inspired reporter

Page 6

Do you even wonder how a person can give a 100% effort at all times. Or is able to give unselfishly to others?

The Alberta Junior Citizens Award recognizes these traits in youth. George Poitras is a young Native man who received this award in 1980-81. Since then, it inspired him to strive for excellence in his work and life.

He's a reporter for Windspeaker. Past experience as editor (of his high school newspaper), and proficiency in grammar have given this young man communication skills. His fortitude has enabled him to quickly advance from typesetter to reporter with "Windspeaker." This position allows him to travel to Native communities in Alberta. He enjoys meeting people and that enjoyment is reflected in his writing. George's personality, coupled with his skills, makes him a role model for other Native youth.

An exchange program called Canada World Youth has given George direction and awareness. This program taught him another culture, language and insight to himself

He lived for three months in Somalia, Africa and for another three months in British Columbia.

In the hot desert he planted trees and adjusted to a new environment. While in Canada he worked at a training centre for the mentally and physically handicapped. He found that people in Africa were happy even though they didn't have material comforts. He believes that to be rich is not based on what we have but how we can appreciate what we have been given.

He now wants to travel, to exchange cultures and ideas. He even wants to go back to Africa and work there.

The Alberta Junior Citizens Award demands leadership. The kind of leadership that can recognize the true worth of others. Nominations for this award comes from communities or individuals who select they feel have contributed time and skills to a worthy cause.

What did George do to receive this award?

In high school he became heavily involved with the student union and found enjoyment in helping teachers. Not too many youngsters find time to sit down and talk to teachers, never mind help them.

One situation that must have caught the attention of the selection committee was the fact that from a very early age George lived with his grandmother. This was a demanding job because he had to take on the responsibility of caring for her when he could have been doing other things. His love for his grandmother not only touched her life but extended into the respect he now has for elderly people. George takes all that he has learned into his daily life, by being himself and respecting others.

This man well deserves the honor of the Alberta Junior Citizens Award.

(Alison Joy Cox is enrolled in the Native Communications Program at Grant MacEwan Community College.)