National Native role models needed to inspire youth

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Is there someone is your life who serves as an inspiration, someone whose dreams can help others build dreams of their own?

The National Native Role Model Program helps provide role models for youth.

These role models are Native individuals from across Canada who have shown leadership in their communities. They show in their words and their deeds the seven traditions of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

The National Native Role Model Program began in 1984 at the summer Olympics when Alwyn Morris won the gold and bronze medals in kayaking for Canada. He became one of the first group of role models, responding to the many public appearances he was asked to make.

The first group, which included hockey player John Chabot, actress Margot Kane, and Ted Nolan, former coach of junior A hockey in the Ontario Hockey League and current coach of the year for the NHL, were all role models with high profile careers.

In 1983, the focus of the program shifted to ordinary people who were serving their communities so that young people could set realistic goals for themselves, because not everyone can be an Olympic gold medalist.

Since the rephasing, communities take a more active role in the selection of role models. Role models now serve two-year terms, and are nominated in their communities.

Dawn Willier was among the second group of role models from l993 to 1995.

"We were basically introducing the program in a different way," Willier said.

It was no longer about things you did like winning a gold medal.

"At the time when I was chosen, I was really involved in youth," Willier said. "As home school co-ordinator, I worked with the high school. We organized trips and I volunteered time to chaperone."

Gerald Auger is one of the current group of role rodels whose term ends in 1998. Auger owns a publishing and promotions company run by First Nations people for First Nations people.

As a role model, he is required to make at least 10 community visits. So far, Auger has made 28 or 29.

"I talk to the kids on a range of issues depending on what issues are dominant in the community," he explained. "I go to schools, youth conferences, and banquets. By the time I'm done a visit, there may be one or two out of the group of two or three hundred. They wait in the back and approach to ask questions.

"You can see it in the eyes of the troubled kids, that their dreams are possible," Auger said.

Auger knows what it's like to be a troubled kid. He was on the street at the age of 12, then with the help of people who taught him to survive, put himself through college and went after his dreams. He went on to work with 12 inner city street youth on a program called Young Pride.

"It's busy. I like the experience but it's not all a bed of roses. Whoever gets nominated, there is a lot of dedication and sacrifice and time away from their communities," Auger said about being a role model.

The Native Role Model Program is funded by Health Canada through the treasury board.

"For this year, our finding is stable, and for next year," said Arlene Skye, program director. We have demonstrated that we are stable and have made a definite impact on the community, so we are not really worried."

"We can never really be sure," she added. "The treasury board could change their guidelines for funding."

All First Nations and Inuit people can nominate a role model, but Native youth are especially encouraged to help in selecting role models. Each nominator can select only one.

To nominate a role model, pick up a nomination brochure from a community health representative, Native alcohol and drug abuse prevention program workers, regional organizations, reserve schools and media locations throughout Canada.

Nominations must be received by the National Native Role Model Program by Sept. 30.

All nomination ballots received from First Nations and Inuit individuals will be entered into a grand prize anda regional draw. The grand prize is round trip airfare and accommodation for two at the gala evening in Ottawa where new role models will be presented.

One role model will be selected from each of the nine regions. The individuals who nominated the selected role models will win a portable CD player each.

To get involved in the National Native Role Model Program, community leaders can host role model celebrations to recognize people who have helped youth in their community or region.

Schools and health educators can discuss role models with the youth in the community and invite them to nominate people in their lives who have been a source of inspiration.

Booths and displays can be set up at events such as powwows, feasts and round dances.

For more information about the National Native Role Model Program contact Arlene Skye at 1-800-363-3199.