Role Models provide example

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A program to provide example and inspiration for Native youth has been developed by Kahnawake Social Services in Quebec, as a result of the success of the "Caravan for Youth 1984" sponsored by the National Native Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

The first to be featured in the National Native Role Model Campaign was Olympic Gold Medal Winner Alwyn Morris, who also participated in the caravan project.

The campaign is multi-phased, and includes the production of visual materials such as posters, buttons and pamphlets for national distribution. The objective of the program is to encourage Native youths to be inspired by the success of others by their full potential, interests and ambitions.

The Native youths selected as role models are available to Native communities to do personal appearances and promote the aspects of a positive lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and the Kahnawake Social Service Resource Centre are also sponsors of the Alwyn Morris Award of Achievement.

Morris is from Kahnawake. This award is presented to a youth who has been nominated and selected for his/her achievements based on community service involvement, achievement in education, respect for community values/traditions and achievements in athletics.

All too often, the award sponsors say, "young teens recklessly abandon their ambitions and choose to abuse some of the more immediate pleasures, such as alcohol and drugs. These provide an easy way out of the hard work and perseverance it takes to follow a dream to its end.