 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Home :
Equity Through Education :
Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY) 
How FAAY will use proceeds from Equity Through Education Funds contributed by Equity Through Education™ are applied to post-secondary scholarships for Aboriginal students, and to enhance FAAY’s endowment fund.
About Program Recipients – 2009 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients Following are profiles of several of the twenty-three 2009 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients. Click here to view the profiles of all the 2009 award winners. Andrew Anderson-Serson Andrew is status Cree from Sucker Creek First Nation, AB. He is in his first year of study at the University of Alberta pursuing an Engineering degree. He has an analytical mind and an inquisitive nature. His teacher notes Andrew’s positive attitude and superb work ethic. Andrew is currently considering his opinions for specialization but he is certain that green technology is the future. Whatever he chooses, Andrew is determined to help as many people as he can. Candice Bolton Candice is status Teslin Tlingit from Tofield, AB. She is in her third year of study at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration. Candice aspires to own and manage her own retail business. Her teacher praises her self-motivation, team work and self-direction. In order to achieve her goal, Candice intends to learn and experience as much as she can about the retail environment and perhaps hold a leading management position. Her summer job at an environmental recycling society has given her a glimpse into the ethics of running a business. Chelsea Boucher Chelsea is Métis and is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She is in her second year at the University of Alberta pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science and a minor in Native Studies. Chelsea hopes to accomplish her ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer and owning her own law firm. Her teacher commends her sense of compassion for humanity, dedication to her causes, her perseverance and genuine appreciation for fair and equitable justice in the world. Chelsea is dedicated to helping Aboriginal communities by defending them in their continuous quest for justice. Daisy Eyegetok Daisy is Inuit and is a member of the Nunavut Landclaim Agreement from Cambridge Bay, NU. She is in her second year at Nunavut Arctic College pursuing a Bachelor of Education. Daisy is committed to becoming a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher. Her community sponsors praise her dedication, her above and beyond mentality, and her unwavering commitment to programs in her community. She intends to make learning fun so that her students will acquire a thirst for knowledge that will inspire them to grow. Adam Mildenberger Adam is Métis and is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. He is in his second year at the University of Alberta pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Honours Immunology and Infection. Adam aspires to attend graduate school and obtain a PhD in medical research. His academic sponsor considers him to be an extremely bright, curious individual who has a driving desire to solve the bigger questions in science and nature. Adam hopes to contribute to finding a cure or effective treatment for diseases like bipolar disorder, AIDS and cancer. Emilie Nadeau Emily is Innu and is a member of the Native Alliance of Quebec. She is in her first year at the University of Quebec pursuing a Bachelor degree in Technical Accounting and Management. Her sponsors highly praise her skills in accounting and computer science and find her to be very professional with a fantastic personality. Emilie aspires to earn a Certified General Accountant designation and have a career working for Revenue Quebec. Natasha Smith Natasha is status Ojibway from Whitefish River First Nation, ON. She is in her final year of study at the University of Guelph pursuing a Master of Arts, Public Issues Anthropology designation. Natasha is focusing her thesis research on the impact Aboriginal student centres have on the success of Aboriginal students, specifically in the areas of transition, identity and community. Natasha’s experiences as a Co-Chair for the Aboriginal Student Association has obviously enhanced her knowledge and provided her with invaluable insight. She hopes that her research will provide a viable argument for more post secondary institutions to establish Aboriginal centres in their schools. About Program Recipients – 2008 Equity Through Education Scholarship RecipientsFollowing are profiles of several of the twenty-five 2008 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients. Terri-Leigh Aldred Terri-Leigh is non-status Carrier from Tl'azt'en First Nation in BC. She is in her 2nd year of study at the University of Alberta pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree. She plans to eventually work as a family practitioner in the rural north and hopes to establish an inter-disciplinary clinic and provide health promotion programs to the community. Terri-Leigh also hopes to be a preceptor for future physicians and eventually teach at university. Christine Creyke Christine is status Tahltan from Tahltan First Nation in BC. She is currently attending the University of Northern British Columbia pursuing a Master of Arts in Natural Resource and Environmental Studies degree. In 2006 she worked as the Land Stewardship Coordinator in her home community. The experiences she had lead her back to school with the intent of learning more about sustainable resource development. Christine’s next step is to conduct research for her thesis in Tahltan traditional territory using traditional site documentation and community interviews regarding mining development. Jenny Dupuis Jenny is Métis and is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She is currently at the University of Calgary pursuing her Doctor of Education. Jenny hopes to hone her understanding of the development of successful, sustainable education programs for Aboriginal people by conducting research on urban Aboriginal education. She intends to pursue a leadership position which will allow her to develop, administer and oversee educational programs that will benefit the Aboriginal community and other diverse groups. Taylor Henshaw Taylor is Métis and is a member of the Nova Métis Heritage Association, BC. He is in his final year of study at the University of British Columbia pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. Taylor will be articling with a firm in Vancouver once he finishes school. He hopes to land an international position which will allow him to work with organizations and countries to make the world a better place. Bailey Lavallee Bailey is Métis and is associated with the Selkirk Métis region, MB. She is in her 1st year of study at the University of Manitoba pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Engineering. Bailey hopes to specialize in Computer Engineering with an emphasis on computer hardware and upon graduation Bailey hopes to land a job in Winnipeg. Patricia Martin Patricia is status Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River in ON. She is in her 2nd year of study at Six Nations Polytechnic pursuing a degree in Native Early Childhood Education. Patricia will attend the Immersion Teachers program and than the Ohkwehonwe Training program. She hopes to eventually attain a PhD in Indigenous studies and work as an Indigenous Language teacher. About Program Recipients – 2007 Equity Through Education Scholarship RecipientsFollowing are profiles of several of the thirty-eight 2007 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients. Carolyn Brown Carolyn is a 26 year old status Tsimshian from the Kitsumkalum First Nation in Terrace, B.C. who is in the first year of a master’s program in economics at Concordia University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and anthropology. A talented entrepreneur, she is also an accomplished seamstress and wood carver. One of her professors calls her hard-working and very intelligent. Her sponsor says her membership in Concordia’s Garnet Key society helped maintain the school’s reputation for academic excellence and social responsibility. After graduation, Carolyn plans to follow in the footsteps of her inspiration, Dr. Mohammed Yunus, and carry out economic research to adapt and develop a realistic and culture-specific program. Madora Day Madora is an 18 year old status Cree from the Keewaywin First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of a business administration program at Lakehead University. Madora recently experienced a personal family loss and a health crisis for herself and her mother. With the help of her family and friends and her own perseverance she was able to maintain her honour roll standing. One of her teachers describes her as bright, thoughtful, creative, conscientious, resourceful, and reliable. Her sponsors say her skill and ability would be an asset in any environment. Madora’s personal experience with diabetes has inspired her plans to work with the Canadian Diabetes Association in educating Aboriginal people on the disease. Amanda Issac Amanda is a 25 year old status Mi’kmaq from the Listuguj First Nation in Québec who is in the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing (post-RN) program at the University of Ottawa. She is a graduate of the Dawson College nursing program. Her decision to pursue a nursing career was made after working at a summer camp for the handicapped. The joy she felt in helping the campers made her realize her purpose in life. One of her teachers lauds her critical thinking skills and openness to improvement. Her sponsor praises her incredible energy and positive attitude. Once she completes her work experience, Amanda plans to complete a master’s degree with a nurse practitioner option. Janice Makokis Janice is a 28 year old status Cree from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law at the University of Ottawa while simultaneously completing an MA in indigenous governance at the University of Victoria. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta. Janice was inspired to pursue law after discovering how important the oil and gas industry will be to Saddle Lake’s prosperity. One of her professors speaks of her leadership and research strengths and her excellent writing abilities. Her sponsor tells of her personal and intellectual growth during her post-secondary education experience. Janice plans to practice Aboriginal, environmental, and oil and gas law. Brett Myhr Brett is Métis and is a member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. He is in his first year at the University of Saskatchewan pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering degree. His sponsors consider him to be an exemplary role model and mentor who is very dedicated to his school and community. Brett intends to major in Mechanical Engineering and specialize in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. He is determined to succeed and will bring his skills and knowledge back to his home community. Colin Sproat Colin is a 21 year old Métis who is a member of the Eastern Woodlands Nation of Nova Scotia. He is in the fourth year of an actuarial science program at the University of Alberta. University life has taught him the benefit of being a “balanced man,” paying attention to all areas of life rather than focusing relentlessly on one aspect such as career. One of his instructors says he thirsts for knowledge and strives for excellence. His sponsor says Colin is fair, caring and respectful of others. Colin plans to continue his studies to achieve the Chartered Entrepreneurial Risk Analyst designation and construct models for financial instruments. Jada Yee Jada is 28 year old status Lakota Sioux from the Wood Mountain First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the third year of a business administration program at the First Nations University of Canada. A happily married father of two, he has combined full time employment with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation with full time study at university. One of his professors calls him an outstanding student with a passion for learning and a drive to help younger students. His sponsor says he is a man with high integrity and honesty and is a loyal and dedicated manager. After he graduates Jada plans to remain in the gaming industry and one day start a business of his own. About Program Recipients – 2006 Equity Through Education Scholarship RecipientsFollowing are profiles of several of the thirty-two 2006 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients. Brock Campbell Brock is a 25-year-old Métis from Winnipeg who is in the second year of a civil engineering program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He and his wife have two children. A talented football player in high school, he has volunteered as a tutor for other Aboriginal students since entering university. One of his professors says he is genuinely motivated to become an engineer and is doing very well academically. His sponsor says Brock has shown incredible determination in successfully returning to university after going to work after high school. Brock’s goal is to build a good life for his family by making a career as a consulting engineer. Jenny Kay Dupuis Jenny is a 28-year-old Métis from North Bay, Ontario who is in the final year of a master’s of education in special education at Brandon University in Manitoba. She is also completing two certificate programs in learning strategies and assistive technologies. Jenny holds a BA and a BEd and taught high school for several years. Throughout her university career Jenny worked full-time to help pay for her education. One of her professors says she is able to engage and encourage students of diverse abilities. Her sponsor speaks of her demonstrated positive leadership skills and self-determination. After graduation, Jenny plans to work in the area of special education at the post-secondary level. Kristin Filiatrault Kristin is a 20-year-old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Quebec who is in the first year of an international development program at McGill University in Montreal. This is her second FAAY award. An honours student, Kristin is a talented synchronized swimmer and figure skater who is helping to pay her way at school by working as a lifeguard and swimming coach. One of her professors says she has an infectious work ethic that inspires her colleagues. Her sponsor speaks of her friendly, sincere and respectful approach and says she made an enthusiastic contribution. Kristin hopes to work in international development and conservation with an NGO after she graduates. Melanie Fontaine Melanie is a 19-year-old Métis member of the East Coast First People from Richibucto, New Brunswick who is in the first year of a business management program at New Brunswick Community College in Dieppe, N.B. Her busy schedule of sports and extra-curricular activities in high school did not detract from her school work. One of her teachers says Melanie is a hard worker who never gives up and that one of her greatest qualities is her warmth of character. Her sponsor says it was a pleasure to have Melanie around and calls her a team player. After she finishes school, Melanie hopes to study esthetics and one day have her own business selling cosmetic products. Micah Smith Micah is a 23-year-old non-status Okanagan from the Upper Similkameen First Nation in B.C. who is in the second year of an engineering program at the University of Guelph in Ontario. He traveled and volunteered in Latin America and Africa before returning to Canada to take up his studies. One of his professors tells us that his first year average was 17 points higher than his high school average, which he feels is exceptional and speaks for his innate intelligence and ability to achieve when he is motivated. His sponsor calls him a hard working, dedicated, outgoing young man who is a natural leader. After he qualifies as an engineer, Micah wants to make a positive contribution to his community. Johnny Van Camp Johnny is a 26-year-old status Tli-Cho from the Dogrib Rae First Nation in the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of law school at the University of Victoria. He is a graduate of the management program of the University of Lethbridge. This is his third FAAY award. Johnny was a successful entrepreneur in his home town of Fort Smith before he returned to school. One of his professors has been deeply impressed by his keen mind and his dedication to justice. His sponsor speaks of his exemplary work ethic and his many contributions to the community. Johnny intends to help meld the principles and spirit of Aboriginal law with traditional Western precepts in his practice of the law. About Program Recipients – 2005 Equity Through Education Scholarship RecipientsFollowing are profiles of several of the thirty-two 2005 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients. Jill Chinna Jill is a 21-year old status Dene/Slavey from the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of an environmental design course at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. She is a graduate of an architectural technology program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. One of her instructors calls Jill a focused student with a calm, generous and unpretentious manner. Her sponsor says she is energetic, bright and conscientious. After she finishes her current course of study Jill plans to go on to pursue a Masters of Architecture at the University of Manitoba and bring a female Aboriginal perspective to her practice back in the Territories. Jarvis Googoo Jarvis is a 25-year old status Mi’kmaq from the We’koqma’q First Nation in Nova Scotia who is in the first year of law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He graduated cum laude with a BA from St. Mary’s University last spring. Of the thousands and thousands of FAAY applications received over the last 11 years, Jarvis received the only perfect score of 100 from the selection committee. One of his instructors says he demonstrated remarkable dedication, analytical and communications skills and capacity for learning. His sponsor says this FAAY award will be an investment in the future not only of Jarvis, but of his community and the Mi’kmaq people. After finishing law school Jarvis plans to practice in Nova Scotia and fight for Aboriginal rights and self-government. Kayla Miles Kayla is a 19-year old non-status Mi’kmaq from the Flat Bay First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the second year of a political science program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This is her second FAAY award. A very active volunteer in her community, she achieved the gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh program last spring. She is also a Sea Cadet Corps Officer. One of her teachers says she continually displays leadership skills well beyond her years. Her sponsor speaks of her self-reliance, creativity and perseverance in striving for excellence. After she gets her BA Kayla plans to attend law school and return to Newfoundland to practice. Sarah Pashagumskum Sarah is a 34-year old status Cree from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi in northern Québec who is in the first year of a doctoral program in education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She holds a Master’s of Education and two Bachelor’s degrees. She is the co-author of a text book, currently in use by the Cree School Board, which looks at the history of Québec and Canada from an Aboriginal perspective. Her thesis advisor says that her graduate thesis ranks #1 of the 30 or so she has advised on. Her sponsor calls her a very conscientious worker whose research is respectful of the community. After securing her doctorate, Sarah plans to return to Chisasibi to help overhaul an education system that is not serving the needs of the Cree community. Trenton Therrien Trenton is an 18-year old Métis from Hamiota, Manitoba who is in the first year of an environmental sciences program at Brandon University. He received the Governor General’s Medal last year as the top student of his graduating class of which he was the elected President. One of his teachers says he has developed into an exceptional individual and a solid athlete, student and citizen. His sponsor says his pleasant personality, sense of humour and easy-going nature will take him far. Trenton’s interest in the outdoors led him to choose environmental sciences and he hopes to make a career in that field.
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
