Youth For Recognition

“Year of the Youth”
First Nations
Youth Recognition & Acknowledgment
A Project by the OFNYPC
Special Chiefs Assembly
November 2010
DAYTON HILL, Oneida
Dayton Hill is a young man who has overcome many obstacles. After many years of struggle within his personal life and
academic career, Dayton has become a valued student leader in the performing arts at H.B. Beal Secondary School as well as a
successful student in his academics. Within two short years Dayton has worked not only to regain lost compulsory credits, but
has worked as a lead actor within the musical theatre program; as a modern, ballet, jazz and hip hop dancer; and as a
choreographer. Recently Dayton’s choreography was performed at a Gala to raise scholarship funds for other students
pursuing careers in the arts. Dayton has also been honored with H.B. Beal Secondary School’s Award for Integrity, Award for
Choreographic Excellence and N’Amerind Friendship Centre’s Arts Award. Dayton continues to exemplify for his peers a work
ethic unrivalled by most youth his age; he works tirelessly to improve and is conscientious in applying the corrections and
feedback given to him by his teachers. For many staff and students at Beal, Dayton has become an inspiring and impressive
example of hope, determination and the power to make positive changes in one’s life.
Nominated by,
Tracey Iddison-Gubbels
Dept. Head of Dramatic Arts & Dance
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
DIANE HILL,
Oneida
Diane is an exceptional young person. . She is
an outstanding honors student in all subject
areas. She is a member of the Student Native
Advisory Committee. She participates in as
many sports as her time table will allow.
Diane has no time to waste on idle activities
and cannot understand why some teenagers
want to waste their lives away in non
productive activities. She is an excellent role
model. She applies the traditional teachings
of the community to her life. By drawing on
these, she is able to attain her own personal
goals. Her English teachers say that she has a
talent for writing. She is a reflective thinker.
She has studied Oneida language. One of her
teachers commented that we will see great
accomplishments from this highly motivated
student. Diane is a nominee worthy of
recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
DOMINIQUE IRELAND,
Oneida
Dominique is an exceptional student in many ways.
Dominique is hearing impaired, but this has not
stopped her from fully integrating into the demands
of high school and teenage life. She is an honors
student in all subjects. She does this through hard
work and seeking extra help. Through modern
technology Dominique has been able to connect with
many friends. Dominique is involved in school
sports teams. She participated in an overnight field
trip about First Nations culture.
Most of all
Dominique is a creative artist who is studying in our
demanding art program to which students must
compete for spots. Dominique is an inspiration to all
of us. She is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
DONNY NAYOTCHEKEESIC,
Fort Severn First Nation
Donny is a natural leader among his
peers who is deeply involved in the
culture of Dennis Franklin Cromarty
High Schools.
His participation is
diverse as he is a member of our school
drum group, senior boys volleyball team,
drama club and was recently voted the
Deputy Chief of our Students Council.
His school spirit, artistic expressions and
exemplary efforts in his courses are great
examples for his classmates. Donny
achieved the highest grade (93%!) in his
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Course!
Nominated by,
Aaron Guthrie,
Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Teacher,
Thunder Bay, ON
DWIGHT OSAWABINE,
Sheguiandah First Nation
I am pleased to nominate Mr. Dwight Osawabine
who deserves to be acknowledged and recognized. I
have known Dwight in his capacity as a student at
Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute (KTEI) on
Manitoulin Island. During this time he has shown
strong commitment and dedication on his
educational endeavours. For each school year since I
have known Dwight, he has received the attendance
award. While at KTEI, he volunteers without
hesitation to help with school related extracurricular on a regular basis. I have witnessed firsthand his active participation in cultural events and
leadership roles within our school community. In
the past year, he has been consistently working on
personal success and making healthy lifestyle
changes. These changes will help him find success as
he continues on life’s journey. Ultimately, Dwight
plans and educational goals are to attend Cambrian
College in the fall of 2011 to pursue studies relating
to culinary arts or animation. Since I have known
Dwight, he has demonstrated great maturation and
growth, both in his academics and personal life. I
am proud to nominate Mr. Dwight Osawabine for
the Year of the Youth distinction.
Nominated by,
Melissa Elgie
KTEI Secondary School Teacher
M’Chigeeng, ON
EDWARD JAMES CYR,
Algonquin Eagle Village First Nation
Eddie exemplifies resiliency as he experienced family violence
but still completed high school and the child and youth worker
program at George Brown College. As a person of mixed
ancestry (Algonquin, French), he grew up facing racism from
Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people but is strongly rooted as
an Aboriginal young man. He has been a Peer Mentor, Access
Visit Worker, and a Drop-In Support Worker at Native Child
and Family Services of Toronto.
He has spearheaded
community initiatives to empower Aboriginal youth (harm
reduction conference, motivation workshops). Eddie is emerging
to becoming a spokesperson of issues pertinent to the needs of
Aboriginal youth. He has accepted various requests to deliver
speeches to various government officials, potential funding
sources, students, parents, and youth. These speeches were
spoken eloquently and backed up with research, statistics and
video testimonials of Aboriginal youth with the aim to advocate
for continued support of culturally based and supportive services
for Aboriginal youth.
Nominated by,
Irwin Wesley B.A., B.S.W.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Youth Department
Toronto, ON
JESSE CHEECHOO,
M’Chigeeng First Nation
I am pleased to nominate Mr. Jesse Cheechoo whose
actions and choices deserve to be acknowledged and
recognized. I have known Jesse in his capacity as a
student at Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute (KTEI)
on Manitoulin Island. Throughout these past few years,
greater mutual respect is and was developed between
Jesse and his instructors due to his commitments in life.
His notable characteristics are kindness, truth, bravery,
humility and honesty. His accomplishments in previous
years deserve notable recognition too, for his athletic
abilities and team spirit both in volleyball and basketball
while he was a student at Manitoulin Secondary School.
At KTEI, Jesse is a dedicated student and committed to
obtaining his Ontario Secondary School Diploma
(OSSD) in order to pursue a career in Aviation through
the program offered at Canadore College.
His
excellence in academic dedication and wholesome,
caring nature makes him a positive role model for
students, as well as youth throughout the island
community and in particular Aboriginal youth..
Nominated by,
Melissa Elgie
KTEI Secondary School Teacher
M’Chigeeng, ON
JONATHAN CRANE,
North Caribou Lake First Nation
Jonathan displayed great courage and
bravery by representing Dennis
Franklin Cromarty High School, as a
member of the Senior Football team for
our neighbouring public school, Sir
Winston Churchill CVI.
Jonathan
worked harder than ever during the
weeks of gruelling pre-season practices,
and had his hard work rewarded with a
starting spot on the defending
champions kick-off team.
The
dedication and hard work exhibited by
Jonathan were witnessed and admired
by all of his peers at DFC.
Nominated by,
Aaron Guthrie,
Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Teacher,
Thunder Bay, ON
JORDAN CORNELIUS,
Oneida
Jordan is a young man who is on track to
graduate from Secondary School with
marks that will lead to a post secondary
education. He is a dependable worker who
can be counted on for attendance and
punctuality.
He participates in extra
curricular sports and First Nations
activities. He is a role model to younger
students.
He has studied Native
languages. He received a mark of 81 in the
college preparation course Aboriginal
Beliefs, Values and Aspirations in
Contemporary Society.
He has also
studied Aboriginal history. Jordan is a
student who has talents in technology
shops and business classes. Jordan is a
nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
JOSH SIMPSON,
Oneida
Joshua has been nominated because of his steady work
ethic. He knows what is needed to meet the requirements
of the courses that he is taking. He seeks out help when he
is faced with challenges that he cannot solve. He gets
involved in school life and encourages others to do the
same. He is a positive role model. Joshua played junior
football.
He has studied Oneida language. He is
becoming a leader within our First Nations community at
our school. Joshua is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
JOSH DOXTATOR,
Oneida
Joshua is a school citizen who chooses
challenging courses and applies the discipline
to reach success. He plays hockey. His
current mark in grade 10 physical education
is 91%. This means that Joshua is always
well prepared with clothing and equipment
and is exhibiting athletic talents. This mark
also means that he is absorbing the details of
a demanding health curriculum. One of his
teachers said that Josh was the most
respectful student in her class. Josh is
leading by example. He is setting high goals
and is following a path to reach them.
Joshua is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
JUSTIN SIMPSON,
Oneida
Justin has been nominated by his teachers
because of his increasing academic growth
since grade 9. He has become very self
confident. Justin is able to identify the
support he needs to be successful in his
courses. He is willing to accept the
consequences of his own actions and
change his behavior to have positive
outcomes. He is a role model to many of
the younger students. Justin has studied
Oneida language and Aboriginal history.
He appreciates the importance of
traditions. He knows that these are a good
foundation for him as he moves into a
successful life in the twenty first century.
Justin is a nominee worthy of recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
KARLI TYANCE,
Anishnaabe, Gull Bay First Nation
Nominated by,
Vern Kimball,
Native Student Counsellor,
St. Patrick High School,
Thunder Bay, ON
Karli Tyance is an Ojibway Anishnabe-kwe
from Gull Bay First Nation. She is currently in
grade 12 at St. Patrick High School in Thunder
Bay. Since grade 9, Karli has maintained an Aaverage and enjoys extracurricular activities. She
greatly enjoyed playing for her school’s
basketball team for the past four years. In her
spare time she enjoys reading and writing stories
and poems. She also loves to act and make
movies with her friends. Next year, Karli plans
to attend the University of Guelph, Waterloo or
Western to obtain a degree in the Bachelors of
Science, as she is very interested in biology and
environmental sciences and wishes to have a
career in either discipline. Karli is an active
member in her community, volunteering with
the Youth Volunteer Corps for many summers.
She is a determined student who credits her
high school academic performance to hard
work, dedication and goal setting. Karli tries to
set conscientiously to be a good role model for
future generations. She has high expectations of
herself and has an incredible drive to have the
best experiences possible with a positive
outlook and attitude.
LACEY ERIN HILL,
Oneida, Six Nations of the Grand River
Lacey Erin Hill is an outstanding community volunteer, athlete, role
model, musician, genuinely happy, helpful, caring young woman.
Lacey works at Mohawk College. She is the Aboriginal Recruitment
coordinator responsible for inspiring our youth to achieve a post
secondary education. Lacey has a drive and a gift for reaching out to
youth and motivating them to dream big. She has the patience and
compassion to take the time to appreciate their own personal gifts,
giving them the confidence to achieve whatever they aspire to
achieve.
•
In 2010, Lacey received her 5 Year pin for her part- time work
related involvement at Mohawk College as a peer tutor
•
Eco friendly insisting that in her recruitment role all “give
aways” are biodegradable and ecologically friendly
•
Is continuously involved in cultural charity events for family and
friends on Six Nations
•
Advocates diversity and acceptance of many nations and ways of
living
Beyond these incredible accomplishments, Lacey touches everyone
she meets with her energy, enthusiasm for life, and optimistic
perspective…she is best known for turning our frowns upside-down
and making us have a brighter day! No matter what…everyone who
works and knows her, loves her so much and recognizes that she
should be appreciated! She is a very special Aboriginal Youth!
Nominated by,
Johanne McCarthy B.A.(Hons), N.D.
Aboriginal Student Counsellor,
Mohawk College
LINDSAY DOXTATOR,
Oneida Nation of the Thames
Lindsay Doxtator is from the Oneida Nation of the Thames.
She is currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences
degree at the University of Western Ontario and has also
obtained a diploma in Photojournalism from Loyalist
College. While attending UWO Lindsay had been a part of
the Women’s Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse teams, and
received a Bronze W award for both. She captained and was
named M.V.P. of the lacrosse team that won the 2009
Ontario University Athletics Championship. This year, she
returned to the UWO sidelines as Offensive coach for the
lacrosse team.
Lindsay is also a member of the
Haudenosaunee Nation women’s lacrosse team that traveled
to Prague, Czech Republic, to compete in the 2009 World
Cup. This was the first time a team has been assembled at
the senior women's level for the Haudenosaunee. Lindsay
was one of two Oneida community members chosen to be
an Olympic Torch bearer during the 2010 Olympic Torch
Relay across Canada. Her most recent achievement was
being presented the 2009 Ontario Tom Longboat award.
During school, Lindsay was a part-time Research Assistant
in the Exercise & Pregnancy Lab at UWO. For the past
three years she has been Youth Liaison Coordinator and
Research Assistant at the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health – Centre for Prevention Science, where she continues
to be a part of their First Nation initiatives such as the
Elementary & Secondary Peer Mentoring Program, as well
as the After School Program.
Nominated by,
Monty McGahey II
Wallaceburg, ON
LUCY RILEY,
Chippewa
Lucy exhibits an energy that emphasizes pride
and knowledge in her First Nation’s community.
She is aware of the importance of holding on to
traditional teachings while being fully integrated
into the challenges of the twenty first century.
She is a role model for younger females. She is
particularly wise in articulating to them the
choices that can ruin their social and educational
opportunities, and those choices that will lead
them to greatness. Her teachers are confident
that Lucy will finish high school and will go on
to post secondary education. During our First
Nation’s cultural trip last year, Lucy acted as a
mentor to our grade nine students. Lucy is just
beginning to reach her full potential. She is a
nominee worthy or recognition.
Nominated by,
Trish Nanayakkara,
Lead Student Success Teacher
On behalf of the staff at
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON