NAHO event Youtube

The production team at Media Style that coodinated the National Aboriginal Role Model Awards Ceremony put together a Youtube video of the event.

Check it out.

Photo by Ben Powless

NAHO welcomes the 2009 National Aboriginal Role Models

The Master of Ceremonies was the 2007 - 2009 National Spokesperson James Makokis.



Speaking on behalf of the National Aboriginal Health Organization and presenting the Role Model awards was Susan Dahlseide the Chair person of the Board of Directors for the National Aboriginal Health Organization.


Health Canada initiated the role model program in 1984 and is currently the primary funding agency. The role model program is an opportunity to encourage First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth in their pursuit of healthy living.

Presenting on behalf of Health Canada was Michele Bourque Mental Health Manager of the Mental Health and Addictions Division of Community Programs for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.


On the Silver anniversary celebration of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, NAHO was thrilled to include the addition of a new sponsor.

NAHO is pleased to welcome Scotiabank to the program as its only corporate sponsor.

As part of the Role Model program, Scotiabank will provide career information to Aboriginal youth on the potential for fulfilling careers in the banking sector.


Congratulating this year’s Role Models, was Deanna Matzanke who was appointed in Feburary 2007 to the position of Director, Global Employment Strategies in the Global HR and Communications function at Scotiabank.


NAHO is also very excited to announce the new Role Model Program National Spokesperson for 2009-2011 is Lucie Idlout, a well known performing artist from Iqaluit, Nunavut.










The evening also included a special video message from Dr. Vita Senikas, Associate Executive Vice-President from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Opening prayers from Elder Irene Lindsay and drum honouring from Nemisak Singers.

Cultural Performances included:

Jig on the Fly with 2004 National Aboriginal Role Model Jaime Koebel originally from Lac La Biche, Alberta, now residing in Ottawa, Ontario.




2008 National Aboriginal Role Model and Singer – Songwriter Inez Jasper. Inez is from the Sto:lo Territory on the Skowkale First Nation near Chilliwack B.C.



Nukariik. These two sisters Karin and Kathy Kettler work together to preserve and share Inuit culture from Canada. Their heritage is from Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik, in
northern Quebec.

All Photos by Ben Powless

The 2009 National Aboriginal Role Models

2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Damian Abrahams from Old Masset Village, British Columbia with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.






2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Amber Asp-Chief from Long Point First Nation, Ontario with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.





2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Collin Baikie from North West River, Newfoundland and Labrador.














2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Chantelle Chornoby from War Lake First Nation, Manitoba.


2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Johnathon Earle from Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.





2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Gavin Evans from Makkovik, Newfoundland and Labrador with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.





2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Wilfred Johnston from Teslin, Yukon with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.






2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Asivak Koostachin from Toronto, Ontario with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.







2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Alicia Sayers from Garden River First Nation, Ontario with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.













2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Charlotte Qamaniq from Igloolik, Nunavut.













2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Jeff K. Ward from Victoria, British Columbia with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.




2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Jessica Yee from Akwesasne, Ontario with Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson.



All photos by Ben Powless

For more info on the 2009 National Aboriginal Role Models visit http://www.naho.ca/rolemodel/english/profiles09.php

2009 - 2010 National Aboriginal Role Models Announced

Silver anniversary celebration includes addition of new sponsor and national spokesperson

OTTAWA, ON — The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to celebrate the announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal role models for 2009-2010 with an evening filled with cultural sights and sounds on Saturday June 20, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. NAHO is also pleased to welcome Scotiabank to the program as its only corporate sponsor.

“Each of the Aboriginal Role Models being honoured today has set out on a path of leadership,” says Susan Dahlseide, NAHO Chairperson. “The National Aboriginal Role Model Program, supported by Health Canada, provides these 12 role models with the opportunity to share their accomplishments and inspire First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth to pursue the life journey of their dreams.”

Commemorating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Role models are recognized for their innovation, achievement and leadership. Throughout the year, they will visit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share their stories with other First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth.

The National Aboriginal Role Models for 2009-2010 are:

Damian Abrahams from Old Masset Village, British Columbia.

Amber Asp-Chief from Long Point First Nation, Ontario.

Collin Baikie from North West River, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chantelle Chornoby from War Lake First Nation, Manitoba.

Johnathon Earle from Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gavin Evans from Makkovik, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wilfred Johnston from Teslin, Yukon.

Asivak Koostachin from Toronto, Ontario.

Alicia Sayers from Garden River First Nation, Ontario.

Charlotte Qamaniq from Igloolik, Nunavut.

Jeff K. Ward from Victoria, British Columbia.

Jessica Yee from Akwesasne, Ontario.

Congratulating this year’s Role Models, NAHO also welcomes Scotiabank as its only corporate sponsor. As part of the Role Model program, Scotiabank will provide career information to Aboriginal youth on the potential for fulfilling careers in the banking sector.

“We are thrilled to join this program and applaud the National Aboriginal Role Models Program for 25 years of making a difference for Aboriginal youth,” said Cory Garlough, Scotiabank Vice President, Global Employment Solutions. “I would also like to thank this year's Role Models as they reach out to Aboriginal communities across the country to encourage youth to achieve their goals. As a recognized diversity leader, we have long known that in order for us to succeed, we need to ensure that young people have the skills and encouragement they need to succeed.”

NAHO is also very excited to announce the new Role Model Program National Spokesperson for 2009-2011 is Lucie Idlout, a well known performing artist from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

"Determination, a dream and drive are ingredients for success. First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth have the spirit to succeed and these role models are a prime example of that,” says Idlout.

She goes on to say, “The NARMP role models are leading the way and creating new realities within our communities and showing there are no limits to what can be achieved. They are innovative and have demonstrated this through how they adapt modern tools and couple them with traditional beliefs and customs.”

The NAHO Chairperson Susan Dahlseide, the 12 Aboriginal Role Models and the 2009 – 2010 NARMP spokesperson, Lucie Idlout will be available to answer questions after the award ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec at 9:00 p.m.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body that works to influence and advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples through knowledge-based strategies.

- 30 –

For more information on the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, visit www.naho.ca/rolemodel.

2009Role Model profiles http://www.naho.ca/rolemodel/english/profiles09.php

For media inquiries, contact:
Colleen Patterson, Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 237-9462 ext. 559 / Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445 ext. 559
Cell: (613) 863-9001 / E-mail: cpatterson@naho.ca

NAHO Announces Celebration of the 2009-2010 National Aboriginal Role Models

OTTAWA, ON – Get to know this year’s National Aboriginal Role Models with an evening of cultural sights and sounds June 20, 2009 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) will hold the inauguration for the 12 2009-2010 Role Models in the museum’s Grand Hall in Gatineau, Quebec.

Commemorating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Role models are recognized for their innovation, achievement and leadership. Throughout the year, they will visit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share their stories with other First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth.

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Hall at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is an Aboriginal nonprofit organization that advances the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

For more information on the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, visit www.naho.ca/rolemodel.

For media inquiries, contact:
Colleen Patterson, Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 237-9462 ext. 559 / Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445 ext. 559
Cell: (613) 863-9001 / E-mail: cpatterson@naho.ca

NAHO will host its Annual Public Meeting

June 26, 2009, 1:00 p.m.

National Aboriginal Health Organization
220 Laurier Avenue West, 14th Floor boardroom
Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9

Please come and join us!
Let’s celebrate NAHO’s 2008-2009 accomplishments together.

NAHO Announces Save the date for the Celebration of the 2009-2010 National Aboriginal Role Models

OTTAWA, ON – Get to know this year’s National Aboriginal Role Models with an evening of cultural sights and sounds June 20, 2009 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) will hold the inauguration for the 12 2009-2010 Role Models in the museum’s Grand Hall in Gatineau, Quebec.

Commemorating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Role models are recognized for their innovation, achievement and leadership. Throughout the year, they will visit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share their stories with other First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth.

NAHO CEO Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay will be available to answer questions after the ceremony in the Grand Hall.

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Hall at the Museum of Civilization, Gatineau, Quebec

Space is limited please contact NARMP for additional information.

For media inquiries, contact:
Colleen Patterson, Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 237-9462 ext. 559 / Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445 ext. 559
Cell: (613) 863-9001 / E-mail: cpatterson@naho.ca

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is an Aboriginal nonprofit organization that advances the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

For more information on the National Aboriginal Role Model Program