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