Thursday, June 18, 2009

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.

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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

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