Youth awards celebrate achievements

Two past Aboriginal Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards winners gave back to today’s youth at the 2013 AYARA award ceremony: Fort William Chief Georjann Morriseau and Moose Cree’s Shibastik.
“It’s been a long road and I am very honoured and pleased to be here this evening,” Morriseau said. “About six years ago I sat in the very spot that many of you are sitting in this evening as award winners, so I know this day is very special for each and every one of you.”
Morriseau delivered the keynote speech, Shibastik performed hip hop music and Keewaywin’s Robyn Kakegamic performed on the violin during the awards ceremony and dinner, held May 16 at the Victoria Inn.
Kakegamic also picked up an Artistic award along with Logan Belmore and Elisha Scavarelli.
“It’s just a passion I have and it makes me happy,” said Kakegamic, a Grade 12 student at Hammarskjold High School. “It’s something I enjoy doing and it helps me express myself.”
Kakegamic first took up the violin about 12 years ago and has since performed in public and on the radio.
“I learned on my own for a couple of years and then I got a teacher about three years ago,” Kakegamic said. “He taught me more fiddle music and how to read notes.”
Although Kakegamic plans to enroll in a social work program in the future, she also wants to teach other youth how to play the violin.
“I also plan to become an English teacher,” Kakegamic said.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s Hailey McKay, a Grade 8 student at Ecole Gron Morgan, picked up a Community Leadership award along with Carley Longpeter-Esquega, Sierra Kata Nowegejick, Hailey Mandamin, Matthew Thompson, Kathryn Morris and Cristian Windego.
“I feel proud when I win and it makes me just try harder to win another one,” said McKay, noting she received an Advocacy and Activism award last year.
McKay wants to open up a cafe in Thunder Bay when she finishes her education.
“I was thinking maybe I would go to culinary school and then after that I would open it up,” McKay said. “I like making treats and desserts and I make my own kind of smoothies.”
McKay credited her volunteer work over the past year, both in and outside of school, for receiving the award.
“I helped out a lot with the Lakehead University Powwow,” McKay said. “And at school I help out with whatever needs to be done over there, like a fundraiser or a barbeque event or an open house.”
KI Chief Donny Morris was surprised to see three community members up for awards at the AYARA award ceremony.
“That was a good experience for me to witness,” Morris said, noting he received an invitation while in Thunder Bay to attend the award ceremony. “I was proud to see three of our young ladies getting awards.”
Academic awards went to Ardelle Sagutcheway, Christine Danielson, Carley Shawanamash, Danielle Yellowhead and Albany Sutherland.
The Advocacy and Activism award went to Tyrone Day.
Athletic awards went to Kyra Willoughby, River Fox, Jordan Kwandibens, Mitchell Spence, Teara Gunner and Lawrence McGee-Mushquash.
Group Achievement awards went to Amanda Lyon and Katelyn Bunting and the Lakehead University Native Student Association.
Peer Mentorship awards went to Sam King, Emma Pelletier, Morgan Plummer, Jared Visitor, Lakota Williams and Gideon McKay.
Personal Achievement awards went to Theren George, Kristen Sugarhead, Caitlin Cheechoo, Tessa Bois, Darren Thomas, Jade Willoughby, Lita Wapoose and Alyssa Bearman.
Heritage Keepers awards went to Amanda Suganaqueb, Lance Wanakamik and Robyn Barber.
Sandra Kakeeway Cultural Awards went to Matthew Waboose, Robin Cromarty, Kim Trout and Merle Jacob.
The Recognition Awards included: Advocacy and Activism to Elizabeth Nash, Personal Achievement to Brandon Britt, Community Involvement to Evangeline Johnup and Community Development to Emma and Julia Mogus, of Books with No Bounds.