NAHO seeking First Nations, Inuit and Métis Role Models for Youth Award

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is once again searching for Canada’s outstanding First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth for nomination to the 2011-2012 National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP).

“The National Aboriginal Role Model Program is such an important program because it helps young leaders plant the seeds that allow First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth to think and dream about their future,” says Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO.

NARMP provides an opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30 to be selected as leaders and community role models. All First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth are being called upon to nominate their role models by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 4, 2011.

To find out how to qualify and obtain nomination forms visit: www.naho.ca/rolemodel or by calling NAHO toll-free at 1-877-602-4445. This year, role model nominators will get their name entered into a draw to win an Apple iPod.

Lucy Idlout, the National Spokesperson for NARMP states “Our youth are committed to improving the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. They are determined to set examples and assert a future that will help ensure all of our well-being. Nominating your peers is as significant to communities, as well as the rest of the country to see how First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth shine."

A selection committee of Aboriginal youth will choose the top 12 role models. Those selected will be role models for one year, visiting First Nations, Inuit and Métis schools and communities to share their stories of hope and success.

NARMP is generously funded by Health Canada and has been organized by NAHO for the past seven years. For more information on the program visit its web site.

Role Model Visit to Fort William Ontario

Angelica Laurin attended the Métis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly Youth Events: August 19-23, 2010 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Angelica writes:

My Role Model visit went very well. They had all the elements I needed set up before hand. The audience I spoke to was very attentive and had many questions about the program and myself.

I loved being able to participate in touring Fort William and wearing one of their costumes, a Métis stamp dress and moccasins. The fort is a very well thought out place and everyone is into character very seriously. It’s quite funny.

It was also nice to learn about their concerns and their story, as well as learning about my Métis culture. Through the true re-enactment that Fort William has achieved, I felt very proud to be a part of such a rich culture and to be Métis.

I thank the National Aboriginal Role Model Program and the Métis Nation of Ontario for making this trip possible for me.

For more information on Angelica.

NARMP Role Model wins Silver Medal in Archery

Congratulations goes out to Christie Lavallee for your great accomplishment.


Yesterday, Christie who is a 2010-11 Role Model won a silver medal in the Manitoba Provincial Outdoor 3D Target Championships in the Female Cadet Compound category.

More info about Christie

Native youth leader honoured

EMC News - Heidi Langille doesn't see herself as a role model. She said doesn't think that the work she does with Inuit, First Nations and Aboriginal youth deserved being recognized nationally as a National Aboriginal Role Model by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO). But it was.

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Eskasoni man named national aboriginal role model

ESKASONI — Michael Denny has been named one of 12 national aboriginal role models by National Aboriginal Health Organization.

He was named one of the new national aboriginal role models Saturday at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

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Pitcher leads by example

Danielle Jones-Migwans wants to help native youth in First Nation communities achieve their dreams, especially if it requires leaving the home territory for a while.

One of 12 new National Aboriginal Role Models across Canada, she's playing on three teams this summer, two rep squads and the Wendy's house league team. She hopes to make an Ontario team as a pitcher for the North American Indigenous Games.

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Nunatsiavut President congratulates Labrador Inuit role models

Nunatsiavut President Jim Lyall today extended his congratulations to two Labrador Inuit youth on being selected as Aboriginal Role Models for 2010 by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAH0).

Heidi Langille and Martin Lougheed, who have family ties to Nain and Hopedale respectively, were among 12 youths in the country selected for the prestigious award.

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Local Nisga’a woman chosen as National Aboriginal Role Model

The National Aboriginal Health Organization made an announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal Role Models for the 2010-2011 year, and among those chosen was Prince Rupert’s own Marlena Joseph.

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Youth garners award

Joining the ranks of accomplished youth like Jordin Tootoo, St. Ambroise's Christie Lavallee, along with 11 peers, were named Aboriginal Role Models at an awards ceremony held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in June.

To be selected as a National Aboriginal Role Model, Christie had to be nominated by her peers and have the support of her family.

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A role model in Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert’s Marlena Joseph is one of 12 new national Aboriginal Role Models for Canada.

Joseph, 29, received the award at a ceremony in Ottawa on June 19 and was back in Prince Rupert in time to perform at National Aboriginal Day festivities in Prince Rupert on Monday.

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2010 - 2011 National Aboriginal Role Models Awards Ceremony Announced

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to celebrate the announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal role models for 2010-2011 with a morning filled with cultural sights and sounds.

When: Saturday June 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. - noon (9:30 a.m. doors open)
Where: National Arts Centre, Panorama Room at 53 Elgin Street.

Please RSVP to leadyourway@naho.ca or 613-237-9462 / 1-877-602-4445

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 NAHO Chief Executive Officer, Paulette C. Tremblay and the 12 Aboriginal Role Models will be available to answer questions after the award ceremony at the National Arts Centre, Panorama Room at 53 Elgin Street from noon – 12:30 p.m.

Role Models named Vanier scholars

2007 National Aboriginal Role Models Julie Bull and Candice Lys were named Vanier scholars for the next three years to complete thier PhDs in Aboriginal health research areas.

The Vanier is the most prestigious scholarship offered for doctoral students in Canada.

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Word of Rememberance from Fellow Role Models

"My dear friend Chantelle was a true inspiration to our people. She was a young mother, daughter, and grandchild who had unfaltering faith in our Creator. Chantelle was a true Role Model to all who had the honour of meeting her and I am grateful to have had her in my life. Chantelle’s dream was to visit and speak to young Aboriginal people across Canada to promote the Canadian Blood Services-One Match Registry in hopes of saving the lives of those who need blood, stem cell and bone marrow transplants.

I challenge all of our youth to promote the cause so Chantelle’s Promise will live on. Only 1% of the 220,000 people on the registry are of Aboriginal descent and it’s usually someone from your own ethnic background who can donate—had more of our people registered, Chantelle may have found her match. I promise to help keep her legacy alive and I hope you do to."

Ekosani, Shaneen Robinson (2008 Role Model, Winnipeg, MB)

“I've been fortunate enough to meet Chantelle. My few moments with her inspired me to appreciate life's simplicity. A walk down the street, a breath of fresh air, a moment with a loved one. These are the things she fought for. I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with Chantelle.”

Damian Abrahams (2009 Role Model, Edmonton, AB)

Honourable Eric Robinson's tribute to Chantelle Chornoby

In Memory of Chantelle Chornoby

"Appreciate what you have and use it to your fullest potential because you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow.”

-Chantelle Chornoby, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model

It is with deep sympathy that NARMP and NAHO extend condolences to the loved ones of Chantelle Chornoby.

Chantelle Chornoby was recognized by the National Aboriginal Role Model Program in June 2009. At the time of the ceremony, she was undergoing treatment for leukemia and was unable to attend the gala. After fighting the disease for many years, Chantelle (age 21) passed away on May 9, 2010 at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg, MB.

"It is with both regret and the intent to celebrate her life that NAHO acknowledges the passing of 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Chantelle Chornoby," expressed Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. This inspiring young woman is remembered as being a loving daughter, mother, sister, friend, niece, cousin and Role Model.”

Raised by her grandparents in War Lake First Nation, Manitoba, Chantelle learned the importance of respect for herself and others right from the start. At a very early age, she demonstrated that a positive outlook and attitude can get you through anything.

“Chantelle’s spirit, courage and resiliency remain with us and we are deeply grateful for her life,” says Karin Kettler, NARMP program coordinator.

One of Chantelle’s dreams was to travel across Canada inspiring Aboriginal people to be strong, confident and never give up on hope, no matter what their circumstances. She launched Chantelle’s Promise, a campaign that encourages Aboriginal people register with the OneMatch Stem and Marrow Network to become donors.

Chantelle will be deeply missed by many.

Join the Facebook Group

Financial donations can be sent to Canadian Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network in lieu of flowers.

Upcoming NARMP Community Visits March 2010

May 28 - Jessica Yee
Young Women's Conference - Kenora, Ontario

March 26 - Inez Jasper
School presentations at F.G. Leary Fine Arts School and G.W. Graham Middle Secondary School - Chilliwack, British Columbia

March 24 - Jessica Yee
Aborigional Cultural Connections, University of PEI - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

March 23 - Inez Jasper
Aboriginal Pre-Health Program, Simon Fraser Univeristy - Surrey, British Columbia

March 19 - Inez Jasper
School presentations at Cheam Elementary School and Vedder Middle School - Chilliwack, British Columbia

March 12 - Damian Abrahams
Gathering Our Voices - Vancouver, British Columbia

March 10-12 - Robert Animikii Horton
National Aboriginal Youth Violence and Changing Times Coference - Victoria, British Columbia

March 4-5 - Amber Asp-Chief
Career Fairs - Kirkland Lake and Timmins, Ontario

March 4 - Shaneen Robinson
St. James Collegiate - Winnipeg, Manitoba

March 4 - Inez Jasper
"Investing in Your Life" Career Fair - Wikwemikong, Ontario

March 1 - Jeff Ward
Career Fair - Lax Kw'alaams, British Columbia

Upcoming NARMP Community Visits February 2010

February 27 - Johnathon Earle
Labrador Metis Nation AGA - L'anse au Clair, Newfoundland and Labrador

February 27 - Alicia Sayers
Girls Spa Day - Port Perry, Ontario

February 25 - Chantelle Chornoby
Youth Conference - Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba

February 25 - Inez Jasper
School presentation - Chilliwack, British Columbia

February 23 - Robert Animikii Horton
Lakehead University - Thunder Bay, Ontario

February 18 - Amber Asp-Chief
First Nations Student Group - Gatineau, Quebec

February 18 - Damian Abrahams
Braided Journey's Career Expo - Edmonton, Alberta

February 11 - Johnathon Earle
Fredericton Native Friendship Centre - Fredericton, New Brunswick

3rd Annual Nova Scotia Community College Maowi'omi Pow Wow

By Charlotte Qamaniq

January 26 2010 Truro, NS

Karin and I were very lucky to be invited to the 3rd Annual Nova Scotia Community College Maowi'omi Pow Wow. The people were very friendly and welcoming of us, both Karin and I really enjoyed our stay in Truro. The even was one day, from 10am - 2pm, and we were fortunate to be involved with this pow-wow, as it was very educational. Ww learned a lot about the traditional dances and regalia, and had an opportunity to present our own cultural traditions. The audience learned about our clothing and watched us perform our throat singing, and we received a lot of positive feedback. I also had the opportunity to explain about NARMP, and the nomination call for 2010 role models. I spoke about my experiences with the Youth Suicide PRevention Walk, and encouraged others to be role models themselves. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit to the east coast and hope to return soon!