Copenace named as national role model

News Release

OTTAWA -The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) today announced a new National Spokesperson for the National Aboriginal Role Model Program and 12 new national Aboriginal role models during an award ceremony at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa.
The role models-all Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 and 30-were recognized for their achievements and leadership. The role models were nominated by their peers from Aboriginal communities across Canada. Over a 150 nominations were received this year. A selection committee made up of past national Aboriginal role models selected the 12 finalists.
Posters and trading cards of the 12 role models will be sent to Aboriginal schools across Canada. The role models will visit Aboriginal communities throughout the year, where they will attend community celebrations and visit schools to talk about their experiences.
The new National Spokesperson for the program was selected by an advisory committee and will hold the position for one year. The spokesperson will attend conferences to promote the program to communities and Aboriginal youth. The spokesperson’s poster will be sent across Canada along with the role model posters.
The National Spokesperson for 2007 is James Makokis from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta.
The national Aboriginal role models for 2007-08 are:
*Suzette Amaya from Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation, British Columbia.
* Julie Bull from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.
*Carissa Copenace from Rainy River First Nation, Ontario.
*Jessica Dunkley from Vancouver, British Columbia.
* Jordan Fleury from Brandon, Manitoba.
*Gloria Kowtak from Whale Cove, Nunavut.
*Shawn Kuliktana from Kugluktuk, Nunavut.
*Candice Lys from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
*Anna Nelson from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Manitoba.
*Alwyn Piche from La Loche, Saskatchewan.
*Charlie Tookaluk from Umiujaq, Quebec.
*Vanessa Webb from Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador.