The SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards were once again an inspiring occasion.
Hundreds of First Nation and Metis youth and their parents gathered in Saskatoon Friday evening for the 17th annual awards showcase.
In all a dozen awards were handed out from academics, performing arts, education and group to name a few.
Adrianna Simon, from the Carry the Kettle First Nation won the award for leadership.
She admits she’s not a natural leader that it takes a lot of hard work to lead people.
“For me, yes. I actually did. Because from my community it’s really hard, like for our high school students, we have a really high dropout rate,” Simon says. “You know it’s nice to encourage others to become a leader as well.”
Many of the young people nominated at the awards show are leaders in their own right.
Bobby Badger Jr. from the Kawacatoose First Nation won the award for culture.
He says he practices his Indian ways.
Badger also had to deal with some other challenges.
“I have a speech impediment,” says Badger. “And I have a learning disability.”
Colleen Cameron, chair of the awards committee says in a statement the event continues to grow.
“We have had a record number of applications this year and the momentum leading up to the gala each year is growing. These awards have become so important to not just the youth, but their families and communities for the inspiration the awards and recipients generate.”
The final two awards handed out in the evening were for outstanding achievement.
Darian Lonechild from the Whitebear First Nation won the award in the female category.
Lonechild has just started her list of achievements and plans to reach new goals.
“Well, I plan on attending university in the fall, I’m going to work towards a law degree, a double degree with poli sci and eventually get into politics,” she says. “Continue modelling, continue dancing and living a whole lifestyle.”