SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence

The SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence are a celebration of achievement by Saskatchewan Aboriginal youth in nine categories:

Outstanding Achievement Leadership Education Community Service Culture Sports Fine Arts/Performing Arts Technology/Science Spirit

Nominations for these awards are open to any youth who...

• is of Aboriginal ancestry;
• was between 13 and 19 years of age as of December 31, 2009;
• is a resident of Saskatchewan; and
• has demonstrated outstanding commitment and or ability in one of the ten award categories.

or any group that...

• meets the above criteria.

Anyone can nominate a youth. But, each nomination must be supported by two references: community leader, educator or elder, not related to the youth. Also, youths can only be nominated in one category.
New nominations will be accepted beginning in October, 2008.

To nominate someone you must send in:

• A completed nomination form.
• Reasons for nominating this youth.
• His or Her (or Group) accomplishments, in point form.
• Two (2) letters of reference.
• Nominee must complete and submit a 200 word biography explaining how he/she or group fit criteria of the particular award category.  Also include goals, objectives, and beliefs, and reasons why you feel they deserve this award.
• A 5x7 picture.

Note: All documents or pictures submitted will become property of the Wicihitowin Foundation and will not be returned. All documents or pictures must be submitted together at one time.

Mail, fax, or e-mail everything to:

SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence
Attention: Shawn Albert
11th flr. 410 22nd Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1W8
Fax: (306) 931-5556
e-mail: aboriginal.youthawards@sasktel.sk.ca

Some helpful tips!

• A youth can only be nominated in one category.
• Give complete answers to all of the questions asked.
• Provide lots of detail about the nominee and accomplishments.
• Remember, the judges do not know the nominee yet.
• The judges are most interested in personal sacrifice, determination, effort, commitment, attitude, demonstrations of leadership, sense of Aboriginal culture and language.
• Past award winners are not eligible to be nominated.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Sponsored by SaskTel,
the 2008 SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented by
Mr. Grant J. Kook (Chair, SaskTel Board of Directors) and
His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart (Lieutenant Governor)
to Tyrell Jacob Sinclair.

The 2008 Award recipient for Outstanding Achievement is Tyrell Jacob Sinclair who is from Gordon First Nation and is in grade 12 and attends schools at Raymore School in Raymore. Tyrell is an outstanding young man with great characteristics he is a diligent student with over an 80% average, talented athlete, student leader and committed to his traditional teachings.

Tyrell is successful because he balances his priorities and states that “cultural traditions have assisted him to set goals/priorities for my future and to value everyday”. Tyrell believes without personal sacrifice his achievements would not be possible. Tyrell is recognized by classmates, team-mates, teachers and coaches in the following ways: Executive member of Raymore Students Association, Captain of Raymore Cross Country Team, has been on organized sports such as hockey where has been the assistant captain for Raymore Elks and Lumsden Blackhawks, football and golf. Currently he is training to run in the Regina Police Marathon Tyrell has made provincial teams for track/field and cross country running. Tyrell is a great motivator and has to give pep talks to motivate the team, push them when they are tired and praise when they have achieved success.

Tyrell strives to be the best at everything he does not for himself but for the benefit of the team. His family and community give him tremendous support and Tyrell set high standards for himself for he represents his community out in the world.

Congratulations Tyrell!

SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence winners:

• Sports - Adrianna Morrison
• Spirit - Tessa Acoose
• Fine and Performing Arts - Dallas Fiddler
• Culture - Sky Boyz Singers and Sunrise Dancers
• Technology and Science Award - Jessica Heuser
• Education - Tamara Mirasty
• Community Service - Sakewew – Substance Awareness and Empowerment for the Youth
• Leadership - Act Now
• 10th Anniversary Commemorative Awards - Raquel Pasap

The SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence were established by the Wicihitowin Foundation in 1997, to recognize the many achievements of Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan. The Awards are supported by the public, government, and private sector.

A jury of Aboriginal people including: youth, former award winners, and community leaders select the winners based on the criteria outlined. Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners for 2009 will be honoured at a Gala Ceremony in Saskatoon at TCU Place, Grand Salon on Friday May 22, 2009.

For more information, please contact the people listed below.

Contact

 

Colleen Cameron, Chair
Ph: (306) 931-6202
Fax: (306) 931-5950

Shawn Albert, SaskTel
Ph 1-866-931-6286
OR (306) 931-6286