Submitted
SaskTel and the Wicihitowin Foundation presented Saskatchewan’s highest achieving First Nation and Métis youth with awards of recognition at the 21st annual SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards in Saskatoon on May 24, 2019 at TCU Place, with some are youth winning awards.
2019 SaskTel Indigenous Youth Award Winners:
Community Service - Allysa Woodrow, North Battleford
Leadership - N’Tanis Wuttunee, Red Pheasant First Nation
Spirit - Celystin Moosoomin, Mosquito First Nation
Technology/ Science - Naomi Pete-Baptiste, Little Pine First Nation
Culture - Logan Cook, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Education - Dylan Bauman, Central Urban Métis Federation 165
Fine/ Performing Arts - Liam Scramstad, Central Urban Métis Federation 165
Innovation - Jenaya Johns, Pasqua First Nation
Outstanding Achievement, Female - Elizabeth Gagne, Regina
Outstanding Achievement, Male - Joseph Desjarlais, Ille la Crosse
Sports/ Recreation, Female - Jaira Cross Child, Blood Reserve
Sports/ Recreation, Male - Cole Sanderson, Sturgeon Lake First Nation
The annual gala has reached a milestone status in its 21st year showcasing the 2019 nominated youth and past award recipients. The 2018 Leadership Award recipient, Chante Speidel, gave a powerful keynote address, 2010 Fine and Performing Arts recipient Dallas Boyer entertained with fiddle music and Rebecca Strong sang beautifully, receiving two standing ovations.
“We received a record number of applications with 164 nominees this year,” says Committee Chair Colleen Cameron. “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 Wicihitowin Foundation was created in 1997 as a legacy to First Nation veterans who served Canada honourably during any international conflict, including ongoing peacekeeping missions. Wicihitowin honours these veterans by nurturing Indigenous youth, preparing them to rise to the challenge of responsibility and leadership, preparing them to excel physically and spiritually, as tomorrow’s leaders – “strong, brave and true.”
Wicihitowin, a Cree word, reflects the foundation’s overall mission “helping each other.” The SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards is the culmination of the Foundation’s efforts to seek out and recognize today’s Indigenous youth who are excelling or are becoming a strong role model in their community.
SaskTel has been a proud and supportive title sponsor of these awards from the beginning.
