Suzette is originally from Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation and currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a Diploma in Criminology and an Associates of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Psychology, both from Douglas College.

A wife and mother of two, Suzette is active within her Vancouver community. A support worker with several local community organizations, Suzette is passionate about helping youth with problems of addictions, homelessness and abuse. She also helps youth to further their education and to develop their artistic abilities.

Suzette produces and hosts the radio show ThinkNDN on 102.7FM CFRO. She is the owner of her own photography and entertainment business and sits on the board of Redwire Magazine.

She encourages youth to “build on confidence and self-esteem. Set goals! Be proud! Through determination and commitment, all dreams are achievable. Believe in yourself!”

Alisa is not afraid of heights! She has a passion for flying which gives her a sense of freedom. Alisa is currently completing the Professional Pilot Program with Sky Wings Aviation Academy Ltd. in Red Deer, Alberta. She graduated in 1997 from Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories. In 2005, she was a recipient of the Aviation Career Development Bursary and completed her first solo flight in November 2005.

Alisa is from a big family with three sisters and four brothers. Her inspiration is her 10-year-old son, Austin. Austin is the reason why she wants to be the best person that she can be and achieve the goals that she has set for herself. “Pursuing your dreams and goals with success is the sound of freedom!”

Robert (Bebaamoyaash) is Anishinaabe from Rainy River First Nations, Ontario. Not only has he spent over 10 years as a progressive social and political activist for Indigenous rights and education, he is a spoken-word poet, and has advocated for youth from Manitou Rapids. Robert is also a 10-year-supporter and advocate of the Zapatista movement (EZLN) in Mexico.

Completing his Master’s in Sociology, Robert directed action-oriented research assessing the educational needs and concerns of students from Rainy River First Nations. He authored a social and political analysis for Manitou Rapids, “Currents and Still Waters: A Manitou Rapids Manifesto,” to bring recommendations for change in his community. 

Robert says,“It’s more than possible to have strong roots and strong wings – be the change you wish to see. Defy convention. Hope, dream, imagine and inspire!”

At 17, Shawn is a regular volunteer in the community of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. For the last four years, he has helped raise money for the Christmas Food Drive and has organized alcohol-free events. He also plays guitar, on the local radio station or at events, to raise money for charities.

Shawn is part of a pre-trades program in his high school and hopes to work in the trades when he graduates. It is one of the most challenging programs, yet he is willing to put in extra time after school to strengthen his knowledge.

Shawn keeps healthy by participating in sports, including lacrosse and soccer. He is close to his family, which goes out camping every year. Shawn’s message to youth is: “Keep your tradition strong, learn from your Elders and listen to them.”

Kyle graduated from Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik, Northwest Territories and is currently enrolled at Aurora College in the Natural Resources Technology program. He spent his formative years learning respect, compassion and patience from his paternal grandparents in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.

At 21, Kyle keeps an active lifestyle by staying involved with sports and has travelled many times demonstrating or competing in Arctic sports. His love for sports shows through when he volunteers his time to coach youth in Minor baseball, Minor hockey and Arctic sports. He is eager to help the youth with each sport by passing along what he has learned. He also keeps healthy by spending time on the land, fishing, playing guitar, and abstaining from drugs, smoking and alcohol.

Kyle encourages youth to “Stay in school, respect others and you can be a role model too.”

Katelyn, 14, volunteers her time at school and is involved in community activities. She leads a reading and dance club at her school, volunteers at the Kamloops Wildlife and Animal Shelter, and often gives speeches in her community of Chase, British Columbia. She speaks some Secwepmctsin, since her family instilled the language in her at a young age. She feels knowing her traditional language brings her closer to her history, and has taught her discipline and patience.

Katelyn, inspired by other artists, has studied ballet for six years, which is a big part of her life. She has taken two exams for ballet and is working toward a third. Katelyn has also won multiple poetry contests.

Katelyn wants youth to know, “Life is only meant for one thing, to live and to live your fullest.”

Ry is an accomplished musician, business-owner and speaker living in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife and dog, Blue. He is the founder of Yellowtilt Productions,a music, video and event productions company. In 2006, Ry and a business partner raised $3 million to restore a heritage building in downtown Victoria. Ry is keen to see others find success in business.

Ry wrote and directed a video detailing how to properly record and document Aboriginal languages, which led to the creation of LearnMichif.com, an on-line language teaching and cultural tool for the Michif language. His contribution helps Métis around the world keep their language alive.

When he is not touring with his band or working, he can be found sea kayaking, rock climbing or hiking. Ry says, “Dream big and keep moving! Life is yours for the taking!”

Shaneen, 28, is a proud member of the Cree and Gitxsan nations. She belongs to a Sundance and Sweat Lodge family and has been emceeing powwows and many other Aboriginal-themed events since 2001. Shaneen is an active member of the Aboriginal community and takes pride in being a positive role model for Aboriginal youth.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Winnipeg, Shaneen currently works as the midday host and community events reporter at Native Communications Incorporated FM. She has also worked as a television news reporter for APTN National News and CTV News Winnipeg. Shaneen has produced a radio documentary, “The Earth Our Mother” in Cree; a short film documentary, “Rock Bottom”; and a play, “Wanting to Know”. Shaneen believes that you must, “Respect yourself, others, and Mother Earth and all her gifts.”

Caitlin is a student from Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg in Quebec and is focused on a bright future. She speaks fluent Algonquin and is a jingle dress dancer.  Caitlin learned about her Algonquin culture from her grandparents.

Due to her academic achievements, contributions to her community and her leadership qualities, Caitlin was recognized by the Foundations for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth.  Caitlin also participated in the Forum for Young Canadians on Parliament Hill. She was especially proud to represent Aboriginal people of Quebec in the Canada Wide Science Fair in Saguenay, Quebec.

Caitlin’s extra time is devoted to volunteer work, hockey, and her rock band called “House Band.” Caitlin encourages youth to “learn today and lead tomorrow.”