Lead Your Way!

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Lead Your Way! inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals. Each year, 12 Aboriginal role models are nominated by their peers. They are selected for their achievements, leadership, and innovation.  Throughout the year, the role models will attend celebrations, school functions, workshops, and conferences to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth.

Twelve strong, accomplished and motivated youth were named Aboriginal Role Models at an award ceremony held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario on June 19, 2010. 

Lead Your Way! is hosted by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and funded by Health Canada. Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program aims to:

• Promote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem among Aboriginal Peoples.
• Strengthen Aboriginal identity.
• Create positive public images of Aboriginal Peoples.
• Facilitate availability of Aboriginal Role Models to Aboriginal youth and communities.
• Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aboriginal youth toward healthy lifestyles.
• Foster Aboriginal-inspired leadership.

Our first National Spokesperson was Jordin Tootoo. In 2004, he helped launch the program and encouraged Aboriginal youth to nominate their role models from their communities.

In 2007, James Makokis was our National Spokesperson.

In 2009, we are excited to have Lucie Idlout as our new National Spokesperson who will help promote the program.

Background Information:

NARMP Brochure - Program Information (pdf)

NARMP Brochure in Inuktitut (pdf)

Last Update: June 19 2010