Students honoured at N’Amerind Friendship Centre banquet
By Shirley Honyust
LONDON – The room buzzed with friendly chatter as the 16th Annual Urban Aboriginal Student Awards banquet took place at N`Amerind Friendship Centre in London, Ontario.
Blue Storm, host drum, did an honour song leading into a traditional opening delivered by Eli Baxter. Originally from Waabishes Pawitig/ Marten Falls First Nation, Eli has lived and worked in the London for over 20 years.
This was followed by Starr McGahey-Albert, keynote speaker from the Thames Valley District School Board, originally from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, with her moving and personal timeline, encapsulating trials and tribulations throughout her educational years, from pre-secondary to post-secondary institutions, including issues with racism and protests that she took part in staging.
Following Starr, attendees partook of a sumptuous feast of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, cold trays of colourful veggies and fruit wedges, prepared by Anthony Ireland and his team of culinary experts. The meal was topped off the all-time favourite, a two-flavoured traditional celebratory cake decorated with “Congratulations Students!”
Starr later joined Joel Kennedy, Education Counsellor at N`Amerind and Carrie Rogers, Student Counsellor at B. Davidson Secondary School, to award certificates of achievement and real cold cash envelopes as they were presented to Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduates from the previous year, along with a round of hearty applause by family, friends and community members who had gathered to recognize these youth for their success in: Alternative Education, Native Studies, English, Arts, Math, Science, Skilled Trades, Athletics and Community Appreciation.
Jessica Smith from Aamjiwnaang First Nation was recognized for her academic excellence as she received the award for Senior English; Tyler Stonefish from Aamjiwnaang First Nation tied with another student, Taylor Mouliaks from Upper Mohawk for the Senior Math Award, to name a couple of front runners!
The number nine played a significant role in the awards ceremony this year as there were nine Grade 8 grads, nine Grade 12 grads and 19 subject awards for students in Grades 9 through 12–is this coincidence or what?
Jessica Hay (Oneida) was a three-time winner, recognized for Senior Native Studies, Community Appreciation and her Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma from Saunders Secondary School. She is presently enrolled in Social Justice and Peace studies while attending Kings College at Western.