Exceptional Alberta youth honoured at awards ceremony

Some of Alberta’s best and brightest youth were honoured at the 2010 Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards held on March 6 in Edmonton. Sponsored by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the awards are designed to honour Aboriginal youth, who display outstanding leadership qualities and who make a difference within their communities.

Nominees were judged by a panel of independent youth, who graded them according to specific criteria. Nominees with the highest grades were then selected as recipients for the awards. This year, 12 youth from across Alberta were recognized in the categories of culture and heritage, academic achievement, athletic achievement, community leaders, career advancement and “Walking the Red Road.”

“This year’s recipients were outstanding Aboriginal youth who had significant accomplishments,” said Danika Benson, a project officer with the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Besides acknowledging the achievements of the recipient, the awards have an impact that extends far beyond the recipient.

“The awards create a perpetual cycle of giving all youth someone to look up to from their own community,” said Benson, “and it also encourages industry to support the youth.”

Bailey Davis, a 17-year-old from Medicine Hat, was a recipient of this year’s “Walking the Red Road” award. Described by her nominator as determined, resilient, cooperative, and respectful of others, Davis made great strides during the past year when she “changed from being a drug addict to quitting completely.” Her remarkable turnaround began after she reached rock bottom a year ago.

“The lowest point was the last time I ever did drugs, it was the worst,” said Davis, “I was on a five day ecstasy binge. If I didn’t quit, I would never be coming home again.”

During the past year, she has worked hard to overcome substance abuse and learn more about her Aboriginal culture. She is nearly finished her high school diploma and she volunteers regularly at the Miywasin Society, a community outreach centre, where she participates in various social and cultural activities. After high school, Davis aspires to attend the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary.

“I’m hoping to do both graphic design and art to major in both – fine art and technology,” she said.

Recently, Davis celebrated 160 days of sobriety.

Said Davis of the award, “It’s an award for changing your life around and making it better. It means I accomplished a lot. My little sister has always seen me as a role model. The award just made it more so.”