Youth say award recognition an honour

Mckenzie Oliver was in Grade 8 when a passing conversation with her father first revealed her Métis bloodline. Luc Gauthier, on the other hand, has grown up proudly embracing his Métis roots.
Both teens are among the 13 Albertans honoured in March at the 2013 Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards gala.

“It means a lot to me personally,” said Oliver who was both honoured and surprised to receive it.

Recognized in the Academic Achievement (Junior) category, Oliver is in Grade 12 in the International Baccalaureate program at St. Joseph’s High School in Edmonton. She earned Honours with Distinction through junior high and has carried that on into her high school studies. She has twice received the Blue & White Society Scholarship Award, named for the school’s colours and presented to high achieving students at St. Joe’s.

Her efforts don’t end in the study hall. At age 14, she earned the highest possible Pathfinder award. She participates in student government, has competed in the Alberta Science Olympics, co-authored a novel and earned an Alberta Hunter Education certificate, among other achievements.

For an assignment in Grade 8, Oliver had to research the contributions of the early Métis in Canada, and her father casually said, “Do you know you’re Métis?” The high-achieving student, now 17, has red hair and a fair complexion that burns in the summer sun, so she says people are surprised to learn of her Aboriginal connection.

 “My father has noted that around the 1890s our family stopped recognizing that we were Métis, so this was sort of a first coming-out in a way. It’s a proud moment for me and my dad as well, but equally terrifying and exciting. This is definitely an introduction to the Aboriginal community, and it made me want to engage more.”

Inspired by the achievements of people who have gone before her, Oliver’s visions for her future include finishing her Ph.D. and working on a research project at Cambridge or Oxford in the U.K., or maybe teaching and doing some writing in B.C.

Now 18, Luc Gauthier’s award came in the Culture & Heritage – Métis Senior category. Encouraged from a young age to take pride in his heritage, he says his mother’s family often talks about Métis culture and the Cree language. Some descriptive Cree words have become parts of his normal speech, and he wears a Métis sash as part of his everyday wardrobe.

Gauthier served on the AAYAA winner selection committee last year, so he was familiar with the number and the high calibre of nominees. He describes his own win as unexpected and overwhelming.

“I didn’t think it would happen,” he said. “It gives me a sense of pride, knowing I’m one of the youth in St. Albert who really cares about their culture.”

Just nine years old when his mother got him started in Métis dancing, he says his musical path continued when he was 12 and his father put a guitar into his hands. Since his involvement with the Métis Child & Family Jiggers began in 2003, Gauthier has been performing and teaching at events and schools throughout the capital region. His dance classes are steeped in Métis tradition and history. He also plays guitar and drums, performing with a local punk-influenced band called “Echoes of an Era.”

When he’s not teaching or playing music, Gauthier works fulltime, while planning to study culinary arts at NAIT. His spare time is spent volunteering at the Marian Centre in downtown Edmonton, where meals and other services are offered to those in need.
The busy young man says his inspiration comes from his mother, Florence Gauthier. “My parents split up when I was six, and she did her best for me. I think I’m more level-headed than most kids from two-parent families. She treats all people with respect and dignity.”

Gauthier is focused on building his future from his biggest passions – cooking and music. “I want to own a restaurant, or be a studio musician. I love to cook,” he said. A restaurant of his own with a live music component is high on his list of dreams.

Also receiving AAYAA recognition this year for Culture & Heritage were Josie Baker, Métis (Junior); Chanelle Blackkettle First Nations (Junior); Arsan Buffin, First Nations (Senior); Trista Simpson for Academic Achievement (Senior); for Walking the Red Road were Heaven Steckler (Junior) and Jamie Courtorielle (Senior); for Athletic Achievement were Daniel Deck (Junior) and Emilie Raye Wendland (Senior); for Community Leader were Annika Keewatin (Junior) and Kirsten Lindquist (Senior); and Naomi Beth Rau for Career Advancement  (Senior).

Since 2003, the annual awards have paid tribute to the outstanding efforts and hard work of young people whose heritage is First Nations, Métis or Inuit. The AAYAA program was developed by the Métis Nation of Alberta but is now directed by Rupertsland Institute.