Metis woman earns CN scholarship

Page 2

Suzanne Shukin, a Metis woman from northern Saskatchewan, is one of three scholarship recipients announced by Canadian National Railways in early November.

Shukin is completing a criminal justice diploma at Lethbridge Community College in Lethbridge, Alta., and plans to enroll in the University of Lethbridge where she will pursue a pre-law degree in political science. He ultimate goal is to practice criminal law.

Currently completing a placement with the Lethbridge Crown Attorney's office, Shukin recently completed a previous placement with the Blood Tribe Indian Reserve Police Service.

She said her biggest asset is a strong belief in herself. That faith was encouraged by the support of her family and friends.

"They gave me lots of support and believed in me," she said. "They knew I was capable of so much more."

After dropping out of high school and balancing the demanding responsibilities of work and raising a five-year-old daughter, Shukin returned to school and acquired a general equivalency diploma before enrolling in community college.

A positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm have allowed her to continue to cope with a heavy work load - both in and out of school.

CN president and CEO, Paul Tellier, congratulated all the scholarship recipients, saying, "They are inspiring many in First Nation communities to take advantage of the opportunities available through colleges and universities."

All three of the 1999 recipients are from Western Canada. A law student from British Columbia and an arts student from Manitoba also received scholarships.