Award Winners

Sterling George

Derrick Kamanga Award
2020
School
Western University
Program
Civil Engineering
Community
Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Sterling’s passion for engineering is visible in his drive to succeed in his university courses and in attaining a summer internship at MIG Engineering Ltd. In Sarnia, ON. This fall Sterling will enter his second year of the Civil Engineering program at Western University.

Aaryn Zoccole

Robert Olivier Award
2020
School
University of Toronto
Program
Mechanical Engineering
Community
Wikwemikong
Aaryn grew up travelling to and living in many First Nations communities with her mother who worked as a teacher. Aaryn has managed to stay grounded by spending all of her free time with her robotics team. This fall, Aaryn will enter her first year of the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Toronto.

Bohdana Innes

Jay Benedict Award
2020
School
Laurentian University
Program
Masters of Architecture
Community
Wawa
Bohdana grew up in Wawa, Ontario, but traveled back and forth between Moose Factory and Wawa. She is currently enrolled in a Masters of Architecture program at Laurentian University and anticipates her graduation in April 2022.

Megan Laroche

Student Achievement Award
2020
School
Cambrian College
Program
Environmental Program
Community
Moose Cree First Nation
Megan Laroche is a member of Moose Cree First Nation where she attends the Gathering of Our People, every summer. When she graduates from the Environmental program at Cambrian College in June 2021, Megan plans to work with her First Nation in the Environment department and wants to help in meetings and discussions with resource development companies.

Chantel Desrochers

Student Achievement Award
2020
School
Laurentian University
Program
Climate Monitoring/Indigenous Relations
Community
Beausoleil First Nation
Chantel is a registered member of Beausoleil First Nation and has used her education and work experience to obtain employment in her community as their Community Climate Monitoring Liaison in the Lands and Resources Department. Her goal is to work in her home community’s Lands and Resources Department.

Skylar Manitowabi

Robert Olivier Award
2019
School
McMaster University
Program
Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology
Community
Wikwemikong

Skylar Manitowabi is currently enrolled in the Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology program at McMaster University.

Nyland Hall

Student Achievement Award
2019
School
Algonquin College
Program
Building Construction Technician
Community
Fort Albany First Nation

Nyland Hall grew up in Moosonee and is a member of Fort Albany First Nation. Nyland has fond memories of playing with other First Nation youth in sports tournaments and made lasting friendships.