2014
Keewaywin
Awards
In recognition of outstanding achievements and
dedication to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Rebirth of a Nation
XXXIII Keewaywin Conference
August 5, 6 & 7, 2014
Hosted By McDowell Lake First Nation
Awards Ceremony
NAN Elder Recognition Award
Recipient: Mike Hunter Jr., Weenusk First Nation
Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership
Recipient: Chief Sonny Gagnon, Aroland First Nation
NAN Woman Award
Recipient: Kenina Kakekayash, North Caribou Lake First Nation
NAN Youth Award - Leadership/Community Involvement
Recipient: Keisha Saige Iahtail, Attawapiskat First Nation
NAN Youth Award - Athletic
Recipient: Sabrina Angeconeb, Bearskin Lake First Nation
NAN Youth Award - Academic
Recipient: Robyn Archibald, Taykwa Tagamou Nation
NAN Staff Award
Recipient: Dobi-Dawn Frenette, Director of Education Secretariat
Host Community Award
Recipient: Chief Eli James, McDowell Lake First Nation
Housing Manager Capacity and Community Development
Training
Recipients:
Monique Sutherland, Attawapiskat First Nation
Bernard Gagnon, Aroland First Nation
Ivan Majiskan, Aroland First Nation
Jeffery Roundhead, Slate Falls First Nation
Sam Fiddler, Sandy Lake First Nation
Brian Edwards, Chapleau Cree First Nation
NAN Elder Recognition Award
Recipient: Mike Hunter Jr., Weenusk First Nation
Mike Hunter Jr. was born on July 18, 1935 along
the Shagamu River, halfway between Fort Severn
and Peawanuck.
He contracted tuberculosis as a child and was sent
to Toronto for treatment, where he stayed from
age 7-14. He experienced loneliness while away
but picked up the English language which served
him well after his discharge. Mike returned to the
land and was an avid hunter, �isher and trapper. He
secured work at the military base at Winisk as a
mechanic in his late teens and was elected Chief of
his community in his early 20s.
Mike was keen to improve the quality of life for
his community and the region. One of the many
issues affecting northern First Nations was isolation and safety, as there were no
communication services available. Mike was instrumental in the development of
the Wawatay Native Communications Society and remains the longest-serving
active board member.
Another issue dear to his heart was the apprehension of children to be fostered
or adopted into mainstream society, where they lost their languages, culture and
family ties. Mike helped form Payukotayno: James & Hudson Bay Family Services to
keep children in their Nations, and he became a founding board member.
After his career in politics he worked as a Conservation Of�icer monitoring polar
bear, geese and caribou populations until his recent retirement at 75. Not one to
slow down, he enlisted with the Canadian Rangers where he remains active. He
attends Camp Loon annually as a facilitator of training exercises for the Junior
Canadian Rangers and hosts sessions when the Rangers come north for special
training exercises.
Mike has never stopped hunting, �ishing and trapping throughout his active life,
and a major feature of his life’s work has involved mentoring youth about life on
the land.
www.nan.on.ca
Emile Nakogee Award for
Outstanding Leadership
Recipient: Chief Sonny Gagnon, Aroland First Nation
As Chief for four terms, Sonny Gagnon is
recognized for his outstanding commitment to
community development, cultural preservation
and the enrichment of the lives of the people of
Aroland First Nation.
Chief Gagnon is passionate about resource
development, as many generations have seen their
natural resources extracted without consultation
or reparation, resulting in ongoing struggles with
poverty, sickness and social issues. He is reaching
out to neighbouring First Nations for a united
front to address individual community issues and
priorities when negotiating with industry and
government on resource development.
Chief Gagnon believes resource development can bring economic bene�its to First
Nations, but he sees a need for more oversight and protection of the environment
for future generations. He believes the impacts of development must have minimum
effect on the community’s culture and way of life. He believes that the connection
with the land is imperative and that the entire community, especially the Elders,
need to be aware of what these changes will mean to their traditional lands.
Chief Gagnon has tackled variety of community issues like housing, health,
education and child welfare. He serves on the board of directors for Tikinagan
Children and Family Services and advocates for customary care so First Nation
children are raised in our communities with our people. He is passionate about the
preservation of language and culture, and has ensured that the school curriculum
is a re�lection of the community’s culture and that the Ojibway language is evident
in every aspect of school life.
In addition to his leadership in Aroland, Chief Gagnon is also a leader in our Nation,
providing leadership and guidance and supporting neighbouring communities
when crisis occurs.
XXXIII Keewaywin Conference hosted by McDowell Lake First Nation
NAN Woman Award
Recipient: Kenina Kakekayash, North Caribou Lake First Nation
A childhood dream came true for Kenina
Kakekayash, who recently celebrated her
35th anniversary with Wawatay Native
Communications Society.
As a child growing up in Weagamow Lake First
Nation Kenina had two dreams: to become a
teacher and to become an Aboriginal radio
broadcaster. Tending a trap line beside a transistor
radio with an antenna made from rabbit snare,
the voices over the distant, crackling station were
like magic. She thought:“If there ever was an
Aboriginal Radio Station, where Native people can
speak on the air in our own language, then I want
to be the First Native Woman broadcaster.”
Known today as the “Women’s Voice of the North”, Kenina started her career with
Wawatay in 1979 as “Translataphone” operator, providing translations for NAN
communities. But her dream came true in 1983 when the Wawatay Radio Network
was established. She helped with the licensing of NAN community radio stations
and organized workshops to train local managers, and has held several positions
that have contributed to the development of the organization.
Kenina helped with the WRN expansion from 1989-1991 and served as advisor
to the provincial government’s Community Radio Ontario Program. She served in
management from 1991 until her son suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2006.
She and her husband Gaetan nursed their son back to health and she attributes her
son’s near full recovery to the power of prayer. Currently, she produces Wawatay’s
�irst-ever series for women: Keenawint Equawuck (Us Women) and KiitishiKiishwe-Wininaan (Our Language).
Kenina is an active volunteer in the Sioux Lookout community, organizing church
meetings and assisting Elders and visitors. She has close contacts in NAN First
Nations, strong communication skills in Oji-Cree and English and is respected by
all who work with her.
www.nan.on.ca
NAN Youth Award Leadership/Community
Involvement
Recipient: Keisha Saige Iahtail, Attawapiskat First Nation
Raised by a single mother to believe in herself,
to be responsible, to have strong beliefs and to
pursue her education, Keisha Iahtail achieved
her goal to become a helicopter pilot through
determination, perseverance, and hard work.
A member of the Attawapiskat First Nation, Keisha
is known for excelling in school and constantly
being recognized as an outstanding student
through the many awards she has received from
grade school to high school. Keisha attended J.R.
Nakogee Elementary from Junior Kindergarten
to Grade 8 in portable buildings. She left her
reserve to attend high school in Timmins, ON and
struggled being away from home and family. She
continued on believing it was for the best intent of her and her future. During high
school she received the Honour Roll in Grade 9 and the Principal’s Honour Roll in
Grade 10 and 11. Keisha left Timmins to attend the last semester of high school
at Vezina High of Attawapiskat. At her graduation she received the Outstanding
Graduate Award, Outstanding Cree Language Award, Best Graduate Overall Mark
Award, Female Best Average over the Course of their Career Award, Shannen
Koostachin Memorial Award and the Outstanding Improvement/Supporting
Fellow Students Award.
Keisha’s most notable accomplishment is becoming a helicopter pilot. A goal set in
grade 5, her dream of �lying became strong as she went along with her education.
Keisha is currently attending the Essential Aviation Program in North Bay and
has yet a couple weeks left to complete the program until reaching her goal and
making her dream of becoming a helicopter pilot into a reality. She has inspired
some young people to continue their education and pursue their dreams. Keisha’s
long term goal is to obtain her own business to service her community and local
communities of James Bay.
XXXIII Keewaywin Conference hosted by McDowell Lake First Nation
NAN Youth Award - Athletic
Recipient: Sabrina Angeconeb, Bearskin Lake First Nation
Sabrina Angeconeb isn’t one to sit still. An active
16-year old member of Bearskin Lake First
Nation, Sabrina is a strong believer in living a �it
and healthy lifestyle, and her goal is to inspire and
be a role model for other young female athletes
through her strong work ethic and commitment.
Since Grade 9 Sabrina has competed in a variety
of sports. She competed in the Ontario Federation
Secondary Schools Athletics in volleyball and track
and �ield events, and competed regionally and
provincially in biathlon during her involvement
with Army Cadets.
Currently attending St. Patrick’s High School,
Sabrina is a member of the All-Star Volleyball Team
for Thunder Bay high schools and is rated as one of the top six players in Thunder
Bay. She earned her a spot on the Team Ontario Under-19 volleyball team, which
competed at the North American Indigenous Games in July. In 2013 Sabrina was
honoured by being named captain of the Superior North Volleyball Club Under-17
team which competed at the Indoor Volleyball Nationals.
Sabrina was named MVP for the Superior North Volleyball Club two years in a row
(2013, 2014) and received her high school’s Leadership Award in 2013. She was
also nominated as Athlete of the Year due to her involvement in so many sports.
When she’s not competing, Sabrina volunteers with a youth group fundraising for
Shelter House and local food drives. She was the Crime Stoppers lead at her high
school for the past school year, and assisted with an award-winning public service
announcement video.
Always on the move, Sabrina is currently on an international adventure with her
high school touring London, Ireland and Wales. From athletics to international,
Sabrina is certainly going places.
www.nan.on.ca
NAN Youth Award
- Academic
Recipient: Robyn Archibald, Taykwa Tagamou Nation
A childhood diagnosis of a learning disability
hasn’t slowed down Robyn Archibald as she
pursues her education, and the Taykwa Tagamou
Nation member has overcome many obstacles to
achieve great things so far during her academic
career.
But after years of hard work and determination,
Robyn has overcome this disability and has
reached high levels of success through her many
academic achievements.
She was acknowledged for her achievements at
her Grade 8 graduation where she was recognized
for having achieved the highest marks in English,
history and geography.
Robyn recently graduated from Grade 12 with honours. During the graduation
ceremonies she was honoured as the award-winner for Apitisawin and received
the Friends of the Community Scholarship.
Robyn is recognized as a perfect example of how perseverance can lead to
outstanding student achievements, and determination can overcome any and all
obstacles.
She is recognized as a leader and role model for her peers, and her story is an
inspiration and testament to the importance of education.
XXXIII Keewaywin Conference hosted by McDowell Lake First Nation
NAN Staff Award
Recipient: Dobi-Dawn Frenette, Director of Education Secretariat
As Director of NAN’s Education Secretariat, DobiDawn Frenette has demonstrated extraordinary
commitment to creating a better tomorrow for
students throughout our Nation.
Dobi-Dawn is a member of Couchiching First
Nation and has served with NAN for eight years.
Her father instilled in her the importance of Treaty
rights from a young age, and she is committed not
only to the education of our people but also the
Treaty and inherent rights of the Nishnawbe Aski.
Dobi-Dawn is a tireless worker and readily makes
herself available to our people and communities.
She goes above and beyond her job at all hours
of the day and night and is always prepared
to respond to the needs and concerns of Chiefs, the Executive Council and other
community leaders. She travels to NAN First Nations frequently, has extensive
knowledge of the challenges and aspirations of our people, and is a highly valued
asset and true friend to our communities.
Dobi-Dawn’s strong work ethic and professionalism has earned the respect of her
peers, government counterparts and colleagues in our communities. She has led
NAN at the technical level to address threats to education funding for students
across NAN territory and organized a critical education summit for Chief-inAssembly to address proposed federal legislation on First Nation education.
Dobi-Dawn is strong advocate for NAN youth, has made tremendous efforts to
secure services for students that are lacking in their home communities, and serves
as liaison for students who experience dif�iculties with area school boards. Her
passion for her work is an outstanding example of how each and every one of us
can make a difference to the lives of our people.
www.nan.on.ca
Host Community Award
Recipient: Chief Eli James, McDowell Lake First Nation
McDowell Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree community located approximately 500
kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. The remote community is only accessible
by �loat plane and ski-equipped aircraft and has a population of approximately 50
people on-reserve.
The community was established by trapper Johnny Kenequanash in the 1940s on
the central western shore of McDowell Lake known as Misi-zhaaga’igan or “The
Grand Lake.” Misi-zhaaga’igan was the main waterway for people travelling by
canoes leading north to Windigo Lake or east towards Cat Lake. Even today, the
primary economic activity is traditionally trapping and �ishing.
McDowell Lake was awarded of�icial band status in 1985, and a land base of
approximately 4,455 hectares was established through a 1991 agreement between
the governments of Canada, Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and �ive other First
Nations (Aroland, Keewaywin, New Slate Falls, Saugeen and Wawakapewin).
The Keewaywin Conference is traditionally held in one of NAN’s larger First Nation
communities, usually alternating between the east and west sides of NAN territory,
and this is the �irst time in many years that the conference has been held outside the
traditional territory of the host First Nation.
McDowell Lake First Nation does not yet have the have the resources to hold
an event as large as Keewaywin, but serving as host community for this year’s
conference allows the community to play a larger role in the development of our
Nation.
XXXIII Keewaywin Conference hosted by McDowell Lake First Nation
Housing Manager Capacity and
Community Development Training
Recipients:
Monique Sutherland, Attawapiskat First Nation
Bernard Gagnon, Aroland First Nation
Ivan Majiskan, Aroland First Nation
Jeffery Roundhead, Slate Falls First Nation
Sam Fiddler, Sandy Lake First Nation
Brian Edwards, Chapleau Cree First Nation.
Housing Managers in First Nations are faced with many challenges: from building
new homes, changing and implementing new policies, and maintaining older
homes. Housing is the foundation for any strong and healthy community, but
providing safe, affordable and suf�icient housing is serious challenge.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) recognized the need for Housing Manager capacity
development, and partnered with Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC)
and the Zarex Business Centre to pilot Housing Manager Capacity and Community
Development Training with �ive NAN First Nations in January 2014. The goal was to
work with communities prepared to try a new approach to address their housing needs.
The training took a unique approach by focusing on community engagement and
collaboration, housing policies, maintenance, and building. The students (Housing
Managers) learned by visiting communities who are successful in managing their
housing. The comprehensive course is focused on teaching skills instead of just
sharing knowledge.
Each student left the course with a diploma and work plan to bring back to their
communities, and the project partners with assist with the implementation. A NAN
Housing Managers Aftercare Program has been identi�ied and a funding application
submitted to support the implementation of the work plans.
All of these students worked diligently to complete the training and has represented
their respective First Nation with determination and pride. We honour their efforts
to make positive, lasting change in their home communities.
www.nan.on.ca
Featured Entertainers
Shy-Anne Hovorka
Shy-Anne is an award-winning songwriter, multiinstrumentalist and performer, who has found her
niche and passion in the realm of “Country Music.”
Her third album “Interwoven Roots” released on
June 25, 2012 has garnered six 2012 Aboriginal
Peoples Choice Music Awards and her latest album
“Bones” has received four APCMA nominations.
Her previous two albums “Black Thunderbird”
and “Pseudo” have been nominated for 19 awards,
multiple award wins, a lucrative licensing deal
for the song “Can’t Change The World” in the
“Blackstone” television series and sales of more
than 5,000 units. She has appeared on various
television shows including Breakfast Television
and Global News and has been interviewed by numerous radio stations across
Canada including CBC Radio.
Shy-Anne has garnered more than 200,000 views on her of�icial YouTube channel
that hosts seven original music videos. Her song “Can’t Change the World” won a
coveted spot in the opening ceremonies of the 2010 World Interfaith G-8 Summit
and the headline act for the 2010 Indigenous Festival with the Winnipeg Symphony
Orchestra.
Shy-Anne has embarked on three previous inter-provincial and multi-provincial
tours of Canada, winning the hearts of her fans and admirers. Her fourth tour to
support her new album included shows with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
that showcased material from her 2012 “Interwoven Roots” album release. Her
current tour also includes upcoming U.S. dates.
Cassidy Belisle
Cassidy Belisle is a young performing artist from Red Rock Indian Band. She has
been playing guitar and singing for years under the direction of Shy-Anne Hovorka.
She has been on tour as a back-up singer with Shy-Anne for shows in Manitoba and
Ontario, and has done countless solo acoustic shows in her own area of Northern
Ontario.
Cassidy hopes to follow in Shy-Anne’s footsteps as she continues to work on her craft.