Friday was the 28th edition of the SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards, which is meant to highlight Saskatchewan youth excellence. “The things that I’ve seen over the last three or four years is the quality of individuals and the number of applicants that we’re getting,” said Shara McCormick, the chair of the Wicihitowin Foundation, who is also the VP of Human Resources and Corporate Service at SaskTel. “It’s really great, because that means we have a lot of nominees, a lot of great Indigenous youth. It is getting more and more difficult to win because we only give out 10. I have to say that the quality continues to be outstanding.” The awards comprise of five categories: arts and science, culture and community, outstanding academic achievement, sports and recreation, as well as leadership. According to SaskTel, they had over 100 applications this year. Of the 10 winners, five of them are from the Regina area and the other five are from the Saskatoon area. Arts and Science Culture and Community Outstanding Academic Achievement Sports and Recreation Leadership Winners found out about their awards by email, with some reflecting on the moment. “I was just kind of just surprised,” said Scribe, a leadership award winner who was recognized for his cultural pride and commitment to his community. “I was so happy to represent my family. I was with my mom and my dad and they’re all really proud of me.” Winners reflect on the role models that guided them to these achievements, including $2,000 for each award. “Oh, that would definitely be my mother,” said Teya Brooks, who is also a leadership winner. “She’s the one who helped me find my voice.” Grade 9 student Liam Wolfe is a traditional dancer and is striving to be a role model for Indigenous youth. “Growing up, I kind of had a lot of friends that were around me that didn’t really pick the best choices,” he said. “I had exposure to different experiences, and I wanted to be a role model for different Indigenous youth so that they could have something to look up to and a different way of life instead of choosing the other dark road like gang activity and stuff like that.” After winning his award, speaking to the crowd was natural for Wolfe, who’s been a keynote speaker in Saskatchewan communities, promoting work ethic and commitment to a positive and healthy lifestyle. “I talk a little bit about the importance of walking what we like to call the ‘red road.’ The meaning behind that is walking a sober or alcohol clean and drug free lifestyle and breaking away from that evil spirit, and that drug and alcohol spirit,” he explained.
