Abel is thankful for a life that has exposed him to Woodland Cree and Western education systems.
He worked over the years to enhance his life with healthier coping skills.
Abel worked in various areas throughout the north – guiding fishers, firefighting, construction, education, broadcasting, translating and pursuing traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping and positions of leadership.
“My work experiences have taken me to the steps of Parliament Hill and the wilderness, where I practice our cultural traditions.”
Message to the people: “kāwitha pakicī (Don’t give up).”
Devin, from La Ronge, makes his home in Sucker River with his wife, Honey, and son, Dade.
He received an Education degree through NORTPEP and taught at Senator Myles Venne School before entering the political field and going to work for his local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Devin believes strongly volunteering and giving back to his community are important for himself, and for youth.
He coaches hockey, golf, football, track and field and volleyball both in his community and with the FSIN Summer and Winter Games. He is currently the President of the North Central Minor Hockey League.
Message to the community: “Don’t wait around for opportunities to come your way, go out and find them.“
Henry is a Cree language and culture educator in his community, Sucker River. He teaches language and culture to children.
Henry is also a Lay Reader in the Anglican Church in his community.
Message to the community: “Everyone has a gift, you have to find to it, and share it.”
Hilliard is an Elder from Little Red River, who has been an Anglican Church Lay Reader for 30 years.
He worked in provincial corrections for seven years.
Hilliard also enjoys farming and plants potatoes annually for all the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) communities.
Message to community: “Sobriety and spirituality are my number one priority.“
Irwin is a former LLRIB Councillor of several terms and retired after a career in the Canadian Armed Forces serving with the United Nations Peacekeepers.
He holds a Human Justice certificate from the University of Regina.
Irwin enjoys fishing, hunting, spending time at the family cabin and visiting with family.
He also enjoys researching genealogy.
Message to community: “Hope is stronger than fear. You are our future, do not fear it.”
Janet works for Health Services in Stanley Mission as the Home and Community Care Coordinator.
She enjoys working with Elders and being able to give back to her community.
Janet received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2016 and passed the NCLEX Nursing Exam in August of the same year.
She takes every opportunity to encourage youth in her community to pursue educational opportunities.
Message : “With hard work, determination and the support of family and friends, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
Jennifer is most proud of being a mother to her two daughters.
She holds a Business Administration diploma from the University of Regina and strives to make her community better by advocating for children.
She has achieved a life without the addictions that “are crippling our people here in my community.”
She enjoys weightlifting, running, walking, swimming, hunting, fishing, gathering, trapping and travelling.
Her goals are to travel, once a year, to someplace she’s never been, to always be a humanitarian to all people, and to continue her education.
Message to the people: “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions be louder than your words.” (Kevin Ford)
Jody works as the Recreation Coordinator at Bell’s Point Elementary School.
She organizes programs and activities for youth and community members after school, evenings and on weekends.
“I have a lot of youth showing up and wanting to participate.”
The activities include sports, an open gym, art workshops and cultural activities.
Message: “Be Unique! Be You! …Because, no one can do it better!”
Joseph is a graduate of the National School of Dental Therapy and works as a Dental Therapist in Stanley Mission.
He enjoys hockey, golf and fishing and volunteers as a hockey coach.
Message to youth: “Get your education while you’re still young, don’t wait until you’re old.”
Kevin works as the Director of Sports and Recreation for the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC).
He holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan.
Kevin was given Special Mention in the National Royal Bank Cup Local Hockey Leader Program in 2004 and received the Commemorative Saskatchewan Centennial Award in 2005.
The Centennial award is given to those “who have made significant contributions to their community and province through leadership, community involvement and outstanding personal achievement.”
He is one of the founders of the La Ronge 89ers Sports Club, a strong advocate for youth and adult sports and coaches minor and senior hockey and youth softball leading teams to numerous championships.
Kevin was an early achiever. In Grade 12 he coached a volleyball team, was captain for several volleyball teams; competed in different sports; challenged himself to overcome his fears; earn certificates, medals and trophies; learned how to play guitar.
His interests and hobbies included, home cooking, travelling, Aboriginal studies and First Nation culture and languages.
Kevin had goals to achieve after graduation, build a cabin, get a trapline, open up a restaurant and help his community as much as he could.
Message to the people: “Never let where you come from define you and be proud of who you are!”
Kristen, from La Ronge, graduated from Grade 12 in Prince Albert.
She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan.
Kristen has worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 13 years.
Message to community: “Never give up: persevere.”
Leonard is the Deputy Fire Chief in Hall Lake.
He is an eight-year veteran firefighter and is also on the First Responders, Search and Rescue and Rapid Response teams.
Message: “Our prime purpose in life is to help others.“
Dr. Rose Roberts, originally from Stanley Mission, holds an undergraduate degree in Nursing, Masters and PhD degrees in Community Health and Epidemiology.
Her doctoral researched focused on views of cancer among Lac La Ronge Indian Band members.
Dr. Rose received a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence award and spent a year teaching at the Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, Washington in the United States.
Dr. Rose held various faculty positions within the College of Nursing and School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan.
She also held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority.
Over the last nine years, Dr. Rose re-connected with her teachings, particularly in respect to land-based knowledge and healing.
Dr. Rose is a licensed trapper and is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Northern Saskatchewan Trapper’s Association.
She runs her own consulting company and continues to promote and teach Indigenous health and healing.
Sally graduated from SIIT with a certificate in Community Services Addictions and has worked with LLRIB Health Services for 17 years.
She enjoys hiking, traditional and cultural activities -berry and medicine picking – along with visiting and fishing.
Sally often competes in Trapper events.
She has four children, two she gave birth to and two adopted.
Message to the community: “Anything is possible: think positive.”
Shirley spent 22 years as a bus driver in her community of Little Red River.
She spent the previous six years driving to Christopher Lake School before the Little Red River Reserve School was built.
Shirley also drove medical cab for eight years.
“I enjoy bus driving,” she says.
She enjoys getting to know the children in her community and encourages them to listen to their parents and Elders.
Shirley always starts her day with a prayer, asking for strength, patience and compassion for the students.
Message to community: “Go to school and get your education.”
Travis joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996, and after completing his Trades training, Travis was posted to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Edmonton.
Travis served in many operations including Operation Palladium in Tomislavgrad, Bosnia-Herzegovina; and Operation Apollo in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
He was recognized as the Top Paratrooper in the Canadian Forces winning the first Canadian Airborne Soldier of the Year award.
In 2006, after serving for 10 years, Travis was posted to the Parachute School in Trenton, Ontario. During this time he taught the disciplines of Parachuting in the Canadian Forces, performed on the airshow circuit throughout North America with the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team, Starhawks. During his final year, Travis was responsible for all Freefall Parachuting in the Canadian Forces.
In 2012, Travis returned to 3rd PPCLI and served in two more missions, Operation Attention in Kabul, Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom in Poland.
After completing a yearlong French course for promotion purposes, Travis decided to retire and come back to his roots to be closer to family and give back to the community.
Travis is married to Candice and they have two children, Bryce, 12, and Breanna, 8.
He is currently the Supervisor at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) Fitness Centre.
Message to community: “Stop waiting for things to happen; go out and make them happen!”
Wanda is a 15-year veteran with the RCMP.
Her career “has brought me many experiences and opportunities I never imagined”
She is proud to represent the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the RCMP and Canada as a whole.
Message to the community: “Respect is earned where respect is given.”