February 18, 2022
Province Supports Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards
– – –Celebrating Indigenous Youth Leadership and Achievements: Lagimodiere
The Manitoba government is providing $5,000 to the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (MIYAA) to recognize outstanding achievements of Indigenous youth who exhibit high standards of excellence, dedication, leadership and accomplishments, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere announced today.
“Our government is encouraged by the youth of our province and the leadership they demonstrate to drive Manitoba forward and make it a better place for everyone,” said Lagimodiere. “The accomplishments and dedication to excellence displayed by this year’s awardees is inspiring to see. These community leaders provide other Indigenous youth with positive role models and a vision of what they can achieve for themselves.”
This year the MIYAA will recognize 18 youth Indigenous leaders and role models. Hosted by Pembina Trails School Division, the virtual awards ceremonies will be held March 8 and April 6. Awards are given for accomplishments in academic success, traditional employment, entrepreneurship, athletics, community involvement, culture, personal achievement and health in both northern and southern Manitoba. In addition to providing financial support for scholarship winners, the awards strengthen identity for Indigenous youth by celebrating the skills, abilities and leadership of accomplished youth in their communities.
"The MIYAA organizing committee is a collective of many talented people who are committed to bringing forward Indigenous youth’s accomplishments to celebrate them, their families and communities,” said Darlene Daniels and Helen Robinson-Settee, MIYAA co-chairs. “To watch Indigenous youth shine at the event is inspirational and always heartwarming. The goal is set for other Indigenous youth who decide are motivated to dream big and break barriers.”
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning has been involved with the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards for the past 25 years. School divisions and past MIYAA recipients are also involved with the planning to highlight the strengths and resilience of Indigenous youth throughout Manitoba.
“We are proud to be a partner with organizers, including school divisions, to celebrate Indigenous youth and their amazing accomplishments,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko. “I want to congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and dedication, and wish them much success in the years ahead.”
The MIYAA were established in 1994 to highlight the accomplishments of young leaders in Indigenous communities as a way to counter negative narratives. To date, more than 300 leaders have received an award.
To learn more about Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards, visit www.miyaa.ca/.
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