Eight First Nations members were awarded the First Peoples Medal from the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec on Thursday at the Parliament Building in Quebec City.
Lise Bastien, Denys Bernard, Daniel Brière, Pénélope Guay, Ojistoh Horn, Robert Kanatewat, Oscar Kistabish and Loretta Robinson received the honor emphasizing the extraordinary contribution of First Nations members and the Inuit.
The First Peoples Medal aims to highlight [la contribution de] these Aboriginal women and men who, through their talent, work, knowledge and commitment, bring hope and future to members of their communitysaid Quebec Lieutenant Governor Michel Doyon at the ceremony.
Their daily and consistent actions benefit their countries and strengthen our communities. They are positive leaders whose voices are raised and reassured. They are the role models that all nations needHe added.
From a variety of backgrounds, recipients were selected by members of their community for their human qualities, their dedication, their achievements and their participation, as well as for their ability to inspire and promote their culture. in Quebec, Canada and abroad. .
A member of the Huron-Wendat nation, Lise Bastien was honored for her impressive contribution to the field of education, especially for her commitment to giving Aboriginal communities control over their education system.
For his part, Denys Bernard asserted himself as an important leader of the Abenaki nation thanks to his dynamism and his innovative outlook. Amid the development of his community, he worked to set up vital programs to promote the well-being of his fellow citizens.
Daniel Brière, a filmmaker from the Maliseet country, was also rewarded for his participation and his desire to build bridges between the countries to facilitate better mutual understanding. His desire to promote and protect Aboriginal culture in his works was also praised.
Described as a model of humanism by her peers, Pénélope Guay, from the Innu country, was also honored. Promoting exchange and rapprochement between people, it has identified itself by setting up an extensive network of mutual aid within Quebec society.
Dr. Ojistoh Horn of the Mohawk Nation was recognized by his colleagues for his exemplary work in public health. Her professional commitment and sincere desire to help and serve her community was commended.
A medal was awarded to Robert Kanatewat of the Cree Nation. The latter plays an important role in promoting the rights of indigenous peoples. His countrymen describe him as an honest and passionate man, a true pillar of the community.
The President of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Center since 2009, Oscar Kistabish, from the Anishinaabe country, was also celebrated. Having devoted part of his life to promoting traditional Aboriginal culture and spirituality, he is one of his country’s greatest ambassadors to the people of Quebec.
Loretta Robinson, of Naskapi Nation, was the last to face the audience to receive her medal. A talented and efficient leader, he has distinguished himself through his contribution to the educational community and for his commitment to integrating the study of Aboriginal culture, language and history into the teachings of First Nations students.
Source: Radio-Canada
