National Aboriginal Role Model Program

NAHO Conference Ottawa, ON November 26, 2009

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP) celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth. • Each year, NARMP profiles 12 outstanding Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 to 30 years old, who are making a difference in their communities. • The program is designed to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue their dreams and live a healthier lifestyle. Our message to them is to “Lead Your Way!” • Currently in its sixth year, the program is hosted by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and funded by Health Canada.

History of NARMP • It was first established in 1984 as part of the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program. It was called the National Native Role Model Program and was “designed to encourage youth to pursue their dreams.” • The National Aboriginal Health Organization redesigned the role model program to include First Nations, Inuit and Métis. • It includes a national scope of urban, rural and remote regions and youth focus. • It has been re-named: Lead Your Way! National Aboriginal Role Model Program.

Goals and Objectives of NARMP: • Facilitate availability of Aboriginal role models to Aboriginal youth and communities. • Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aboriginal youth toward healthy lifestyles. • Promote healthy self-esteem among Aboriginal peoples. • Strengthen Aboriginal identity. • Enhance a positive public image of Aboriginal people. • Foster Aboriginal inspired leadership.

Role Models NARMP holds an annual call for nominations, where Aboriginal youth nominate other Aboriginal youth. Twelve role models are selected per year, and a poster and trading card is produced for each. These are distributed to the Aboriginal community and organizations across Canada. Role models are expected to: • Hold their position for one year. • Promote the program by visiting Aboriginal communities and schools, and attending community events. • Act as motivational speakers and inspire other young people to strive to reach their goals, promote a healthy lifestyle and show other young people that they can accomplish their goals.

Role Model Promotions •Posters •Trading Cards

Role Model Community Visits Berens River, MB Baker Lake, NU Gitwinksihlkw, BC Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL Nain, NL Sagamok, ON Kyuquot, BC Kashechewan, ON Nemaska, QC Fort Good Hope, NT Halifax, NS Burnt Church, NB Cowessess First Nation, SK Hobemma, AB

Testimonies “The role models were very comfortable speaking and conversing with students (peers). Students will realize that they are from the same places and doing the same things as the models are, have desires and dreams. The thing I liked best about the visit was professionalism and the comfort level with the students. Excellent job by two beautiful girls and well grounded!!” From the organizer of a youth leadership conference in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 2008.

Testimonies “The role model was very friendly and the students could relate with him because he was an average student but set above average goals. Well done! ” From the organizer at the Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik, NorthwestTerritories, February 2008. “Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to have the role model come to our school. It certainly helped provide insight and incentives for our students to get an education and the importance of staying in school. ” From the organizer at the Igloolik high school in Nunavut, November 2008.

NARMP Advisory Committee The main purpose of the Advisory Committee is to build support for, and increase the awareness of the NARMP. The objectives of the Advisory Committee are to: • Guide the development of NARMP activities and projects. • Increase the number of youth who reply to the nomination calls. • Participate in the screening and grading of nomination forms. • Assist in promoting NARMP.

National Spokesperson 2004 2007 2009 Jordin Tootoo James Makokis Lucie Idlout

NARMP Mascot: Bruce-Ma-Goose Bruce-Ma-Goose has an impact on community members of all ages—from children to adults and Elders. He appears at Aboriginal events, conferences, schools and community gatherings.

Role Model Workbook To be used by youth workers, teachers, principals and counselors in Aboriginal communities. Available only in English. • Includes: activity ideas, worksheets for students, a 25-minute DVD, trading card sets from each year. • Geared for Grades 4 to 8 students.

Contact Lead Your Way! National Aboriginal Role Model Program National Aboriginal Health Organization 220 Laurier Ave West, Suite 1200 Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9 Phone: (613) 237-9462, ext. 548 or 511 Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445 Fax: (613) 233-1853 E-mail: leadyourway@naho.ca www.naho.ca/rolemodel

National Aboriginal Role Model Program

by National Aboriginal Health Organization on Feb 03, 2010

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National Aboriginal Role Model Program Presentation Transcript