ACHIEVING THE DREAM THROUGH EDUCATION AWARDS CEREMONY CELEBRATES MATAWA STUDENTS
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, June 7, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACHIEVING THE DREAM THROUGH EDUCATION AWARDS CEREMONY CELEBRATES MATAWA STUDENTS
THUNDER BAY, ON – On June 6, 2024, Matawa Education celebrated its student’s success at the annual Matawa Post-Secondary Graduation and Awards banquet, where 18 students received 21 awards, worth a total of $23,000. Achieving the Dream Through Education (ATDTE), a registered charitable organization that supports Matawa youth, administered the awards.
The Courage (Alex Missewace) Bursary: 8 recipients
Established in 2022 by Matawa Education in honour of Executive Director Sharon Nate’s late brother Alex Missewace, this bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate courage, strength, and perseverance—reflecting Alex’s daily resilience. This award was presented by Sharon Nate and her family.
This year’s winners of the Courage (Alex Missewace) Bursary were Summer Kashkesh from Aroland First Nation, Cayla Wesley and Ciarra Roy from Constance Lake First Nation, Leighton Wabano, Drew Okeese and Blake Boyce from Eabametoong First Nation, Nicole Wesley from Ginoogaming First Nation, and Shaylin Wapoose from Webequie First Nation.
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The Directors Award: 4 recipients
This bursary provides financial assistance for outstanding youth pursuing higher education who excel academically and show exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to their communities. The bursaries were presented by AnnaMarie Majiskon of Aroland First Nation and a director from the ATDTE board.
The 2024 Directors Award winners were Pierce Thompson from Marten Falls First Nation, Jayla Troutlake from Neskantaga First Nation, AJ Sofea from Nibinamik First Nation, and Shaylin Wapoose from Webequie First Nation.
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The Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell Sister’s Bursary: 2 recipients
As dedicated supporters of Matawa youth, sisters Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell created and funded this bursary to recognize diverse career pathways and support students in achieving their dreams after high school. Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell presented this bursary.
This year’s Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell Bursary winners were Keira Mendowegan from Aroland First Nation and Jasper Beaver from Nibinamik First Nation.
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The Colliers Project Leaders Scholarship: 2 recipients
Funded by Colliers Project Leaders, this scholarship supports Matawa youth in realizing their dreams of post-secondary education. Wes Bova and Vidyyut Sharma from Colliers presented the awards.
The winners of the Colliers Project Leaders Scholarship were Emery Wesley from Ginoogaming First Nation and Jasper Beaver from Nibinamik First Nation.
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The Gord Wickham Scholarship: 1 recipient
Created and funded by Gord Wickam, a strong supporter of post-secondary education for Matawa youth, this scholarship aids students in achieving their dreams of furthering their education. Gord Wickham presented the scholarship.
This year’s Gord Wickham Scholarship winner is Leila Mendowegan from Aroland First Nation.
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The Jamie Campbell Bursary: 4 recipients
Created in 2018 by Rogers Sportsnet broadcaster and Toronto Blue Jays Central host Jamie Campbell—who sold individual sports cards from his collection to fund it—this bursary supports Matawa Education & Care Centre students pursuing post-secondary education. This bursary was presented by Mary Oskineegish from Nibinamik First Nation and a director from the ATDTE board.
The winners of the 2024 Jamie Campbell Bursary were Keira Mendowegan from Aroland First Nation, Dora Ooshag from Eabametoong First Nation, and Destiny Kusznier and Odessa Begin from Long Lake #58 First Nation.
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Founded in 2018, Achieving the Dream Through Education is a registered charitable organization that supports youth from Matawa First Nations through land-based and culturally connected programming, mental health supports, as well as scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Achieving the Dream Through Education believes access to quality education is a fundamental right for all Canadians and that supporting Indigenous youth in their education empowers them to lead successful lives.
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For more information, please contact: Carol Audet, Matawa First Nations Management Communications Manager at: caudet@matawa.on.ca or 1-807-632-9663.