Mi'kmaq Awards at Treaty Day

The provincial government joined the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia today, Oct. 1, to recognize outstanding academic achievement and community involvement.

The Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Award was presented to Martha Isadore of Wagmatcook First Nation and Martha Denny of Pictou Landing. Both were recognized for their community work and promotion of Mi'kmaq values.

The Chief Noel Doucette Memorial Youth Education Awards went to Sara-Lynne Rose Knockwood from Indian Brook and Jaime Battiste of Chapel Island First Nation. This award was established in 1996 and is presented to Mi'kmaq youth demonstrating leadership qualities and high academic standing.

The Donald Marshall Senior Memorial scholarships support Mi'kmaq post-secondary students at the diploma, certificate, bachelor and graduate levels.

Madelaine Gould, Membertou First Nation, received a Senior Undergraduate Award. Ms. Gould is a student at Dalhousie University working toward a Bachelor of Science (Nursing).

Monica Andros, Membertou First Nation, also won a Donald Marshall Senior Undergraduate Award. She received a Bachelor of Arts in community studies from the University College of Cape Breton in 2000 and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie next year.

Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman, Premier John Hamm, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Baker and Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, congratulated this year's award recipients.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs co-ordinates the annual Treaty Day event in Province House.