Fort Frances Times - June 21, 2007
By Melanie Bechard
Fort Frances High School student Carissa Copenace is in Ottawa today receiving a role model award from the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO).
Copenace is a 16-year-old from Rainy River First Nation, and is an accomplished jingle dress dancer and the editor of the Fort High newspaper "The Fishtank."
In 2004 she won the Ontario Principal's Award for Student Leadership, and has been a member of the Fort High Honour Society since 2004.
Her message to youth is, " We are a gift from the Creator. Honour and respect the gift of you."
The NAHO's National Aboriginal Role Model program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth aged 13 to 20.
They are recognized for their innovation, achievement, and leadership.
Twelve new role models are selected each year based on nominations from their communities.
The role models will visit aboriginal communities throughout the year to share their stories with other aboriginal youth.
The program was launched in 1984.