Mëmëgwashi Gala

Next edition: June 9, 2016
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December
Hélène Penosway
Secondary level

This calm and thoughtful little lady walks through life with humour and kindness for others. Originally from the community of Kitcisakik, she moved to town and has been part of the Friendship Centre’s big family for many years. She comes to participate in different activities, meet with friends, help others and more particularly residential school survivors. She shares her abundant knowledge, notably with the little ones. Our kokom Hélène never hesitates to ask for help in difficult moments, but what keeps her strong is the support she gives to other people. Hélène keeps a positive attitude that makes her unique and a great person to be with: “The best medicine is laughter ; it makes us forget our worries”. Because of an illness that has been afflicting her since early childhood, she learned how to take care of herself on a daily basis: eating well, sleeping, taking care of her spirituality, being aware that she is responsible for her own life, all of this contributes to her Mino Madjiwin. She would like to see young people turning to the Elders and taking the time to listen to the wealth of Anicinabe teachings in order to take their rightful place in life.

November
Elisapie Annahatak
Secondary level

Élisapie is a persevering woman who forges ahead and sets her own goals. She is known as a responsible and dependable person. Élisapie joined the Friendship Centre’s team following a hotel/restaurant training with the Wabidijan program. The entire staff appreciates her for her fine qualities and personality that reflect her own values. Now aged 27 and originally from Kangiqsujuaq, she moved to Val-d’Or four years ago. Élisapie proudly carries her cultural heritage through her passion for handicraft and family values. She worked hard to offer her son a life different from the one she had as a child. She now lives the life she dreamed of as a child, with her family, her son Hayden, a job and colleagues she likes and who like her, and a healthy lifestyle. Élisapie brightens up the Centre’s front desk and her hospitable smile warms up every new day; no doubt that she will fulfil her dream of professional development. Congratulations Élisapie!

October
Jonathan Penosway
 Graduate

With sparkling eyes, 24 year-old Jonathan Penosway from Lac Simon talks passionately about his evolution and especially his trade. In June 2015, Jonathan obtained his vocational diploma (DEP) in automotive mechanics following an international traineeship with Renault in Nice, France, and a scholarship rewarding his academic perseverance. These are well-deserved accomplishments. As a child, he found school boring, but he was able to express his love of work through mechanics and he found his way. It was hard work to obtain money to participate in school trips in France, New York and Beauce. However, on departure day, he was able to enjoy the result of his efforts and leave with pride to discover the world! Jonathan is now working with the Toyota team and he is happy to be able to provide for his family and take good care of his three children! His dream is to share his passion for travel with his spouse and children. Paris and Orlando better watch out as Jonathan really intends to take them there in a near future. Congratulations Mister Penosway!

September
Alanah Papatie
Secondary post

Alanah is a 22 year-old Anicinabekwe from the community of Kitcisakik. She frequented the Friendship Centre in her teen years, but we had the opportunity to better know her last summer as she was working as maintenance employee. What a wonderful discovery for the staff! Alanah is a gentle, resourceful, hard-working, curious, caring and persevering woman. Her young daughter is without any doubt her major source of motivation. Alanah wants to be a role model for her and this is why she went back to school to study nursing after her daughter was born. Family is most important to her and it’s not always easy to reconcile studies and family life, but she works hard for her and her daughter to have a better future. When faced with difficulties that may seem impossible to overcome, she never quits because, in her opinion, everything will work out eventually. Alanah is convinced that believing in your dreams and in yourself is essential, that education is very important because this is what will bring positive change to the communities.

August
daphne etapp
Secondary level

Daphne is a young, 16-year-old Cree Métis woman from Val-d’Or. She is a secondary V graduate of the Polyvalente le Carrefour. She has been taking hip-hop dance classes for the past 5 years and singing classes for the past 2 years. These courses represent an opportunity to excel as well as to develop her self-confidence. Succeeding in these disciplines has allowed her regaining her self-esteem and motivated her to succeed in school this year. Being, since an early age, a young girl who never lets herself be brought down by obstacles she may be faced with, she keeps moving ahead without worrying about negative circumstances. She keeps a positive attitude and says that, at least, she will have tried. Her constant smile is one of her great strengths and qualities. Daphne wishes to pursue her education at the college level and become a delinquency intervention technician.

July
Austin robert diamond
Secondary level

Austin is in Secondary II and has been living in Val d’Or for seven years. This is why we always see him participating in the Friendship Centre’s activities. He regularly attends the Kabadu homework support program and also participates in our youth and family activities.  He is not afraid of challenges because the Robert–Diamond family members are strong and go-getting people. Austin is therefore well supported and he knows he can count on his family members. What he likes the most? Playing hockey! Yes, his dream is to become a professional player. Austin plays several times a week with his friends and when the season is over, he keeps physically fit by playing soccer. He also loves hunting big and small game. He goes with his father whenever he can. For Austin, a healthy life means eating well, being physically active and hunting. This 15-year-old young Cree considers culture and traditions as something important in his life.

June
Tanya Menarich
Secondary level

This young Cree woman from Eastmain has been living in Val d’Or since an early age. She attended our homework support program when she was younger. She is now in Secondary IV and she volunteers to help other students in our Kabadu homework support program. Tanya, who has her whole life and dreams ahead of her, will certainly make her way!  After going through important hardships, she knows that she must be in peace with herself, be positive at all times and achieve her goals. Tanya forges ahead in life because she knows this is what her late parents would have liked her to do. She makes every effort in school because she would like to study to become a doctor. Travelling across the world is part of her dreams and like many people, she would like to be able to change the world in her own way.​

MAy
Marcel Jolly-Diamond
Centre de formation professionnelle de Val-d’Or

Marcel is of Anicinabe origin and was born in Amos. He has been living in Val-d’Or with his family for the past eight years. Marcel is presently completing a course in auto mechanics at the Centre de formation professionnelle de Val-d’Or. Given his persevering character, quitting school was never an option. Getting an education and a diploma has always been part of his goals. He will be able to say “mission accomplished” as he will be graduating this year. Marcel is a role model not only for his younger brother but for all youth as well. He is an inspiration for success and accomplishments because of his perseverance and the fact that he changed his food habits and is now doing more physical activities. Marcel’s dream is to be a mechanic and he wants to exercise this trade when he gets his diploma and perhaps specialise later in heavy machinery. His message to the youth is “Despite the obstacles you may face, never quit and always persevere”. 
​

April
Roméo Papatie-Cooper
Primary level 

Roméo is a 10 year-old Algonquin-Cree whose family is very proud of. A positive and resourceful person, Roméo always manages to find a solution to whatever obstacle he is faced with. His contagious good mood and his smile soften everyone’s heart. A gentle and calmly strong young man, Roméo is meticulous, responsive, helpful and supportive. He likes to participate in the Native Friendship Centre’s activities and knows how to gain the appreciation of all his peers of the Mohiganech Social Club. When participating in the Centre’s activities, his patience and accuracy allow him to splendidly make beautiful hand crafted pieces. Very curious, he loves going to the bush with his father to learn how to fish and hunt, and to discover the wonders of Mother Nature. Stay the course, dear Roméo, the pleasure of learning leads to success. Listen to your heart, follow your dreams. And when you set a goal, take action. Life is full of opportunities, so go for it, Roméo,
 there is a star in the sky that shines for you.

March
 Taylor Mark
Primary level 

​Taylor is a young 12 year-old lady from the community of Eastmain. According to her relatives, Taylor is always in a good mood and loves laughing; she is a kind, generous, caring, smiling and responsible person. She is doing well in school and is appreciated by her teachers and friends. She is a very persevering young woman and not afraid of making mistakes. She practiced gymnastics for six years and she trained the younger ones for one year. She is very creative and loves art, with a preference for drawing. Taylor likes to take care of younger ones and always volunteers to help others. Her leadership is outstanding. She would like to be a teacher or a vet and be able to travel to tropical countries. She believes it is important not to quit when faced with difficulties because perseverance
 leads to success!

February
Ally Blaquière
Primary level 

​Here is Ally, a 9 year-old Anicinabekwe born in Montréal, who has been with us for many years and who carved herself a very special place in our hearts! A magnificent girl, both inside and outside: Ally is kind, dynamic, smiling, intelligent, helpful, mature, friendly, self-sufficient, responsible, resourceful, curious, creative and she really commits to everything she does! Ally is much involved in the Friendship Centre’s activities: she participates in the social club and day camp as well as in traditional days and takes part in citizenship activities such as Val-d’Or s’embellit and the Gabriel-Commanda Walk. In school, she joined a Young Leaders group in which she facilitates physical activities for the younger ones during recess. She loves animals and she has a training in horsemanship; she learned how to ride and take care of horses. She wants to be a veterinarian and do animal grooming. A boxing ball passionate, she also likes doing knitting and working out with her mother! We are all very proud of her and convinced that she will accomplish great things!

January
Marisha Katapatuk
 Early childhood and Family Services

Five year-old Marisha Katapatuk entered kindergarten this year. Since the age of 2, Marisha has been participating with her family in the activities of the Friendship Centre’s Early Childhood & Family Services, just as her older brothers Nashon and Mario Jr have done and her little sister Nyeisha is currently doing. Marisha is a dynamic and gentle little girl. She likes helping her friends and, like her mother Natasha, she cares for her family’s well-being. Originally from Waskaganish, she loves playing hockey and doing gymnastics. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher and help children. In her view, the most important thing is going to school. In this regard, she has a good role model as her father is studying at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue for a Bachelor in Business Administration.