Makkovik youth receives National Aboriginal Role Model award

July 24, 2012 – Family and friends gathered during this past weekend’s Trout Festival in Makkovik to congratulate Paul Mitchell on being recognized as a National Aboriginal Role Model for 2012.

“Paul is truly deserving of this prestigious award,” says Nunatsiavut President Sarah Leo. “He is an inspiration to us all and a great ambassador of not only his home community of Makkovik, but indeed all of Nunatsiavut.”

Paul is the only person from Newfoundland and Labrador to receive the award, which was officially presented to him by the Secretary to the Nunatsiavut Executive Council, Kate Mitchell, on behalf of President Leo.

“It was an honor for me to present this award,” says Ms. Mitchell. “Paul is such a great person and a tremendous role model for all Labrador Inuit youth.”

Born and raised in Makkovik, Paul graduated from high school in 2011 and completed his first year of engineering at the College of the North Atlantic. He plays volleyball, badminton, ball hockey and enjoys cross-country running.

Music is a huge part of his Paul’s life. He’s won a song competition commemorating the 150th anniversary of Makkovik, and has composed over 40 songs to date. He has performed and volunteered at numerous community events, values his culture and takes great care in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program was created in 2004 to celebrate the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Since then, the program has chosen 96 youth who have stood out for their innovation, achievement and leadership.

This is the final year for the program, which has been sponsored by the National Aboriginal Health Organization since its inception. NAHO is one of several aboriginal organizations to lose its core funding this year from the Government of Canada.

Media contact: Bert Pomeroy, Director of Communications, (709) 896-8582

To read more: NationTalk.ca

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