2023 Honourees
Patches Morrisseau-Pearson was honoured for the Bear/Courage Teaching. As an Estate Specialist with the Westoba Credit Union, Patches shows strength, courage and compassion to members who have experienced loss. Patches is a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife and a friend. She has experienced the loss of a child and spends a lot of time with her grandson to keep his father’s spirit alive and known. Patches shares her own life experiences to help others and actively participates in the community as part of the Truth and Reconciliation journey.
Morganna Rachel Malyon was honoured as an Ally. As a Student Accessibility Services Associate at Brandon University with a Master’s Degree in History, Morganna humbly goes above and beyond to support students who live with disabilities and ensure they can pursue their education with reduced barriers. She has made great efforts to educate herself about decolonization, Indigenous history, and cultures. Morganna actively helps students connect to resources. Described as caring, helpful and selfless person, she creates safe spaces for students who experience marginalization. Morganna consistently shows love, respect and wisdom as she meets with students. She advocates to reduce stigma in the post secondary community and openly shares her own story of living with ADHD. Morganna is an inspiration to other students.
Laura Moar was honoured for the Eagle/Love Teaching. As an Indigenous Academic Advisor at Ecole Secondaire Neelin High School, Laura shows love in a quiet but powerful way. She is described as kind, nurturing, and supportive to students and colleagues. As a teacher, she shows patience and is always willing to share her wisdom with coworkers about how to incorporate Indigenous Teachings into their classroom. With enthusiasm and pride, Laura helps engage students to learn about the Medicine Wheel, smudging, red willow Dreamcatchers and beading. She collaborates with staff to create meaningful events to advance Truth and Reconciliation. Laura contributes to creating a safe and welcoming space for all students and families at Neelin. Laura also participated in the Creating A New Legacy committee that engaged students in learning about decolonizing the heart.
Natalie Gayle Rousseau was honoured for the Buffalo/Respect Teaching. As an educator, Natalie works with students, families, and the school community to share her cultural values. She demonstrates respect in the way she boosts student confidence and self worth. She models Respect for oneself and the environment and helping students meet their goals is important to her. She is described as “a caretaker of the school herd”. Natalie has been a guest artist to teach cultural through art, such as making inuksuits out of deer antlers. She openly shares her own personal stories as a way of teaching. Natalie’s respect for the Earth, hunting, cooking, and way of relating makes her an integral role model to students and to teachers.
Deidre Catherine Gregory, Woman Who Paints The Sky, was honoured for the Bear/Courage Teaching. As an educator, mother, and community volunteer, she shows honour and pride in her culture by walking the good road everyday. In a patient way, she teaches and supports both students and staff as she takes on students as cubs of her own. She models how to overcome and move through difficult times with perseverance while being open about her own struggles. As an advocate for students, Deidre promotes mental well being and freely shares her cultural knowledge of beading, square dancing, cooking, crafting and sewing. With a Masters degree in Counselling, she supports students and their families. Deidre has volunteered as an Indigenous birth worker, a Bear Clan Council member, and on the SHIFT committee.
Kenneth Albert Seekings is a Metis man who was honoured for the Beaver/Wisdom Teaching. Ken is a father, educator, outdoorsmen and a coach. As a leader at Neelin, Ken supported cross curricular Teachings of Indigenous perspectives for both students and staff. Ken was also part of planning the four cross curricular FNMI field trips and Our Journey Celebration. As a proud Spartan, Ken has been described as a supportive and generous leader who helped staff and students acquire values to becoming good citizens. He is understanding, humble, and respectful. Ken shows this by being a person of integrity. Ken always supports activities that help students acquire knowledge, skills, and values of Indigenous people.
Shalyssa Debin was honoured as an Ally. In a variety of Human Services roles over the years, she is described as working “heart first”. As an EIA worker, she demonstrates kindness, courage and wisdom with those she serves and with the system she works within. She is an advocate and goes above and beyond to work collaboratively with the Indigenous community to find creative solutions to meet the needs of individuals and contribute to Truth and Reconciliation.
Darian Pont was honoured for the Buffalo/Respect Teaching. She has many different employment capacities and is an active community volunteer. Darian is learning from Elders and practices ceremony privately. She courageously engages in honest conversations toward Truth and Reconciliation as a way to serve Indigenous women, men, and two-spirited people in a healing spirit. Darian supports youth with a harm reductionist strategy toward safe, sustainable and independent living. She is described as a rising Matriarch and helps with Our Sacred Laws and Teachings in the heart and mind. She is a role model for youth on how to return to one’s true self.
Nicholas Sam Jackson was honoured as a youth who lives by the Turtle/Truth Teaching. Sam demonstrates respect, love, humility, wisdom, courage and truth as he humbly shares Teachings with anyone who will listen. Through powwow, ceremonies, drumming, dance and regalia, Sam is determined to encourage Indigenous youth to participate in the culture. Sam lives from his heart in a raw, genuine, and palpable way and it is contagious to other young people. He invalidates none and honours each which fosters lightness in a step toward the good life for all who seek it. Sam shares his gifts which inspires his peers and reignites hope for helpers. Throughout the schools and in the larger community Sam shares and that will be felt for many generations to come.
Gavin Young was honoured for the Wolf/Humility Teaching. Gavin supports students as a Home School Liaison as well as being a Team Leader with the In The Company of Friends organization. He is also a football coach. One of the highlights in his coaching career came when he organized and coached The Six Nations Tournament for Indigenous Youth. Gavin consistently helps youth grow their strength and resilience and contributes to their safe and peaceful lives. In a humble way, he builds truly meaningful relationships with young people and empowers them to a bright future of their own design.
Andrea McIvor was honoured for the Bear/Courage Teaching. She is a Swampy-Cree Matriarch on the rise. With great courage, strength, and perseverance Andrea openly shares her own story of vision loss as she supports others at CNIB and the larger community. Ms. McIvor helps others know what they are capable of and supports them as they reach for their own definition of independence. Ms. McIvor trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu regularly. She also opens doors for regular yoga practices and she facilitates social groups.
Tammy Hossack was honoured for the Bear/Courage Teaching. As the Coordinator of Aboriginal Head Start, Tammy shapes young children’s future by teaching them Indigenous culture and values. Additionally, Tammy is an active member with the Sexual Exploitation Awareness Team, Wiijiiwan, Supporting and Honouring Indigenous Families Together, the Westaway Bay Family Centre, the Brandon Healthy Families Team and the Milestones Preschool Wellness Fair. Tammy is the founding member of the Brandon Bear Clan patrol, she remains on the Women’s Council and patrols regularly. Tammy is being recognized for her non judgemental ways as she always treats people with respect. She is giving, caring, and always shows a positive attitude with everyone she encounters.
Grace Godmaire was honoured as an Ally. She was given the Spirit name “Wise Woman” from Eli Tacan from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. She was a strong advocate for Indigenous people. She was described as honest, humble, and showed courage throughout her life. Grace was always present at Indigenous events as a show of respect for the people. In the mid 1950’s, Grace and two other non Indigenous women (Audrey Silvius and Pat Halliday) formed the Brandon Friendship Centre. Despite some calling them “three mere housewives”, they were the public voice calling out racism and advocating for First Nation People. They met with women from Sioux Valley and by December of 1965, the Brandon Friendship Centre was incorporated. To this day, the Brandon Friendship Centre remains a place that upholds the legacy of being a voice for First Nations people.
Hannah Rose Henderson was honoured as a Youth. From a very young age, “White buffalo woman who helps in the future” has shown love to others who struggle. Since her time in the KEEP program, she immersed herself in the Teachings, she spoke fondly of ohka-Frank Tacan and she attended powwows. Always curious and seeking to understand, she is known to be an old soul. She is one to stand up for others whenever she sees disrespect at school or in the community. Upon hearing a story about how our people were treated by police, Hannah wanted to understand and help. At 11 years of age, she created 50 Hope bags containing personal care items and presented them to the Chief of police so that they could share them with people they met. Additionally, Hannah is an active member of the Brandon Bear Clan Youth Patrols, a participant in the Take Back The Night marches, Sisters In Spirit Walks and the Every Child Matters events. She proudly wears her skirt and she is learning her language. Hannah is a proud and caring big sister to her brother.
Craig Miller was honoured as an Ally. Craig is described as a respectful and loving man who is passionate about standing up for people. In a quiet way, he brings knowledge and experience into his many volunteer roles. He walks with Brandon Bear Clan patrol, he facilitates community round table sessions, and he played a role in the Every Child Matters walks by sharing the former Residential School display pictures to encourage conversation. Craig takes time to hear people, especially the youth. He has a non judgemental way, a smart sense of humor and a courageous honesty about contributing to the community. Craig respects the Seven Sacred Teachings in all that he does.
Myra Jean Taylor, a proud Dakota woman, was honoured as an Elder. Myra is a grandmother and auntie to all as she shares her love with the people. She is known as a KUNSI to all the youth she helps. Myra works at the Men’s Resource Centre where she creates a healing space for the community. She is often called upon to facilitate, pray and sit with people because of her loving, honest, compassionate, humble, and helpful way.
Marshall Jack Morrisseau was honoured for the Bear/Courage Teaching. As a Cree Metis man, Marshall proudly represents Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He is a Brandon University student, a former Bear Clan staff, a SERC staff, and an Ambassador with We Matter. Marshall has a particular passion for youth and promoting mental health. Marshall courageously shares his own personal story as a way of helping others. Participating in Sundance is important to Marshall. One of the highlights for Marshall was being chosen as a youth delegate to represent Canada for the United Nations Drugs and Narcotic conference in Vienna. Marshall believes “it is vital as an Indigenous person to be connected to your culture as it gives a sense of belonging and grounding and it can have a big impact on your life.”
2019 Honourees
Hunter Goodon – Hunter is a young Metis man studying at Brandon University. He battled Leukemia as a young child and then went on to be an active AAA Hockey player, strong academic high school student and one who showed leadership skills. Hunter remains an excellent student at BU and consequently has been given awards, scholarships and opportunities to do research with doctors. Hunter regularly volunteers at many local events including at the Metis pavilion and at Koushkapayh Metis Days. He also volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Cecil Roulette – Cecil grew up under the mentorship of his father and was always encouraged to know the traditions of the Metis and Anishinaabe Nations. He went on to get his Community Development Diploma as well as his Aboriginal Counselling degree at BU. Cecil has shown respect for all that he has learned from the Elders. Giving back to community is very important to Cecil and he is often organizing and participating in different cultural ceremonies. Cecil practices the traditional way of life personally and in his profession as he guides others to do the same. As a Counsellor at ACC, Cecil is always aware that when he works with students, they grow to become advocates, role models and they take those teachings home.
Sam Jackson – Sam is a proud young Indigenous man known for his profound gift of speaking from his heart. He is a skilled Pow Wow dancer and is always willing to help others learn. Sam’s gentle manner is evident as he speaks about his own challenges. He knows our Creator and shows respect for the ancestors. He is dedicated to making a better life for himself and those he loves. Sam is a loyal and dedicated member of the Brandon Bear Clan Patrol.
Georgina Nepinak – Georgina is personally and professionally devoted to our community. She is a historian for Pine Creek and she works for West Region CFS. She is a proud member of the Sweet Medicine Singers and she shares the teachings with those she works with. Gina walks a traditional life by staying involved with ceremonies, doing medicine workshops and picking the medicines in the summer. Gina has offered many youth with opportunities to learn skirt making, rattle making and drum making over her decades at work.
Ian Grant – As the former Chief of Police in Brandon, Ian demonstrated respect to the Indigenous community by consistently being a part of many different events, ceremonies and initiatives. After his retirement, Ian continued his positive community contribution by working with the Police Studies Program at ACC. As a leader, Ian was instrumental in bringing Community Mobilization to Brandon. Ian showed respect and honour by sharing what he learned with the staff at the Brandon Police Service. He is a devoted husband, loving father and son and he is respected by all who know him.
Verna Demontigny – Verna is a proud Metis woman who has given over her entire lifetime to her family and her community. As a recognized Knowledge Keeper, Verna shares her love of the Creator, her knowledge of Metis history and more specifically her fluency in the Michif language. Verna worked at the MMF for many years. She is an Elder for ACC, BUPAC, MMF, Metis National Council, Metis Rights Symposium and the St. Madeline Days. Verna’s workshops on various topics such as sewing and beading, have helped many learn the culture and grow pride. Verna is loved and respected by many.
Deborah Tacan – Deborah is a loving, respected and valued community member. Family is of the utmost importance to Deborah. She raised her children in Crane River and lives by the teachings of the Metis and Cree culture. Deeply spiritual and knowledgeable, Deborah shares her gifts and supports others on their healing journey. As a professional Prevention Education worker with AFM, she has helped countless through their addictions. She is called to many committees throughout the community for her presentation skills, cultural knowledge and compassion for all people.
Sherry Baker – Sherry is the Vice Principal at George Fitton School. As a strong Indigenous woman, she always shows respect for the students as well as a commitment to projects such as Project of the Heart, Finding My Way and future language programs. Sherry shows the next generation that holding true to our beliefs makes anything possible. Her work makes a positive difference in students lives daily but is also creating a ripple affect for the next generations.
Marshall Morriseau – Marshall is a proud Metis man, father, husband and a teacher at Vincent Massey High School. On a personal level, he ensures his families involvement in many traditional practices. At school, he builds strong relationship with students, was instrumental in the development of the language program and he is involved with the Breakfast program. Mr. Morrisseau is known by many students as a trusted, honest and caring teacher. His colleagues see him as a humble and proud contributor to the school community.
Jill LaPlante – Jill lost her sight at a young age and has since dealt with a myriad of health issues. She has worked as a Youth coordinator with the MMF. She has been a champion of Metis culture and identity with an infectious passion and energy. Jill is described as authentic, genuine and passionate in her work to create a sense of connection and community. She speaks with purpose and respect. Jill has been an elder in waiting her entire life.
Leah Phillips – Leah works at Betty Gibson School with the Breakfast program and as the Building Student Supports with Indigenous Parents program. Leah warmly shows love and respect to the whole school community. Each morning, students are greeted by Leah. She has been instrumental in creating learning opportunities for staff as well. Teaching culture, supporting positive lifestyle choices and being accessible to families are the gifts Leah brings to the school community. Leah is known for her genuine love and devotion to all she related to.
Nellie Kopitz – Nellie is a quiet, deliberate and determined woman with a deep devotion to reconciliation. Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Education in Guidance Counselling as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. Additionally, Nellie has her certificate as an Aboriginal Community Development Worker. Nellie’s work at the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Centre allows her to share her gifts of compassion and kindness as she supports individuals, holds sharing circles and leads other great work such as Creating a New Legacy conferences. Nellie is moved by the power of the human spirit.
Trinity Ferland – Trinity is a high school student at Crocus Plains. She is involved in the Culinary Arts program, the Drama program and she plays hockey. Trinity dreams of becoming a teacher to be able to help other children. She has demonstrated courage and strength as she overcomes personal challenges. She is described as a caring, respectful and brave in the way she carries herself.
Miranda Greer – Miranda is a high school student at Ecole Secondaire Neelin High School. She achieves academic excellence while also contributing to a positive school environment through her volunteerism. Miranda is actively involved with Gender and Sexuality Alliance as well as the Journalism group. She is compassionate, caring and respectful to all. Miranda works hard to help build a school climate that treats all students with respect and dignity.
Liz Spence – Liz was raised in Northern Manitoba and she speaks Cree. Liz values respect, listening and courage for these are the values she learned from her grandparents and community. Liz is devoted to her family as shown by her open door and heart over the years. As a professional Social Worker she has built a career both in the field of Justice and in Child Welfare. Liz relates in a quiet, respectful and humble way. She believes we must remember who we are and that “being Native isn’t what is in your blood, it’s what is in your soul.”
Joan Church – Joan is a proud Metis woman who is devoted to her family and to sharing her cultural pride with her community. She is the Southwest representative for the Infinity Women Secretariat with the MMF. Joan leads workshops, such as beading, to many community members. As a former teacher, Joan relates well to the young people and always makes them feel welcome at events. Joan is described as a humble woman who has spent her life helping others.
Taylor Goodon – Taylor is a proud young Metis woman who honours her own family legacy. She volunteers at Metis festivals in Boissevain, the Turtle Mountains and at Koushkapayh Days. Taylor has also volunteered as a medical assistant in Nepal. Taylor maintains academic excellence at BU and is an accomplished gymnast and she coaches other gymnasts. Taylor dreams of becoming a doctor and to specialize in Pediatrics.