The 23rd celebrations of the Sammy Gehue awards were held at The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq in Millbrook Nova Scotia on August 26th. The Sammy Gehue awards were created to recognize Graduates from High School as well as youth from the age of 5 to 12. The criteria takes into consideration the youth accomplishments and involvement in Sports, School, Humanitarian, Environmental effort, etc.

This years youth award winners were; 1st Place Bella Paul from Eskasoni,

2nd place Paige Gloade from Millbrook and 3rd place Simon Angus Marshall from Membertou.

Bella is who is 10 years old and from Eskasoni First Nation, loves to bead, jingle dance, drum and sing, she is also a fluent Mi’kmaw speaker as well as writer of the Mi’kmaw Language. She recently learned basket making from and elder and was honoured for her performance from MK on the Mi’kmaw culture.

Paige Gloade who is also 10 years old comes from Millbrook First Nation. The daughter of Kelvin and Dora Gloade, Paige is involved in community activities she as Rez Kids running, Hip Hop Dancing, Fancy Shawl dance and the “Team Spirit program” which youth go and visit Elders and do activities with them.

Simon Angus Marshall is 11 years old and from Membertou. Simon loves hockey and was on both Double A and Triple A hockey. He helps to offset his cost by shoveling snow, mowing lawns and collecting recyclables.

The Sammy Gehue Scholarship was won by Arden Bernard of Eskasoni. Arden has graduated with honours with distinction from Allison Bernard Memorial High, a year earlier than most.  He loves to play hockey and left home at the age of 14 to play Major Midget in Ontario. He was able to maintain his grades as well as play hockey.  He also enjoys volleyball, basketball, softball, badminton and track and field. Arden plans will be attending CBU in the arts program and hopes to become an RCMP.

Congratulations to all the winners.