Skylar Meechance was honoured with the SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Award of Excellence May 24, winning in the Enterprise category.
Skylar is a Grade 12 graduating student at North Battleford Comprehensive High School who has plans to pursue a career in business. One of his nominators, Lynne Thompson, explains that "Skylar is very forward thinking in his studies and has a very definite focus when it comes to running his own company and being his own boss."
Another nominator, Dan Barber, believes "motivation and the desire for a quality life help drive Skylar."
Skylar describes his participation at the awards gala in Saskatoon and recalls he was excited and nervous as he entered the banquet room at TCU Place in a traditional aboriginal grand entry, led by an elder and his eagle staff with the Wild Horse Drum Group singing an honour song. There were over 100 youth from all over Saskatchewan participating.
After supper, each nominee was introduced on stage in their category. This was a unique opportunity for Skylar to stand in a spotlight while his biography was read. He cannot give words to all the emotions he was feeling. When he heard his name announced as the winner in the enterprise category he was truly speechless, but very thankful to receive a cash award, a trophy and the traditional star blanket.
The awards were established by the Wicihitowin Foundation in 1997 to recognize the many achievements of aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan. The foundation honours these veterans by nurturing aboriginal youth, preparing them to rise to the challenge of responsibility and leadership, preparing them to excel, physically and spiritually as tomorrow's leaders. Wicihitowin is the Cree word for "helping each other."
Additional categories in the youth awards include outstanding achievement (male and female), leadership, education, community service, culture, sports and recreation (male and female), fine/performing arts, technology/science and spirit. There were approximately 140 total youth nominated, 12 of them from the Battlefords area. Skylar was one of two selected.
