Op-ed: You don't have to look far for outstanding role models
- John Lagimodiere | October 17, 2014
One of the benefits of working in the newspaper business is that it allows you the opportunity to meet a variety of people. There have been several folks, role models we will call them, that we have been following for years that have had some special recognition this month and they represent a wide swath of the community and, special that they are, are just the tip of the iceberg of good folks in our community.
Dr. Carrie Bourassa received a special distinction last month. Dr. Bourassa, a Professor of Indigenous Health Studies at the First Nations University of Canada, has been named a member of the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. She joins 90 other colleagues from 51 Canadian universities and the National Research Council and together they represent Canada’s emerging generation of scholarly, scientific and artistic leadership. Carrie researches the impacts of colonization on the health of First Nations and Métis people and works toward creating culturally safe care in health service delivery for Indigenous people as well as research in HIV and AIDS among Indigenous women and dementia treatment for Aboriginal people. A proud Métis, Carrie is a member of the Royal College Council and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a very proud hockey mom of a heck of a goalie.
Our old pal Ernie Scoles was held up (in a good way!) by the community last month. Ernie is an artist, a businessman and a philanthropist. His store, Scoles Fine Art and framing is a go to place for Aboriginal art and for framing. Ernie is also the first stop for many people looking for donations and support for golf tournaments or basically any function. Ernie is also the big push behind the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Companies annual art auction. He is tireless and can’t say no to requests. Recently his wife had some health issues that have impacted her ability to work. Coupled with Ernie’s generous community support, the situation put a squeeze on their finances. The solution? Steak night! At the event, you could see the gratitude the community felt about Ernie and Doreen’s work. The prizes and donations toward supporting his family were phenomenal. It was fine proof that what goes around comes around because when Ernie needed the community, we were there for him because he is always there for us.
Business leader Leanne Bellegarde is being recognized this month as a recipient of a University of Saskatchewan outstanding alumni award. Leanne is the Director Aboriginal Strategy for PotashCorp. Since taking on the job, Leanne has helped the giant potash producer become an Aboriginal friendly work place and valuable community partner with many organizations including the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Prior to PotashCorp, Leanne was a lawyer for SaskTel, the City of Saskatoon, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, had her own law firm and also worked for SIGA. Her impressive resume and dedication to moving the Aboriginal portfolio forward in all aspects has surely made her deserving of role model status and an alumni award.
Last but not least the community of Whitecap Dakota First Nation is honouring their Chief Darcy Bear this month. He recently celebrated his 20th year as Chief of the small community just outside of Saskatoon. When Bear became Chief, he had more money in his bank account than the First Nation and was better known as the “good looking guy” in my wife’s Human Resource class at the U of S. Once he became Chief, Darcy implemented financial controls, instituted partnerships and literally picked up that community and put it on his back. In 20 years they have created a world class golf course, built infrastructure and host a casino, established a land management regime that allows home ownership for anyone and encourages business investment and is the only reserve in Canada that is showing in migration. It is amazing what vision, drive and accountability can do. Congratulations on 20 years Chief Bear.
All of these fine folks, role models if you will, lead by example. Whether it is in academics, business, philanthropy or political leadership, these people say what they are going to do and then do it well. Their accomplishments lift up the community and bring a better life for all the people in Saskatchewan. Successes breeds success and with leaders like this in the community we don’t have to look very far for role models because these people are right in our community. They also inspire us to up our game every single day. I’m grateful to have met them.
For more on role models, check out these stories:
- Reflections: We have so much to learn from our role models
- Sandee Sez: J has all the qualities of an outstanding role model
- Versatile brothers from St. Louis are phenomenal athletes, role models
- Métis recognized for outstanding accomplishments, contributions