Just 16-years-old, Jordynn Delorme has already achieved one of her early life goals. Jordynn is featured as one of the 12 role models in the Regina Aboriginal Professional Association (RAPA) 2015 Role Model Calendar.

Jordynn Delorme, one of the role models featured in the 2015 calendar.

Delorme, from Cowessess First Nation, says it’s an honor to be chosen as a role model for the annual calendar. “I know a lot of people who were in the calendar in the past and it was always a dream of mine to be in one of the calendars,” says Delorme.

Delorme was nominated through her guidance counselor who was seeing all the great things that she was doing in the community. Jordynn was even asked to speak at We Day in Saskatoon.

She found out in September that she was one of the successful recipients and was surprised. “Honestly, I was speechless. It felt so amazing and I was looking forward to the launch ever since I found out I made it,” says Delorme.  

Delorme’s message that she would like to share with the youth is no matter how bad of a past you have had, you can still reach your dreams.

“In the calendar, my words of encouragement are, excuses will hold you back and reasons will force you to succeed,” she says.

Delorme says she grew up in a home where alcohol abuse was present and says never once has she used that as a reason to hold her back from pursuing her dreams.

“I don’t want to be that person to use alcohol to take that pain away from all the hurt, I use it as reason to succeed,” she says. “I’m going to focus on my future and focus on getting an education.”

After completing high school, Delorme wants to pursue a post-secondary education to become a social justice lawyer.

These 12 hard working young people are featured in the Proud Generation Role Model Calendar. Photo by Mike Dubois

The Proud Generation Aboriginal Role Model Program was first introduced in 2004 to recognize the achievements of Aboriginal youth role models in Saskatchewan and to acknowledge them so they can inspire Aboriginal youth to continue striving for success.

Since its inception, the A Proud Generation has distributed more than $56,000 in the form of bursaries to over 90 Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan. All proceeds from calendar sales are re-invested in the youth through the bursaries and into the program next year. 

In addition to Delorme, the list of 2015 Role Models is:

• Christian-Lee Masuskapoe, Ahtahkakoop First Nation
• Jada Yee, Wood Mountain First Nation
• Alana Starr, Star Blanket Cree Nation
• Jade McRobb-Poplar, Vuntut Gwitchin & Cree, NWT
• Tracy Daniels, Metis
• Jennifer Dubois, George Gordon First Nation
• Jessica Dieter, Okanese First Nation
• Samantha Racette, Metis
• Cameron DeLaRonde, Whitecap Dakota First Nation
• Lindsay Hjorth, Metis
• Michaella Shannon, Frog Lake, AB

The 2015 Calendars are ready for purchase for $20 each and further details can be viewed on their website.