National Aboriginal Role Model Program Karin Kettler NAHO 2009 National Conference

1. NAHO Conference
Ottawa, ON
November 26, 2009

2. The National Aboriginal Role Model Program
(NARMP) celebrates the accomplishments of First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth.
• Each year, NARMP profiles 12 outstanding
Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 to 30 years
old, who are making a difference in their
communities.
• The program is designed to encourage Aboriginal
youth to pursue their dreams and live a healthier
lifestyle. Our message to them is to “Lead Your
Way!”
• Currently in its sixth year, the program is hosted
by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and
funded by Health Canada.

3. History of NARMP
• It was first established in 1984 as part of the
National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program.
It was called the National Native Role Model
Program and was “designed to encourage youth to
pursue their dreams.”
• The National Aboriginal Health Organization
redesigned the role model program to include First
Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• It includes a national scope of urban, rural and
remote regions and youth focus.
• It has been re-named: Lead Your Way! National
Aboriginal Role Model Program.

4. Goals and Objectives of NARMP:
• Facilitate availability of Aboriginal role models to
Aboriginal youth and communities.
• Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aboriginal youth
toward healthy lifestyles.
• Promote healthy self-esteem among Aboriginal peoples.
• Strengthen Aboriginal identity.
• Enhance a positive public image of Aboriginal people.
• Foster Aboriginal inspired leadership.

5. Role Models
NARMP holds an annual call for nominations, where
Aboriginal youth nominate other Aboriginal youth.
Twelve role models are selected per year, and a
poster and trading card is produced for each.
These are distributed to the Aboriginal
community and organizations across Canada.
Role models are expected to:
• Hold their position for one year.
• Promote the program by visiting Aboriginal
communities and schools, and attending
community events.
• Act as motivational speakers and inspire other
young people to strive to reach their goals,
promote a healthy lifestyle and show other young
people that they can accomplish their goals.

6. Role Model Promotions
•Posters
•Trading Cards

7. Role Model Community Visits
Berens River, MB
Baker Lake, NU
Gitwinksihlkw, BC
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Nain, NL
Sagamok, ON
Kyuquot, BC
Kashechewan, ON
Nemaska, QC
Fort Good Hope, NT
Halifax, NS
Burnt Church, NB
Cowessess First Nation, SK
Hobemma, AB

9. Testimonies
“The role models were very comfortable speaking and
conversing with students (peers). Students will
realize that they are from the same places and doing
the same things as the models are, have desires and
dreams. The thing I liked best about the visit was
professionalism and the comfort level with the
students. Excellent job by two beautiful girls and
well grounded!!”
From the organizer of a youth leadership conference
in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador,
April 2008.

10. Testimonies
“The role model was very friendly and the students
could relate with him because he was an average
student but set above average goals. Well done! ”
From the organizer at the Samuel Hearne Secondary School
in Inuvik, NorthwestTerritories, February 2008.
“Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to
have the role model come to our school. It certainly
helped provide insight and incentives for our
students to get an education and the importance of
staying in school. ”
From the organizer at the Igloolik high school in Nunavut, November 2008.

11. NARMP Advisory Committee
The main purpose of the Advisory Committee is to
build support for, and increase the awareness of
the NARMP.
The objectives of the Advisory Committee are to:
• Guide the development of NARMP activities and
projects.
• Increase the number of youth who reply to the
nomination calls.
• Participate in the screening and grading of
nomination forms.
• Assist in promoting NARMP.

12. National Spokesperson
2004 2007 2009
Jordin Tootoo James Makokis Lucie Idlout

13. NARMP Mascot: Bruce-Ma-Goose
Bruce-Ma-Goose has an impact on community
members of all ages—from children to adults and
Elders. He appears at Aboriginal events,
conferences, schools and community gatherings.

14. Role Model Workbook
To be used by youth workers, teachers,
principals and counselors in Aboriginal
communities. Available only in English.
• Includes: activity ideas, worksheets for
students, a 25-minute DVD, trading card
sets from each year.
• Geared for Grades 4 to 8 students.

15. Contact
Lead Your Way!
National Aboriginal Role Model Program
National Aboriginal Health Organization
220 Laurier Ave West, Suite 1200
Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9
Phone: (613) 237-9462, ext. 548 or 511
Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445
Fax: (613) 233-1853
E-mail: leadyourway@naho.ca
www.naho.ca/rolemodel