Nominations are now closed for 2025. Maarsii to everyone who submitted a name for consideration. Stay tuned for the recipient announcement in March.
About the Métis Spirit Award
The Métis Spirit Award lifts up the voices, actions, and stories of young Métis who give back to their communities and live their culture. This award is a way to recognize youth and young adults who show their commitment through any of the following:
Uplifts Métis youth voices and communities and demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive social change. |
Exemplifies kindness by demonstrating acts of selflessness or compassion, that positively impact others. |
Actively engages with Métis culture, demonstrating dedicated efforts to raise awareness and connect with Métis culture and Michif languages. |
Demonstrates active involvement and service in the community, including land stewardship and land-based activities. |
Engages in educational, extracurricular, leadership, community service, or athletic initiatives, serving as a positive influence on their peers. |
Has overcome adversity or displaying commitment to personal change and growth by overcoming personal or societal barriers. |
More Information
This award honors those who carry the Métis spirit forward in meaningful ways—showing what it means to be rooted in culture, community, and kindness. Anyone can submit a nomination and youth can also nominate themselves.

2024 Metis Spirit Award Recipients

Cayleigh Borsboom
Cayleigh (she/her) is a mixed settler/Métis transgender woman with a background as a freelance musician and bookseller.
She is a citizen of the Alberni-Clayoquot Metis Association and currently lives as a guest on the unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation in what is known as Nanaimo.
Her own struggles with mental health and connection to culture have drawn her into a healing journey in and out of culture over the past several years. This struggle and growth have brought her to the Mental Health Navigator role with MNBC to effect and pay forward the change and support she has received from others.

Danna Campbell
Danna Campbell is 17 years old and from Kamloops, BC. She is currently in her final year of high school and looks forward to graduating. She loves to bead and has created unique beadwork pieces for over a year. She challenges herself to go out of her comfort zone and create elaborate pieces as she gets better.
She is a part of two district-wide student councils including the District Student Advisory Council and Aboriginal Leadership Council, as well as her school's own Environment club. She is actively involved in her community through school and personal life whether that be standing up against violence in schools or simply teaching indigenous youth to bead.
She hopes to get her undergraduate degree in Sociology as well as a Bachelor of Social Work to pursue a career in social work. She hopes to make a lasting impact on the individuals she surrounds herself with.

Ryan Conneely
Ryan is so grateful for the continuous support he receives from his loved ones, community and mentors. As a person of Métis heritage, his cultural background is a foundational aspect of his identity.
It intertwines with his roles as a spouse, father, son, and brother, contributing to the complexity of his lived experiences. These experiences have influenced his approach to education and advocacy for Indigenous Peoples across turtle island.

Nic Lafontaine
Nic Lafontaine is a dedicated Computer Science student with a passion for technology and innovation. Hailing from a Métis background, he actively engages in promoting Indigenous representation and culture, having served as an assistant coach at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).
In addition to his academic pursuits, he brings a competitive spirit from his college basketball days, where he honed his skills on the court. Today, he continues to find joy in playing basketball and lifting weights for fun, demonstrating his commitment to both mental and physical well-being alongside his academic journey in the world of computer science.

Gavin Parks
Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and excelled in advanced placement chemistry and biology classes, Gavin is thrilled to embark on the next phase of his academic journey at the University of the Fraser Valley, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He plans to pursue a double degree in Science and Indigenous Studies before applying to medical school.
Gavin is engaged in extracurricular activities reflecting his passion for leadership and community service. As a member of the varsity football team, Gavin has honed his skills on the field and showcases qualities of leadership, determination, and sportsmanship in every aspect of his life. He is committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives. Notably, he has organized a charity football camp with the aim to raise awareness and funds for the BC Transplant Society. Gavin’s volunteer work as a junior leader with Big Brothers Big Sisters allowed him to play a pivotal role in fostering social skills, healthy decision-making, and self-esteem among the students he mentors.