Statement made on 20 October 2010 by Senator Elizabeth Hubley
Hon. Elizabeth Hubley:
Honourable senators, every year approximately 37,000 young Canadians participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the awards encourage youth to be active and challenge themselves in four areas: community service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey. By setting and achieving goals, participants can earn bronze, silver and gold awards.
This year for the first time in Prince Edward Island, 13 Aboriginal youth participated in the awards.
I offer my congratulations on earning their bronze level awards to Amethyst Knockwood, Alisha Knockwood, Dion Bernard, Melissa Peter Paul and Joseph Schurman Peters from the Abegweit First Nation; Denise Bernard, Dustin Bernard and Brett Bernard from the Lennox Island First Nation; and Ebony Larkin, Bradley Cooper, Dana Panchuk and Chance Banks of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island.
These youth earned their award by participating in the Mawita'jik program. A project of the Aboriginal Women's Association of Prince Edward Island, this program works with Aboriginal youth, both on and off reserve, to help them explore their potential.
By partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, these young people were given a new opportunity to challenge themselves. I wish them every success in pursuing their silver award.