(Submitted/ Cole Carson)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding achievements

Prince Albert woman wins national scholarship

Jun 24, 2023 | 11:00 AM

A young woman who moved far away from her home community to pursue a college degree is social work, is receiving national recognition.

Daniela Linklater, 24, is one of only 20 recipients of the $10,000 per year (up to four years) RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship. She told paNOW that she when she enrolled at the First Nations University campus in Prince Albert, she learned and understood what it meant to be Indigenous.

“It is living through trauma that no one should, but to also be resilient in midst of it. It is to love and care for one another, because no matter what, everyone deserves it. It is to take care of your whole well-being first, so that we can lead by example when we care for others. It is to be in touch with your spirit, so that we can call out for strength when we need it. To me, being Indigenous means that I am strong, because my ancestors were,” she said.

Originally from Pelican Narrows Cree Nation, but moved to Prince Albert during the pandemic, Linklater acknowledged her biggest personal challenge with respect to following her dream, is not having her family near for support.

That being said, she explained she chose Indigenous Social Work because the wellbeing of her people is something she is really passionate about, and she knows there’s a lot of opportunity to support healing.

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“Since I have started my education journey, I have been actively seeking to be a part of the Indigenous community,” she said.. “At the First Nations University of Canada, Northern Campus in Prince Albert, we are surrounded by Indigenous mentors, and external supports for our well-being. From what I have learnt in school, it has given me the drive to reach out and learn more of our traditional ways.”

In many ways Linklater is following in her mother’s footsteps. Linklater’s mother was the first in the family to pursue post secondary and graduated with an Education Degree.

“When I am done this bachelor degree, and have gained more experience, I want to obtain my Masters Degree in Social Work, so that I have the tools to help my own people back home,” Linklater said. “When I am done school, I want to continue to better my life, I want to be happy, and I want to lead my life by example when I am helping Indigenous families.”

More than 300 Indigenous youth from across Canada were considered for the annual award, which is now in its 30th year and recognizes both strong academic performance and community involvement.

The recipients showcase a multitude of academic disciplines including Healthcare, Engineering, Business, Sociology, Law, Dentistry, Education, and the Arts.

In total, there were three winners from Saskatchewan. The other two were Jana Sasakamoose from Ahtahkakoop and Haylee Gardiner from Saskatoon.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell