THUNDER BAY – Ontario has honoured three young leaders with the 2015 Lincoln M. Alexander Award for their work to end racial discrimination and promote positive social change.
The recipients are:
- Darian Baskatawang of Whitesand First Nation, for his efforts to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal youth across Ontario.
- Najma Malaq of Mississauga, for promoting African culture and history in her community and building an inclusive school community.
- Shailene Panylo of Oshawa, for her work encouraging respect and acceptance of diverse cultures and identities.
The Lincoln M. Alexander Award is presented each year to three Ontarians between the ages of 16 and 25 who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting positive social change.
Darian Baskatawang of Whitesand First Nation is a nineteen year old and a member of the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities, where he helps develop provincial strategies, initiatives and policies to help at-risk youth.
Darian uses this and other platforms to raise awareness by sharing the experiences of youth who face racial discrimination. He also volunteers with Queen’s University’s Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program, which he co-founded, and is a key figure with the Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre on campus.
Quick Facts
- The Lincoln M. Alexander Award was created in 1993 to commemorate the legacy of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, Ontario’s 24th Lieutenant Governor who served from 1985-1991.
- The Lincoln M. Alexander Award recognizes youth who work to promote social change through their commitment to eliminating racial discrimination.
- Lincoln Alexander was the first black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the first black Member of Parliament and the first black federal Cabinet Minister. He passed away on Oct.19, 2012.
- Lincoln Alexander Day is celebrated each year on January 21 in Ontario and across Canada on the anniversary of Lincoln Alexander’s birthday.
