District man earns national award

Being nominated by one’s peers, and receiving an award for one’s accomplishments in life, is a tremendous honour.
Such is the case for Robert Animikii Horton (Bebaamoyaash), a 26-year-old Sociology master’s student at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and member of Rainy River First Nations (Manitou Rapids).
Horton is one of 12 individuals from across Canada who has received the 2008 National Aboriginal Health Organization’s National Aboriginal Role Model Award.
The ceremony took place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the official residence of Gov.-Gen. Michaële Jean, who presented the awards with Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine in attendance.
The surrounding communities stood behind Horton as he was being honoured for his leadership, as well as social and political activism.
While the announcement was being made on National Aboriginal Day, dozens and dozens of traditional, fancy shawl, jingle dress, and grass dancers (from Manitou Rapids and all over Treaty #3 region) danced during an Honour Song played for Horton at the drum at the Rainy River First Nations’ annual pow-wow on Saturday.
Support also was demonstrated in Emo as congratulations to Horton was proudly displayed on the Emo Inn sign, where travellers passing through town could see the message.
The award is the culmination of “Lead Your Way,” a NAHO program that celebrates the accomplishments of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis youth aged 13-30 while inspiring other aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.
Each year, 12 aboriginal role models are nominated by their peers across Canada. The final selection is based on achievements, leadership, and inspiration.
This is the second-straight year that a member of Manitou Rapids has been honoured with this award. The 2007 winner of the NAHO award was Carissa Copenace (Nigaan-niga-bawik).
“There are no words to describe the responsibility of this honour,” Horton remarked.
Horton is a youth advocate, sociologist, and spoken-word poet. He’s a dedicated social and political activist who is involved with indigenous rights. Horton also is a 10 year supporter of the Ejército Zapatista de
Liberación Nacional (EZLN) movement.
He comes from a long line of influential indigenous leaders. The Horton family roots stem from Chief Mawedopenais, the Rainy River Anishinaabe of Long Sault Rapids who was a key negotiator and spokesperson for Treaty Number Three signed in 1873, and who advocated for political, social, and educational rights that First Nation people in the territory enjoy today.
His grandmother, Maggie Horton, was a respected medicine person while Sandy, her life partner, was a former chief.
Sandy’s brother, Jim Horton, also was a former chief who was elected chief of the Indian Nations of North America (INNA) during the first half of the 20th century.
Horton’s mother, Shirley Horton, a lifelong indigenous educator and family advocate, was a major influence in his life. He also believes his drive to succeed was the result of the positive influence of Delbert Horton, his uncle, mentor, and educator.
With these roots, none are surprised the NAHO selected Robert Horton, whom the organization has referred as an “Ogichidaa scholar, activist, and future leader.”
Horton, himself, is a former Rainy River First Nations social policy analyst and education co-ordinator/curriculum developer. He grew up in the Twin Cities watching the late Paul Wellstone, a progressive social activist who also had an incredible influence on him.
“Sen. Wellstone made what I’m doing possible,” enthused Horton. “He instilled in me at an early age that when you get involved in politics, you can never separate the life you live from the words you speak.
“I want our leaders, our youth activists, and all who advocate for our young people to understand that integrity is everything, absolutely everything,” he stressed.
Horton is seen as a role mode because of his continued efforts to create positive change for his people.
“It’s important to raise awareness about the political, social, economic, and educational struggles that too many of our indigenous youth and adults, too, often face,” he said.
“By influencing our youth to be aware that choice and options do exist, I am starting at the roots in hopes of strengthening and solidifying the identity and public image of our indigenous people.
“I want our youth to remember that they always have options, that they always have choices,” Horton continued. “Too often, our youth don’t see people around them succeeding and so they become disillusioned and believe that they can’t succeed, either.”
Horton’s award from the NAHO, along with his work as a social and political activist, is a testament to the fact that success is possible for the indigenous youth of Canada.
In recent years, Horton authored a 300-page, indigenous-centered curriculum for the Rainy River District School Board, as well as a social and political analysis for Rainy River First Nations entitled, “Currents and Still Waters: A Manitou Rapids Manifesto.”
Horton’s concern for the youth is highlighted in the manifesto. He sees the sale of illicit drugs in the community as a concern the entire district should get behind.
“We’ve been ignoring this problem for too long,” he warned. “Something must be done if our youth are to succeed in the future. The time has come to turn up the heat.”
Horton’s long list of honours speak for themselves. He has accomplished so much in the past 10 years and has so much to give in the future.
Recently, he assisted the Rainy River First Nations administration with historical research for the unveiling of the Manitou Rapids War Veteran Memorial.
If his past is any indication of his potential, then the future for Robert Horton as an “aboriginal role model” indeed will be brilliant.