A role model is someone who inspires others to do their best. Role models encourage community members to act positively and improve their lives. Several role models inspire Aboriginal people in Quebec.
Alexis Wawanoloath was elected to the House of Commons in 2007. At the age of just 24, he became the first Aboriginal person elected to the Quebec National Assembly since the right of Aboriginal people to vote was obtained in 1969. Today, he sits on the Council of Abenakis of Odanak and surely inspires many young people to express their ideas and, perhaps one day, to get involved in politics.
Sakay Ottawa is from the Attikamekw community of Manawan. He left his community to study education at university. He then returned to Manawan to help his community and work with the young people. He is now the high school principal. As a music lover, he composes and sings his songs, spreading his culture throughout Quebec. He is definitely an inspiration for the young people at his school, who see that it is possible to leave the community and then come back and live your dreams.