Fort McPherson (Oct 16/06) - Alisa Blake, 28, has worked many different jobs in her life.

She's been a student representative and town councillor in Fort McPherson, worked as a radio operator and communicator at Fort McPherson's airport, and is currently earning her pilot's licence in Springbrook, Alta, a hamlet located 10 km south of Red Deer.

Alisa Blake grew up in Fort McPherson. She is training to become a bush pilot in the North. - photo courtesy of Alisa Blake

Now, she can add one more title to the list: That of "Aboriginal Role Model."

Blake, who grew up in Fort McPherson, was recently chosen by the National Aboriginal Health Organization of Canada, to become an Aboriginal Role Model.

In the next year, she will be flown to schools in the North to speak with kids about education and her careers. "They actually flew us down to Ottawa, to discuss the roles and responsibilities of what being an Aboriginal Role model meant," Blake said, with a bit of surprise.

Blake's aunt, who happens to be Fort McPherson's mayor, Rebecca Blake, said she felt the prize was very appropriate.

She said her niece is an especially good role model because she raised her 11-year-old son Austin in difficult conditions.

"She's a single woman, raising a child, but she still made the choice to pursue her education," Rebecca said. "We're all very proud and we think she deserves it."

While the National Aboriginal Health organization gives out 12 prizes a year, Blake was the northernmost winner.

She is of mixed Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and metis heritage, and said it was an honour to represent Northern people.

"I think it's awesome," she said, in a telephone interview.

"People think there's no opportunities up North, but it's actually pretty nice," she said. Another perk will be flying to Ottawa a second time on Oct. 15, to meet Canada's Governor General, Michaelle Jean and receive an award.

According to a National Aboriginal Health Organization press release, the role models are chosen once a year, and include people from First Nations, Metis and Inuit groups.

Other winners of this year's prize come from Cold Lake First Nation, Alta.; Natuashish and Nain in Nfld.; Carry the Kettle First Nation in Sask.; St. Ambroise Man. and Akullvik, Que.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is a non-governmental group based in Ottawa, with a mandate to improve health services for aboriginal people.