Saskatoon (Apr 04/05) - Fauna Kingdon from Iqaluit received the prestigious youth award at this year's National Aboriginal Achievement Awards ceremony, held March 31 in Saskatoon.

"I'm really honoured and flattered," said Kingdon, a 20-year-old Metis who was born in Erickson, Manitoba, and moved to Iqaluit when she was five.

At 16, Kingdon began volunteering at the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line, eventually becoming an executive board member. She was also one of the first pages for the Legislative Assembly. She says it was nice to see Premier Paul Okalik at the ceremonies, as well as meet aboriginal leaders from across the country. "It's just completely humbling," she said. "The sense of pride was incredible."

Kingdon is currently studying commerce at the University of Manitoba. She returns to Iqaluit this summer. "I'm really looking forward to it." The awards ceremony will be broadcast on CBC on June 16.