A local man is one of 12 recipients across Canada to receive the 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model award from the National Aboriginal Health Organization.
Robert Animikii Horton, a 26-year-old former International Falls resident and a graduate student in Sociology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, was recognized along with the other recipients on June 21. The ceremony took place in Ottawa at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada's Governor General Michaëlle Jean, who presented the awards with National Chief Phil Fontaine also in attendance.
“It was such a diverse group and a bond was built between us all in the week of media training and preparing for ceremony,” said Horton. “We received the award on Victoria Island on National Aboriginal Day.”
Later that afternoon the recipients were presented at Victoria Island in Canada's Capitol City. NAHO National Representative James Makokis and fellow role model Shaneen Robinson addressed the crown about the importance of the program and the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal people.
The award program is organized by Lead Your Way, a NAHO program that celebrates the accomplishments of First Nation, Inuit and Métis youth ages 13 to 30 that inspire other Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals. The finalists are selected on achievements, leadership, and inspiration.
NAHO described Horton as a role model who works to create positive change for his people and an "Ogichidaa scholar, activist, and future leader."
Horton is a youth advocate, sociologist and spoken-word poet. He was invited to the mic to perform his work, "Voices.”
As a lifelong social and political activist involved with indigenous rights, Horton credits his family and elders for a passion to inspire change for his people.
“I come from a family that embodies political, educational, and social leadership qualities in their roles as educators and leaders,” he added.
Born in the Falls where many of his family still resides, Horton also lived in the Twin Cities and Manitou Rapids of the Rainy River First Nations, Canada. His Anishinaabe name, “Bebaamoyaash,” meaning “sound from above,” was given to him as an infant by Manitou Rapids elder Eva Black.
Horton attended St. Cloud State University and served four years on the Minnesota Indian Education Association board of directors. He was also Rainy River First Nation Community Land Claim Trust Fund trustee, overseeing the historic $71 million compensation award for a 46,000 acre land claim. He was a social policy analyst education coordinator and curriculum developer for Rainy River First Nations.
Sara Hakmoun of Lakehead State, said the surrounding communities stood behind Horton as he was honored in Ottawa. She said that the people of his historical Emo home showed their pride by placing a congratulations sign on the Emo Inn Hotel.
"Dozens and dozens of traditional, fancyshawl, jingledress, and grassdancers from the Manitou Rapids community and from all over the Treaty Three region danced during an Honor Song played at the sacred drum for Horton at the Rainy River First Nations annual Pow-Wow on Saturday," said Hakmoun.
The Horton family roots stem from Chief Mawedopenais, the Rainy River Anishinaabe, Long Sault Rapid, who was a key negotiator and spokesperson for Treaty Number Three signed in 1873, and who advocated for educational rights that the First Nation people enjoy today.
Shirley Horton, Robert’s mother, is a lifelong indigenous educator and family advocate. He said he was proud of her as a single mother who raised three children, work two jobs and still had time to fight for her people. He also credits his drive to succeed to Delbert Horton, a mentor and educator.
Horton said the late progressive social activist and U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone also had a major influence on his life while growing up. He learned the ropes of Minnesota politics through Wellstone, who first caught his attention when he traveled around in the green bus.
“I am an activist first and always, and was influenced by Paul Wellstone,” he said. “I grew up in the Cities and the Falls and grew up around this guy of incredible integrity. That is the type of integrity I want to bring back to my nation.”
Horton will have the opportunity to share his story and experiences with fellow indigenous and First Nation youth at their celebrations, school functions, workshops, and conferences across Canada in the coming year.
“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 choices and options do exist, I am starting at the roots in hopes of strengthening and solidifying the identity and public image of our indigenous peoples.”
Horton plans to complete his master’s degree and then pursue a doctorate in either Indigenous Government or in Education.
