Jordyn Burnouf has won a YWCA Women of Distinction Award. (submitted photo/Danielle Stasiuk Photography)

By Derek Cornet

Role Model

Northerner wins Women of Distinction Award

May 15, 2019 | 1:50 PM

Jordyn Burnouf, a member of Black Lake First Nation, is one of 14 recipients of the 2019 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

The event was held Tuesday in Saskatoon at TCU Place in front of an audience of about 750 people. Burnouf won in the 29 and Under category, which YWCA Development Assistant Cheryl Howie said was meant for emerging leaders under 29 who are inspirational role models in their careers, achievements and their community-building roles. She called Burnouf an amazing young lady.

“She’s very devoted to her community and people and she’s just very active in giving back, and that’s what we look for in our nominees,” Howie said. “They are very successful in what they are doing, but they are also giving back to the communities. YWCA is a community organization that helps women and families in need, so we try to align everything with that because that’s our focus.”

According to information provided by the YWCA, Burnouf is from Île-à-la-Crosse and is known for her youth advocacy, as well as commitment to breaking down barriers for Indigenous women and youth. She is a founding member of the non-profit Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field, and has worked at Northlands College in the development of a cultural awareness initiative. Burnouf also has a long history of being an athlete and coach with the North American Indigenous Games.

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“Jordyn feels it is important to honour those who have supported her by giving back to the community,” the statement said.

Burnouf told larongeNOW she was surprised and humbled to have won the award, adding she was up against some other successful women in the category. She’s currently spending much of her time with the team and board of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field, as well as working with the provincial Running Wild Athletics Club.

As for advice for other young people who want to be successful, Burnouf said don’t underestimate your voice, power and presence.

“If you are looking to do something and want to do something, don’t wait for it to come to you,” she said. “Go out and make those things happen and take some initiative of some of the opportunities available and, if they’re not there, then create them. People do listen to the youth’s voices and it is very powerful.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno