Frontier School Division is pleased to announce that Vern Anderson is this year's recipient of the 2019 Frontier Achievement Award.
The Frontier Achievement Award was established by the Frontier School Board in 1998 to recognize and honor the achievements of a Frontier graduate as well as those who have attended a Frontier school or Home Placement. Candidates demonstrate outstanding career or lifetime achievement in a variety of fields such as community service, sports, law, education, health and business.
Vern attended school at Oscar Blackburn School in South Indian Lake. He moved to Cranberry Portage where he graduated from Frontier Collegiate in 1984. Vern furthered his education by attending Brandon University through the P.E.N.T. Program. He held various positions including Instructional Assistant at the Dakota Collegiate, Child Care Worker with Tumbler Ridge Family Support Society, and a Life Skills Instructor for New Directions and then graduated from Red River College Diploma Program in Child and Youth Care.
Vern is currently the Student Advisor in Frontier School Division's Work Education Program working with students that go through the Work Education, Student Leadership, University Tours and Mini University Programs.
Vern spends many hours volunteering his time to organize and fundraise for Rossbrook House, South Indian Lake Winter Fun Day, Siloam Mission, Volunteer Canadian Ranger and Board member in Co-op Housing, Youth Task Force, Cultural Competency at New Directions, Project Neechewan and Booth University College member of the Indigenous Advisory Council.
Vern initiated and continues to raise funds for the Arnold Dysart Bursary which is awarded to a South Indian Lake graduating student from Frontier Collegiate.
Vern is proud of his Indigenous Heritage and language and shares his knowledge of the Cree Language and Culture with students and adults. He has taken time to accompany students on canoe trips, he brings his experience to teach students about Indigenous Culture and Way of Life.
Mr. Vern Anderson was announced as the award winner at the 41st Annual School Committee Conference on February 6, 2019 during Celebrations of Achievements event. Congratulations Vern!
