This year’s 2016/17 First Nations Role Model Loretta Jeff-Combs is a proud member of Tl’etinqox Government (Anaham Band).
Loretta is in Grade 11 at Lake City Secondary School where she is on the honour roll and work ethics list.
She has earned As in her favourite subjects, Law 12 and B.C. First Nations Studies.
First Nations Studies both with an ‘A’ standing.
“Loretta is an intelligent, passionate and engaged learner who is always looking to explore new ideas and topics,” wrote teacher Shannon Rerie in recommending Loretta as a First Nation Role Model candidate.
Rerie said Loretta is passionate about Aboriginal issues and is quick to defend her peers and speak up on behalf of others. She leads by example and is always trying harder to succeed in class and to better herself and her life.
LCSS education assistant Janet Keener said that although Loretta has a very heavy work load she still finds time to volunteer with Francis Johnson to learn and teach hoop dancing.
“It has been refreshing to work with such a strong yet diplomatic young woman as Loretta,” Keener said.
Loretta also helps to teach children how to make their own hoops and is a powwow jingle dancer.
Teacher Robin Fofonoff shares the sentiments of the other nominators. “Loretta would be a gracious role model and her peers will benefit by having such a strong, open minded and passionate role model.”
In her application Loretta said that her First Nations culture teaches her to do her best at everything she does.
Understanding and learning her culture is very important to Loretta because of the language and culture her family lost in residential schools so it is up to her to learn the language and keep it strong for the next generation.
At school Loretta is learning the Chilcotin language and is an avid Lehal player.
She enjoys hunting to help the family get food to last the winter, dip netting in the Chilko River and helps to clean and wrap the fish.
She loves the traditional activities. She is a hoop dancer who teaches children how to make their own hoops and to hoop dance.
In her spare time Loretta participates in the concert band at school and has won gold at the Cariboo Festival.
Loretta believes that a role model has a caring soul to help many in need, being positive in your actions and your words, and encouraging others to be their best and live up to their potential.
