Tasha Spillett - A Young Aboriginal Leader

On International Human Rights Day, December 8, 2006 University of Winnipeg student Tasha Spillett was honoured with a human rights award presented by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties and the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Tasha, a University of Winnipeg Education student, received the Sybil Shack Memorial Manitoba Human Rights Youth Award for her volunteer work as a founder of United Against Racism Aboriginal Youth Circle, a program operating out of Ka Ni Kanichihk, a local Aboriginal human services organization. Ka Ni Kanichihk means “those who lead” in the Cree language. Tasha is also a pow wow singer, a sundancer at the American Indian Movement’s Gathering of the Sacred Pipes Sundance and a traditional person.

Tasha was cited for her outstanding record of involvement with human rights activities and her dedication to promoting equality and equity for all peoples. The Sybil Shack Memorial Manitoba Human Rights Youth Award acknowledges work that has an impact on the advancement of human rights as guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and human rights legislation.

In October 2007 Tasha was a recipient of a Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award in the category of Community Volunteerism. She is currently pursuing her Education degree at the University of Winnipeg where she also served as the Cultural Liaison for the Aboriginal Student Council for two years, and was elected as the Co-President for the University of Winnipeg Student Association for the 2008-09 term.

Tasha Spillet is president of the University of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Student Council (ASC), one of the larger student groups on campus. The Aboriginal Student Council keeps itself very busy throughout the school year conducting many cultural and social events. “It is important,” explains Tasha, “that Aboriginal students (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) have a voice on campus.” ASC advances the aspirations and interests of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in their efforts to achieve common goals. It advocates increased accessibility of post-secondary education for Aboriginal students, and Aboriginal issues abroad. The ASC promotes the diverse indigenous cultures of our region both on and off campus. Tasha is committed to ensuring the restoration of health and balance of her community.