Announcing the Recipients of the Fifth Annual Don McBain Memorial Award

Press Release

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is excited to announce the recipients of this year’s Don McBain Memorial Award, an honourable recognition given to Indigenous students entering their first year of post-secondary education. This award is designed to support and empower students as they begin their educational journey. This year, we proudly recognize Mia Roote, Isabella Craigie, and Cadence Hooiveld.

Mia Roote, a proud member of Saugeen First Nation and graduate of St. Mary’s High School, is pursuing her dream of becoming an Indigenous educator at Trent University through the Indigenous Bachelor of Education program at the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies. Teaching has long been her passion, as she views the classroom as both a place of learning and a space for cultural reconnection. Mia is deeply committed to guiding both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, encouraging them to follow their educational paths while proudly carrying their cultural values into every setting. Grounded by her love of hiking and spending time in nature, she believes cultural and educational experiences can and should coexist, strengthening one another for the betterment of Indigenous youth. For Mia, this opportunity represents more than an academic milestone; it’s a pathway toward becoming an advocate, teacher, and cultural leader for her community.

Isabella Craigie, from Pickering High School to Trent University, has consistently demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and a deep commitment to her community. A proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, she will begin her studies in Kinesiology this fall, driven by a passion for promoting health and wellness among Indigenous youth. While in high school, Isabella graduated with honours, earned the highest proficiency in Indigenous Studies, and served as a role model for other Indigenous students through her work with the Indigenous Education Department. Beyond the classroom, she excelled as a multi-sport athlete, most notably in rugby, and volunteered in land-based learning programs. Today, she remains actively engaged in her community, participating in health-focused initiatives that support Indigenous communities across Ontario. Looking ahead, Isabella envisions creating culturally grounded programs that empower Indigenous youth with the tools, confidence, and support to live strong, healthy lives. For her, kinesiology is more than a degree; it’s the spark to ignite lasting change in her community.

Cadence Hooiveld, a recent graduate of Welland Centennial Secondary School, has charted an inspiring path toward a career in the automotive industry, a passion she discovered in Grade 11 through auto body and welding classes at Eastdale High School. Since then, she has immersed herself in every opportunity to grow her skills, from joining the Specialist High Skills Major program in Transportation, to volunteering as a pit crew member at Merrittville Speedway, to excelling in her co-op placement at Mike Knapp Ford, where she became their first female co-op student. Cadence’s determination, mechanical aptitude, and strong work ethic quickly made her an asset to the shop, earning her not only invaluable experience but also the respect and mentorship of her colleagues. This fall, she will take the next step by attending Durham College’s Automotive Service and Management Technician program, with the long-term goal of combining her skills with entrepreneurship to one day open her own independent auto business. While she may not fit the traditional stereotype of a mechanic, Cadence is breaking barriers with her resilience, talent, and vision, proving that the trades hold space for anyone with the drive to succeed.

Each of these exceptional individuals reflects the spirit of Don McBain as future change-makers and advocates for their community. Each recipient received a $5,000 award to support their education.

OAHS is deeply grateful to all who applied for sharing their inspiring stories, and to their mentors and peers. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our generous sponsors including CGV Builders, SilverBirch Partners, Two Row Architect, Tache Construction, Maximus Rose Living Benefits, PD Realty, and KRGInsure, whose contributions make this award possible.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Don McBain family and committee members for their dedicated efforts in reviewing applications and selecting these exceptional students. A special shout-out to the First Peoples Housing of Learning at Trent University for hosting OAHS, Mia, and Bella for our meeting.

Stay tuned for the announcement of next year’s award in Spring 2026.

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