Mary Jonik

Mary Jonik is a graduate of Applied Arts at Cambrian College. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Laurentian University and is currently completing her Master of Arts Degree, also at Laurentian, in Child Development.

After graduating from Cambrian, Mary accepted a position in the Adult Training Department at the college. Her experiences there led her into her career helping individuals realize their full potential. She returned to school to study for her degrees, and while doing so, started a revolution in public housing. As a single parent relying on government assistance and living in public housing, Ms Jonik realized through first-hand experience that most people involved with this system lost control of their own lives and learned helplessness.

She began the process of empowerment through the organization of a tenants association, and this led to her helping to found the first city-wide tenants association in Ontario. She also developed the first on-site Life Skills Program in public housing, and was the first tenant board member of the Sudbury District Housing Authority. Ms Jonik also acquired a full-time position at Cambrian as a counsellor in the Ontario Basic Skills Program.

Mary Jonik's contributions to the development of individual growth among her friends and neighbours make her an ideal recipient of the 1992 Premier's Award.

Martin Bayer

Martin Bayer specializes in Native Law, Civil Litigation, Natural Resources and Corporate and Commercial Law at Weaver Simmons, one of Northern Ontario's most prominent legal firms. He also lectures on law at Laurentian University and is Director and President of the Wabuno Fish Farms, a company owned by the Ojibways of Sucker Creek. In 1998, Martin became the Tribal Chairperson for the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin, responsible for providing leadership on a wide range of economic, social and political issues. Martin won a national award from Employment and Immigration Canada and the Cambrian Alumni Award in 1999.