Women of note

Each issue we honour some of the Manitoban women who are making a difference in our community and around the world.

Janell Melenchuk was one of the latest recipients of the 2010 Helen Bassett Commemorative Student Award. The award is given to assist
young aboriginal women enrolled in post-secondary education. Melenchuk is enrolled in the Aboriginal Self Government program at
the University of Winnipeg.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger awarded Angela Keno with a Council of the Federation Literacy Award. As a single parent, Keno was unable to attend classes to improve her literacy skills. When the Westgrove Learning Centre opened in her housing complex in 2009, she enrolled and achieved a tremendous amount in a short time. Now, she helps her sons with their homework, assists students to learn math and volunteers with Winnipeg Harvest. Each year, the award is presented to educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in each province and territory. The award celebrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy.

Sixteen lawyers from Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP have been named to the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, by Best Lawyers. Among them are Kathleen Murphy, who practices aboriginal law, and Sheryl Rosenberg, who practices environmental law. First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is based on an annual peer-review survey, and is considered one of the most respected referral lists of attorneys in practice.

Janine Hanson and Meghan Montgomery have been named to crews that will represent Canada at the 2010 World Rowing Championships in New Zealand. Hanson raced with the Women’s Eight, which won silver. Montgomery raced in the Adaptive LTA 4+ and won gold along with her team. This is the first gold for Canada at the World Rowing Championships.

Dr. Anne Durcan, a physician at Mount Carmel Clinic, has been named one of Canada’s top 10 family doctors of 2010. She earned the recognition from the College of Family Physicians of Canada for her professional accomplishments, including initiatives aimed at rural and aboriginal populations. The award is presented to physicians in recognition for their commitment, excellence and dedication to family medicine in Canada. Award recipients are nominated by their peers, patients, colleagues, and community leaders.

Deborah Chiborak was one of 50 Canadians who received a Medal of Bravery from Governor General David Johnston in Ottawa on

Oct 22. She received this honour after rescuing 89-year-old Winifred Lindsay from an oncoming train, after her motorized scooted tipped over on a railway crossing in April 2007. Chiborak was one of three Manitobans awarded with a Medal of Bravery.

Captain Connie Noreen Watson was honoured with the Meritorious Service Medal in Ottawa for her contribution to relief effort following the devastating earthquake that struck in Haiti earlier this year. Captain Watson was deployed as a nursing officer, coordinating with the Canadian Embassy to ensure that as many earthquake victims as possible received medical treatment, despite lacking normal shelter facilities and only having basic medical equipment at her disposal. Watson’s medical expertise, professionalism and leadership skills resulted in the evacuation of over 4,000 Canadians, including those with life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes a military deed performed in a highly professional manner, which brings honour to the Canadian Forces.