2025 Recipients

Jenae Bernard

Millbrook First Nation, NS

Kaylei Denny

Eskasoni First Nation, NS

Arianna Gauvin-Sanders

Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation, NB

Ainslee Pictou

Paqtnkek First Nation, NS

MILLBROOK (December 5, 2025) – The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund is proud to announce the four recipients of the 2025 Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award, celebrating Indigenous youth who demonstrate outstanding leadership through sport, culture, and community across Atlantic Canada.

This year’s recipients are:

Jenae Bernard (Millbrook First Nation, NS) – Hockey standout and Dalhousie Health Science student, committed to mentoring Mi’kmaw youth.

Kaylei Denny (Eskasoni First Nation, NS) – Competitive dancer and former NAIG basketball athlete, recognized for academic and cultural leadership.

Arianna Gauvin-Sanders (Ugpi’Ganjig First Nation, NB) – Volleyball gold medalist and cultural ambassador, active in national youth programs.

Ainslee Pictou (Paqtnkek First Nation, NS) – Basketball player and dancer, aspiring nurse dedicated to community wellness.

Established as part of the legacy of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award embodies the Mi’kmaw values of leadership, community, and connection. The award supports Indigenous women and girls, ages 15–25, who reside or study in Atlantic Canada and demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.

Each recipient receives $1,027 to support their education, a symbolic tribute to the number worn by Jana Headrick, a former University of New Brunswick REDS women’s hockey player whose leadership inspired the creation of the award.

New this year, the award recognizes leadership across multiple life stages by selecting two high-school-age recipients (including 2025 graduates) and two emerging leaders ages 19–25.

In addition to the financial award, each recipient will also receive a custom ribbon skirt created by Mi’kmaq designer Christena Curry (Pictou Landing First Nation) of CC Designs, honouring the cultural pride, identity, and strength carried by this recognition.

“Each recipient carries the spirit of leadership in their own way,” said Ryan Francis, Founder of the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund. “Through sport and culture, they uplift their communities and encourage other young Indigenous girls to pursue their own paths with confidence.”

“The Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award elevates stories where sport and culture move together,” shared Jana Headrick, former UNB REDS women’s hockey player and member of the Advisory Committee. “These leaders show us what it means to serve community with pride and persistence.”

The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Dan and Dorothy Gibson, whose continued commitment has made this year’s Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award possible. Their support strengthens opportunities for Indigenous youth across Atlantic Canada.

The stories of Jenae, Kaylei, Arianna, and Ainslee reflect the strength, resilience, and leadership of young Indigenous women across Atlantic Canada. The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund proudly celebrates their achievements and remains committed to creating opportunities for future generations.

About the 2025 Recipients

Jenae Bernard (Millbrook First Nation, NS) grew up playing hockey, softball, and golf from a young age, finding particular success in hockey. She represented Team Atlantic at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship for three years, serving as an assistant captain in her final year. Currently in her second year at Dalhousie University, she is pursuing a degree in Health Science with the goal of becoming a Radiology Technologist and completing a master’s in a health-related field. Dedicated to her community, Jenae volunteers with the Indigenous Girls Hockey Programs, coaches youth teams, and has worked at her community’s summer camp. She strives to be a positive role model for Mi’kmaw youth, encouraging academic success, leadership, and pride in cultural identity.

Kaylei Denny is a dedicated student, dancer, and community leader from Eskasoni First Nation, NS. From a young age, she has been actively involved in extracurricular activities across Unama’ki, including NADACA’s Learn to Dance program, swimming, snowboarding, and surfing. She currently trains as a competitive dancer with Northside Dance and NADACA and has spent seven years inspiring young dancers as an assistant teacher in Eskasoni. Beyond dance, she represented Team Nova Scotia in basketball at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Kaylei has performed in productions such as Samqwan, participated in community events, and received an Inspiration Award for dance in 2023. In 2024, she graduated as valedictorian from her high school and was awarded the TD Indigenous Scholarship, exemplifying her commitment to excellence in academics, arts, and community engagement.

Arianna Gauvin-Sanders (Ugpi’Ganjig First Nation, NB) uses both sport and culture to connect with her community and grow as a leader. She represented her community in U18 volleyball at the New Brunswick Indigenous Summer Games, where her team earned a gold medal on home soil—an achievement that symbolized unity, teamwork, and community pride. Beyond sport, Arianna has shared her culture internationally, singing the Honour Song, offering a prayer, and smudging during a school trip to Europe for the D-Day anniversary. She was also selected to attend the Rotary Club of Canada’s Adventure in Citizenship program in Ottawa, where she was one of only ten Indigenous participants among 150 youth. Recognized with three community involvement awards, Arianna continues to lead with pride, inspiring others through sport, culture, and service.

Ainslee Pictou of Paqtnkek First Nation, NS has been shaped by the influence of both sport and culture throughout her life. Growing up active in dance and athletics, she spent many years practicing fancy and Highland dancing, strengthening her connection to her cultural roots and her community. A committed multi-sport athlete, most notably playing basketball at various competitive levels, captained her senior high school varsity team, and proudly represented Team Mi’kmaq Nova Scotia at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. She also participated in track and cross country, building resilience, discipline, and confidence along the way. Grounded in the values of teamwork, humility, and compassion, Ainslee is driven by a desire to support and uplift others—qualities that inspire her goal of becoming a nurse and giving back to her community.