The Naskapi Nation congratulates David Swappie and RJ Mameamskum on completing their game warden training.

David Swappie: Award of Excellence

David Swappie smiles while holding his Canadian Federal Wildlife Officers Association Award of Excellence certificate, seated on a couch at home. He is wearing a black Norpaq hoodie and a black Vortex cap. The certificate, issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, recognizes David as the 2025 Cégep de Saint-Félicien Wildlife Protection in Kenou Itchee student who best exemplified the values and traditions of Canada's Federal Wildlife Officers through leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the conservation of Canada's natural resources.

David Swappie completed his course and received the Award of Excellence from the Canadian Federal Wildlife Officers Association.

This award recognizes a student who demonstrates commitment to protecting and conserving Canada’s natural resources and embodies the values and professional standards of Canada’s Federal Wildlife Officers.

David worked hard through three-hour lectures, long assignments, weekly exams, scenarios, and camping trips. His dedication and perseverance earned him this top recognition.

We are proud of David’s accomplishment and his commitment to protecting our natural resources.

RJ Mameamskum: Proving Himself Right

A young man poses for a formal graduation portrait wearing a black cap and gown with a gold stole, holding a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon. He looks directly at the camera with a calm expression against a neutral grey studio background.

RJ Mameamskum completed the college program and graduated as a game warden.

“A lot of my teachers in elementary and in high school would tell me I would never amount to anything in life. At times I believed them but deep down I knew I was meant for more,” RJ shared. “I’m happy to have had proved myself right and them wrong. I never thought I’d complete a College program but here I am. All those 3 hour lectures, long assignments, weekly exams, scenarios, camping trips will be missed. I would do all over again if I could. Just another Native Kid looking to break the same old cycles.”

RJ’s success shows what’s possible when we believe in ourselves and work toward our goals.

Moving Forward

Both graduates will contribute important work protecting our lands, wildlife, and natural resources.

Congratulations to David Swappie and RJ Mameamskum.