FBI Honors Youth Worker with Director’s
Community Leadership Award
The FBI presented Savenia Falquist with
the Director's Community Leadership Award on Thursday,
March 13, 2008, at Madras High School. Ms. Falquist
was the driving force behind the production of "Silent
Message," a film documenting the all-too-real
problem of child sex abuse on the Warm Springs Reservation
and around the region. Ms. Falquist, who was formerly
the Madras Youth Development Coordinator, brought together
a diverse group of film makers, community activists,
and Madras High School students to produce the emotional
and provocative piece.
Ms. Falquist worked with a group of at-risk teenagers
from Madras High School to develop the idea. The students,
many of whom were victims of sex abuse themselves,
volunteered as actors or production assistants. After
recruiting a family of local film makers, the group
began production of the project in the spring of 2006.
Since then, it has been shown many times in communities
around the state.
"I am truly honored to receive this award on
behalf of myself and the many other folks who worked
on this film project," Ms. Falquist said. "When
we come together as communities to protect children,
we can accomplish great things."
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dan Nielsen made
the presentation to Ms. Falquist. "Savenia is
exactly the kind of person we look to honor," he
said. "She is passionate, she is committed, and
she cares for these children more than anything. She
is living proof that one person can make the ultimate
difference."
Every year, each of the FBI's 56 field offices nominates
one person or group to receive the Director's Award
for Community Leadership. The award, given on behalf
of Director Robert Mueller, honors those who have undertaken
extraordinary efforts in their personal or professional
lives to deter drugs and violence.
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