12 Alberta students recognized with provincial 2022 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards

First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal educational paths were recognized in a special awards celebration.

 June 25, 2022, Edmonton, AB —Alberta School Boards Association’s (ASBA) 2022 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards were held today to recognize 12 exceptional Alberta students. These awards celebrate exceptional First Nations, Métis and Inuit students nominated by members of their education communities, based on their exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.

This year, ASBA received over 270 unique nomination letters and submissions from across the province. The ceremony, hosted at Government House, also included remarks from the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE B.Sc., LLD (Hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and the Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.

 

“I am so impressed by these 12 student recipients, who have shown exceptional leadership through their energy, positive attitude and kindness. Each has shared the beauty and importance of their culture and remind us all of the power we each hold to inspire and encourage those around us.”

-Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE B.Sc., LLD (Hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

 

“Congratulations to these hard-working students from across the province who each showed strength of character and commitment to their communities. I was inspired to hear the stories of all those who helped them along their journeys including family members, teachers and others from the community.”

-Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

 

“The determination, resiliency and community spirit these students have shown serves as a great model of inspiration for others. I am both humbled and honoured to recognize this year’s recipients, celebrate their accomplishments and learn from their capacity to excel and lead.”

-Marilyn Dennis, President, Alberta School Boards Association

 

Each recipient was recognized with:

• An award certificate and congratulatory letter;
• A unique hand-crafted Star Blanket;
• And, an honoraria.

 

Award recipients

Kindergarten-Grade 3

North: Korianna Ballard, Grade 3, Ardmore

Central: Kianna Redcrow, Grade 3, Edmonton

South: Justice Luther, Grade 2, Fort Macleod

 

Grades 4-6

North: Michael Gambler Gilks, Grade 6, Fort McMurray

Central: Malin Snow, Grade 4, Breton

South: Feather Belle Annette Bear-Bull, Grade 5, Calgary

 

Grades 7-9

North: Parker Flett, Grade 9, Fort McMurray

Central: Ryan Leclerc, Grade 8, Sylvan Lake

South: Marlee Elizabeth Rose Wolfleg, Grade 7, Calgary

 

Grades 10-12

North: Daelynne Rebecca Stevens, Grade 12, Fort McMurray

Central: George Houle, Grade 12, Goodfish Lake

South: Keegan Buffalo, Grade 12, Tsuut’ina

 

A special thanks to ASBA’s Indigenous Advisory Council for their contributions and involvement with the awards and celebration:

• Elder Charlie Fox, Blackfoot, Kainai First Nation, Treaty 7 representative;
• Elder Theresa Strawberry, Cree and Saulteaux, O’Chiese First Nation, Treaty 6 representative;
• Roy Pogorzelski, Lethbridge, Métis representative; and,
• Arlene Twin, Swan River and Sucker Creek First Nations, Treaty 8 representative.

 

The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards are presented annually to First Nations, Métis or Inuit student nominees who attend a school in Alberta, either operated by an ASBA member school board or a First Nations Education Authority. Please view the backgrounder for award details; additionally, the event program is available here.

Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) serves Alberta’s 61 locally-elected public, catholic and francophone school boards. For more information visit, asba.ab.ca.

Media inquiries:

Katy Campbell
Director of Communications, ASBA
780.451.7137
kcampbell@asba.ab.ca