2026 Honouring Spirit: ASBA Celebrates 12 Outstanding Indigenous Students

Arianna LaBrecque-Demerais: Grande Prairie – North

Arianna is a Grade 11 student at Grande Prairie Composite High School in Grande Prairie Public School Division. She proudly shares her culture through traditional Fancy Shawl dance, using movement and storytelling to educate, inspire and bring community members together. Arianna volunteers with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre’s Pitone Youth Program, where she serves as a positive role model for younger youth. Her dedication to culture and community has led to her selection for Team Alberta North at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, where she will help showcase Indigenous culture. Arianna’s commitment to learning and excellence has also earned her acceptance into the United World Colleges International program.

Dennis McDonald: Busby – Central

Dennis is a Grade 12 student at R.F. Staples Secondary School in Pembina Hills School Division. He has played a meaningful role in promoting awareness, understanding and pride in Cree culture through drumming, singing and cultural leadership. Dennis has shared his gifts at numerous schools and division events, including graduations, round dances, assemblies, cultural gatherings and Indigenous Day celebrations. Known for his humility and compassion, he contributes to cultural learning and healing within both his school and community. Dennis’ leadership demonstrates how culture can bring people together, inspire understanding and strengthen connections
across generations and communities.

Jannessa Pantherbone-Parsons: Calgary – South 

Jannessa is a Grade 11 student at Bow Valley High School in Rocky View School Division. Proud of her Blackfoot identity, she promotes cultural understanding with grace, kindness and leadership. Jannessa helps raise awareness about truth and reconciliation and the importance of remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She is known for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where students feel respected, heard and supported. Through thoughtful conversations, encouragement, and everyday acts of kindness, Jannessa positively influences both peers and staff. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to
community, cultural pride and building understanding within her school.

Jaycob Swan: Cold Lake – North

Jaycob is a Grade 9 student at Elizabeth School in Northland School Division. Deeply connected to his Métis identity, he generously shares his culture and knowledge with others. An accomplished fiddler and guitarist, Jaycob expresses his values and heritage through music, which plays an important role in his life. As a member of the Superintendent’s Youth Council, he represents student voice with confidence, respect, and thoughtful insight, contributing meaningfully to school and community initiatives. Jaycob approaches his education with determination and purpose. He hopes to become a lawyer in the future, motivated by a desire to advocate for others and support his community.

Kingsley Pasquayak: St. Paul – Central

Kingsley is a Grade 9 student at Glen Avon School in St. Paul School Division. Proud of his Cree heritage, he actively honours and revitalizes his culture through many forms of expression. Kingsley is a founding member of the drumming group Black Thunder and is recognized as a Champion Fancy Dancer. He also shares his culture through drumming, singing and beading. Alongside his cultural leadership, Kingsley is a dedicated athlete who demonstrates teamwork and leadership in both hockey and soccer. He is involved with the Blue Quills Head Start program, where he mentors younger students and supports his peers, strengthening connections between
generations and community.

Nova Bull-Pantherbone: Calgary – South 

Nova is a Grade 7 student at St. Monica School in the Calgary Catholic School Division. A talented and passionate artist, Nova is committed to developing his creative abilities and hopes to attend art school in the future. He is actively involved with Mahegun Tails, where he participates in Indigenous cultural teachings including dancing, drumming, singing and community gatherings. Nova encourages his peers to value their heritage and helps bring Indigenous knowledge and traditions into school life. Guided by a strong sense of his Blackfoot identity, Nova demonstrates creativity, leadership and pride while contributing positively to his school community.

Eli Aikins: Fort McMurray – North

Eli is a Grade 6 student at École St. Paul School in Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division. Known for his generosity and leadership, Eli shares Métis culture through jigging, which he has practiced since age three. He founded the Spirit of the North Jigging Club at the Nistawoyou Friendship Centre and regularly visits schools to teach Métis history and dance. Eli also volunteers with McMurray Métis, the Friendship Centre, Santa’s Anonymous and the local soup kitchen. Through science fair projects, he has raised awareness about the lack of clean drinking water in many communities. Eli leads with heart and inspires others through culture, service and community involvement.

Aven Glover: Red Deer – Central

Aven is a Grade 5 student at St. Martin de Porres School in Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. She demonstrates a strong balance of cultural pride, academic focus and inclusive leadership. Aven participates in the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program and enjoys learning traditional beading as well as Cree and Métis words, phrases and stories. She shows a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through school initiatives such as recycling, composting and the Fish in Schools project. Aven is known for supporting her classmates and contributing positively to school activities. Through her kindness, responsibility and respect for others, Aven consistently models leadership and care for both community and environment.

Moby Calf Robe: Calgary – South 

Moby Calf Robe is a Grade 6 student at Cedarbrae School in the Calgary Board of Education. Guided by likakimat, the Blackfoot teaching of trying hard, Moby approaches learning and leadership with dedication. He shares Blackfoot culture with his school community, including through the book Niitsippooktsistaanitsi (My Braids) by Latasha Calf Robe. Moby also shares his cultural knowledge through dancing and participation in school events. He helps care for the school’s teepee, gifted by Tsuut’ina Elders, and the Medicine Garden, strengthening cultural learning for students. Through advocacy, respect and pride in his culture, Moby demonstrates strong leadership and support for both peers and community.

Jackson Vardy: Fort McMurray – North

Jackson is a Grade 2 student at Beacon Hill School in the Fort McMurray Public School Division. Jackson approaches learning with curiosity and enthusiasm. One of his greatest strengths is the way he proudly shares his Onondaga culture and traditions with others. He shares pictures and stories of his experiences drumming and attending powwows, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. He invites others to learn, ask questions and appreciate cultures different from their own. In the classroom, Jackson is a wonderful role model whose kindness and openness demonstrate leadership beyond his years.

Marissa Stassen: Leduc – Central

Marissa is a Grade 4 student at Willow Park School in Black Gold School Division. She is a proud Métis youth who leads with kindness, confidence, and cultural pride. She generously shares her culture through presentations, storytelling, dance and participation in school and community events, fostering understanding, inclusion and respect within her school community. By honouring her whole self—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually —and also inspiring others to do the same, Marissa embodies the pride, strength and spirit celebrated by the award. Her integrity, resilience and aspiration to become a teacher, truly reflect the values of this award.

Luke Katona: Wheatland County – South 

Luke is a Grade 2 student at Westmount Elementary School in the Golden Hills School Division. As this year’s Westmount Warrior, he confidently recited a speech, answered culturally focused questions and showcased his powwow dancing before a large live audience. In this role, Luke represents his school at various powwows and events and has stepped forward to serve as a flag bearer. He also takes initiative in sharing his Blackfoot culture, bringing meaningful cultural items to school showcases and explaining their significance. Whether speaking about his powwow experiences or his time at Pookaiks Club, Luke’s strong sense of purpose and belonging shines.