The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit students across Alberta who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education path and embrace their own gifts, strengths and potential. Further, the awards provide the opportunity to celebrate the unique qualities of students who inspire their peers, teachers, education leaders and community members. The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) and supported by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) and Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Elk Island Public Schools in proud to share the three EIPS students who each received an Honourable Mention for the 2021-22 school year. Congratulations to Esme, Makenzie and Camden!

Esmé Chouinard, Pine Street Elementary

Esmé Chouinard joined the Pine Street Elementary family in September 2021. Her family hails from Kamloops B.C. where they were strong and active members of the Cree community. They attended pow wows, and Esmé participated in traditional jingle and fancy dances. As a result, Esmé brought with her a sense of healthy pride in who she is as an Indigenous person. Throughout the year, she took on extra responsibilities such as library helper, attending monthly smudge ceremonies, beading sessions and participating in the school choir. Her homeroom teacher shared that Esmé is hard-working, kind and shows a tremendous amount of perseverance. What a positive role model for other students! Congratulations, Esmé, on receiving an Honourable Mention for the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards.

Makenzie Osmond, Salisbury Composite High

Salisbury Composite High is pleased to announce and celebrate our student, Makenzie Osmond, on her Honourable Mention for the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards from the Alberta School Boards Association. As a proud Métis youth, Makenzie truly embodies Sabre Pride—her involvement with raising awareness on Indigenous issues and positive attitude has truly made our school a better place. Makenzie will be attending the University of Alberta this fall majoring in Native studies and minoring in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. She’s most excited for her Indigenous Literature class and looks forward to a future career as either an Indigenous Liaison or Indigenous Relations Specialist. Congratulations Makenzie!

Camden Spiderwick, Win Ferguson Elementary

Camden Spiderwick is a Grade 3 student at Win Ferguson Elementary. Camden is from Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan. Camden is committed to learning about his culture and teaching others about it as well. At school, he’s known for his kind spirit, thoughtfulness and work ethic. Camden finds strength in his culture to help him deal with hard things such as bullying. Camden is sensitive to the needs of others. He quietly observes his environment and steps in to help where he sees a need. Camden is thoughtful, and he has empathy toward others. He works hard at school and loves to read books by Indigenous authors. He’s been described as “an old soul.” Congratulations Camden on your Honourable Mention for the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards!