Nine First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools were recently recognized for their strength and commitment to their education.
The following students received the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award:
• Nora Penner, Grade 6 student at École Camille J. Lerouge School.
• Coda Nepoose, Grade 4 student at St. Martin de Porres School.
• Zander Cardinal, Grade 5 student St. Teresa of Avila School.
• Aiyanna Two Horns, Grade 5 student at St. Teresa of Avila School.
• Tegan Lenfesty, Grade 5 student at St. Teresa of Avila School.
• Melaine Leclerc, Grade 4 student at École Our Lady of the Rosary School.
• Nevaeh Goodrunning, Grade 6 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School.
• Matthew Switzer, Grade 7 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School.
• One student unable to be identified due to FOIP.
“We feel honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate these exceptional students for their leadership, courage and commitment to their education and culture,” said Selena Frizzley, coordinator of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Support Team with the school division.
“We are proud of every one of these students for bringing their culture into our schools and celebrating the ways of their people. As a school division, we are so grateful to learn about Indigenous culture, heritage and achievements as we continue to work towards the Truth and Reconciliation calls for action,” said superintendent Kathleen Finnigan.
The award is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards Association and is co-hosted by the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Alberta Education, in collaboration with the College of Alberta School Superintendents, the Alberta School Councils’ Association, and the Alberta Teachers’ Association.