Journeying Toward Reconciliation
Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards
Each year, ASBA hosts the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards to recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education path and embrace their own gifts, strengths and potential while celebrating the ways of their people.
In 2022, over 270 students from across the province were nominated for this prestigious award. The 12 recipients stood out due to their dedication, generosity and resilience, among many other impressive attributes.
The Honouring Spirit Awards were held in person for the first time since 2019 at Government House, and were attended by dignitaries such as the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE B.Sc., LLD (Hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and the Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.
Looking ahead, ASBA will continue to celebrate Indigenous community members, prioritize Indigenous voices in educational opportunities and incorporate Indigenous priorities through important advocacy work.
“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, ASBA
2022 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 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 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 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
Arlene Twin, Swan River and Sucker Creek First Nations, Treaty 8 representative
