Honouring Spirit: ASBA Celebrates 12 Outstanding Indigenous Students at 2025 Awards Ceremony

Don Cardinal: Boyle, AB – North

Don is a Grade 12 student at Boyle School in Aspen View Public Schools. Don exemplifies growth, resilience and commitment to his education and cultural heritage. He understands the importance of regular attendance and hard work and was recently accepted to Lakeland College in Vermillion to pursue the field of welding. Don's contributions to the Indigenous Studies program and his involvement in planning Indigenous celebrations for graduation and volunteering at the local food bank reflects his passion for promoting cultural awareness and inclusion along with his commitment to community service.

Pyriel Kelley-Beaverbones: Hinton, AB - Central

Pyriel is a Grade 12 student at Harry Collinge High School in Grande Yellowhead Public School Division. Pyriel acts as a mentor to other Indigenous students, teaching dance, assisting with ceremonies and encouraging youth to do their best. She is an accomplished hoop dancer and frequently attends powwows. Most significantly, Pyriel has taught several dance classes at the Hinton Friendship Centre. Pyriel is dedicated to learning her traditional language by taking Saulteaux classes and she actively participates in her school's Indigenous Youth Group. She is also involved in Friendship Centre events - helping with setup, cooking and other tasks. 

Trinity Pretty Youngman: Siksika, AB – South 

Trinity is a Grade 12 student at Strathmore High School in Golden Hills School Division. Recently crowned Strathmore High School’s Princess, Trinity speaks bravely and powerfully at school and community events. As a basketball coach for children aged 5 to 13, Trinity embodies kindness, patience and empowerment. Her involvement in various clubs and activities showcases her commitment to building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Trinity was a valuable cast member of NEW BLOOD – a theatre production celebrating Blackfoot history and traditions - highlighting her dedication to showcasing the beauty and strength of her culture.

Jaera Anderson: Beaver Lake, AB - North

Jaera is a Grade 9 student at École Plamondon School in Northern Lights School Division. She is an excellent student and mentor who nurtures the growth and development of others both in school and her community. Jaera exemplifies leadership in school and takes her role seriously, actively participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Jaera was selected by school staff to sit on the Northern Lights Public School Student Voice Committee. She has a strong awareness of her Cree identity and takes pride in sharing the richness of her culture with others, helping them understand and appreciate the value of Indigenous traditions, ways of knowing and ways of being.

Rhea Powder: Spruce Grove, AB - Central

Rhea is a Grade 8 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Evergreen Catholic Separate School Division. Rhea’s encouragement of her peers to strive for excellence is a testament to her leadership qualities and her desire to work hard and contribute positively to her school community. Rhea has successfully balanced the demands of school with her athletic pursuits, participating in both the Alberta Native Provincial Hockey Tournament and the Alberta Indigenous Games, representing the Wood Buffalo Hockey Club and the Métis Nation. Additionally, she has represented Fort McKay First Nation in volleyball, all while maintaining excellent school grades. 

Caleb Sitting Eagle: Siksika, AB – South 

Caleb is a Grade 8 student at Crowther Memorial Junior High in Golden Hills School Division. Caleb serves as the Chief of the Niitsitapi Club – a significant role within the school and community, as Caleb acts as an ambassador and role model. He volunteers to emcee school powwows, Chief and Council inductions and land acknowledgements for school assemblies. Armed with a microphone, Caleb proudly speaks his Blackfoot language in front of the entire school. In addition to his role as Chief of the club, Caleb has organized a hand-games tournament for multiple schools including training sessions. 

Cougar Desjarlais: Mayerthorpe, AB – North

Cougar is a Grade 6 student at Elmer Elson Elementary School in Northern Gateway Public Schools. Known for his positivity, natural leadership and kindness towards all, Cougar understands that education is a key tool in strengthening his O’Chiese community. He aspires to be a role model for younger generations of Indigenous students. Cougar was voted as the school's student council president by over 150 of his peers and serves as the captain of his intramural house league team. He is thoroughly engaged in learning about Indigenous history and cultures, and he wants people to feel connected through the circle of life.

Ruby Osborne: Spruce Grove, AB - Central

Ruby is a Grade 6 student at Prescott Learning Centre in Parkland School Division. After attending a Water Ceremony, Ruby was inspired to create a piece of art for an in-house logo to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous culture at school. She created a stylized turtle and medicine wheel inscribed with Every Child Matters which she then gifted to the school. Ruby secured a small grant to bring a practice powwow to her school, aiming to celebrate and share Indigenous culture and traditions with her classmates. To help fund the event, she began selling T-shirts featuring her original design. Her initiative soon caught the attention of Women Building Futures, who purchased 100 shirts and generously sponsored the practice powwow.

Deacon Yellowhorn: Brocket, AB – South

Deacon is a grade 6 student at Canyon School in Livingstone Range School Division. Deacon has played a pivotal role in establishing a drumming circle at school. Since last fall, he has been leading the weekly drumming circle, bringing invaluable expertise and a deep connection to his cultural heritage as a powwow drummer and dancer. Deacon demonstrates a strong work ethic and kindness in his easygoing manner, engaging with students of all ages. He also initiated the Blackfoot Word of the Week and coached others to participate and share. He is at the heart of everything within the cultural program and despite his significant roles, Deacon remains humble, approachable and a joy to be around.

Riley Mitchell: Whitecourt, AB – North

Riley is a Grade 2 student at Pat Hardy Elementary School in Northern Gateway Public Schools. Riley has a tremendous impact with his “I Can” attitude, showing incredible determination in every task. He consistently encourages his peers to be their best selves and leads by example, taking the initiative to include others and ensure no one feels left out. Riley is deeply proud of his Métis heritage; he values his cultural identity and loves to share his experiences and connections. Riley is passionate about helping others understand who he is and from where he comes. He models an appreciation for diversity and culture that encourages others to do the same, exemplifying cultural understanding and respect.

Zane Mazuren: Edmonton, AB – Central

Zane is a Grade 3 student at Jan Reimer School in Edmonton Public Schools. Zane demonstrates perseverance and a strong spirit, inspiring those around him. He possesses a strong awareness of self and identity, proudly wearing his long braid. Connected to his heritage and the teachings of his Elders and community members, Zane volunteers with the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe and the Elders Lodge at the Sylvan Lake powwow. His desire to give his all through dance is evident, as he practices diligently in a self-directed role, showcasing his mighty spirit despite his small stature.

Shia Firstrider: Cardston, AB – South

Shia is a Grade 2 student in Cardston Elementary in Westwind School Division. Shia speaks and understands Blackfoot, often sharing her language and culture with her classmates and the entire student body through recitations of the Blackfoot Prayer or sharing new words. Her positive attitude and willingness to assist others make her a role model in our school community. Outside of school she loves learning about horses and barrel riding with her grandmother and graduating from a small horse to a big one. Her qualities of resilience, cultural pride, academic excellence, empathy and leadership make her an outstanding student.