FORT MCMURRAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Timberlea Public School Student Recognized with Honour Spirit: Indigenous Spirit Award

Timberlea Public School Grade 2 student Ava Pruden has been recognized and awarded the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award at the Indigenous Student Awards ceremony at Government House in Edmonton. 

The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who model strength and commitment in pursuing their personal education paths. These awards recognize the unique qualities of students who inspire their peers, teachers, education leaders and community members while celebrating the ways of their people. To be eligible for the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards, students must attend a school in Alberta, either operated by an Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) member school board or a First Nations school. First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students who have been nominated by members of their education community based on their exemplary leadership, honour, courage, and commitment to their education path are considered; the awards committee selects the winners annually. 

In Ava's nomination form, Timberlea teacher Lezley Hiebert wrote about Ava's exceptional and inspirational character qualities.

"Ava shares her experiences as a Cree youth with positivity and love. From stories of her grandparents' farm, where she attends to her favourite animals, to the bannock she shared with the class and the Cree words she taught us, Ava gives of herself and her heritage."

"Her unfailing care towards her classmates and others in the school (she brings the garbage cans to the custodian each day at lunch) is unmatched in all my years of teaching. Ava demonstrates a spirit of love and care to anyone who falls within her sphere. Her character and charisma are proof positive that Indigenous youth and culture possess strong and special qualities for people of all ages and cultures to emulate."

The 2023 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards ceremony celebrated the nominees' exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths. Sponsored by Keyera and Alberta Education, Ava and 11 other students were presented with an award certificate, a congratulatory letter, and a unique hand-crafted Star Blanket at the ceremony. In addition, each student received a one-time $2,500 scholarship to support their future educational endeavours.

The ceremony, including remarks from the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE B.Sc., LLD (Hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, and ASBA's President Marilyn Dennis, can be viewed here: vimeo.com/822590094

Congratulations to Ava Pruden and all the nominees for their outstanding achievements!