GRANDE PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
Grande Prairie Composite High School Student Recognized with Provincial Indigenous Student Award

A Grande Prairie Composite High School Student is being recognized at the provincial level for her meaningful impact within her school and community.

Arianna LaBrecque-Demerais, a Grade 11 student at Grande Prairie Composite High School, is one of 12 students from across Alberta to receive the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). Selected from more than 200 nominees, the award recognizes First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who demonstrate perseverance, integrity and a strong commitment to their cultures and educational journeys.

"Arianna truly embodies the spirit of this award. Through her cultural pride, academic excellence, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others, she stands as an inspiration to her peers and a role model within her school and community," said Stacy Lamoureaux, Indigenous Liaison with Grande Prairie Composite High School.

A proud member of the Gitanmaax Nation with roots in the Shuswap First Nation and Muskoday Cree Nation, Arianna is deeply connected to her Indigenous identity and actively shares her culture with others. She performs traditional Fancy Shawl dance, using her movement and storytelling to educate, inspire and bring community members together. Her cultural leadership recently led to her selection for Team Alberta North, where she helped showcase Indigenous culture at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Alongside her cultural involvement, Arianna is recognized as a dedicated and high-achieving student. She consistently demonstrates responsibility, perseverance and a strong work ethic in her academic pursuits. Her commitment to learning has earned her acceptance into the United World Colleges International program on a full scholarship, where she will study in Norway for two years.

The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award celebrates Indigenous students from kindergarten to Grade 12 who inspire their peers through leadership, personal growth and everyday acts of kindness. Award recipients were honoured during a ceremony held on April 20 in Edmonton, Alberta.