WSD students honoured at MAYAA 2018

​With files from Misty Perrun and Sharon Parenteau; Photos by Kiara Barthelette and Madison Guiboche

WSD was well-represented at the 24th annual Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards (MAYAA).

The awards ceremony, held Nov. 22 in Winnipeg at the Victoria Inn, saw five WSD students presented with awards.

Students' families, along with a number of WSD staff including its Indigenous Grad Coaches and Director of Indigenous Education Rob Riel, were on hand for the event.

This year's winners included:

Kayla Creeley (R.B. Russell Vocational High School) – Artistic Visual Award

Kayla was commissioned by the Executive Director of BUILD (Building Urban Industries for Local Development) to create artwork for their classroom, inspired by the Seven Teachings. This story was featured in the Winnipeg Free Press.

She received an $800 scholarship toward post-secondary studies and was employed as a Graphic Designer for the summer, with LITE (Local Investment Toward Employment).

"I think that being an Indigenous youth, and creating Indigenous-based art is a good form of reconciliation and I look forward to creating more art that brings hope to the world," Kayla said.

Justin Flett (Children of the Earth High School) – Community/Volunteerism Award

Justin is a Junior Facilitator under the Money Stories program with the organization SEED (Supporting Employment and Economic Development).

He is also a part of the AbOriginal Co-Op program at Children of the Earth.

Justin had a leadership role in organizing CEDA's Building Bridges breaking Barriers conference and is a CEDA Pathways peer-helper/mentor.

"I am dedicated to working for the good of my community, bettering myself as a whole and making sure that I lead by example. My dream is to give back what I have received and make an impact in my community."

Niniichaanis Fontaine (Grant Park High School) – Athletic Junior Award

Niniichaanis plays varsity basketball at Grant Park and is dedicated to improving his skills on the court as well as helping his teammates improve.

He volunteers his time at various sporting events, running the concession stand and working with the special needs activities.

Niniichaanis is very active in the Indigenous community and volunteers many hours to help raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by attending rallies, marches and vigils.  He volunteers his time for events such as Wiping Away the Tears and Santa's Coming Christmas Party for MMIWG Families.

"My mother always taught me that the most important thing in life was to be kind, compassionate, humble and loving to all people.  These teachings I attempt to live everyday," Niniichaanis said.

Sheri Shorting (Children of the Earth High School) – Health Award (South)

Sheri, who is in the Medical Career Exploration Program at Children of the Earth, was accepted to participate in the Dr. Verna J Kirkness Science and Engineering Program at the University of Manitoba.

She is a peer-helper and mentor with the CEDA Pathways educational mentorship program.

"I believe my purpose is to help improve health in others," Sheri said. "I want to be a pediatrician; my dream is to go back to my home community of Little Saskatchewan and work as a doctor because I want to help those who haven't had access to healthcare."

Freedom Smith-Myran (St. John's High School) – Artistic Performance Award

Freedom is a talented Jingle Dancer and has participated in the Brokenhead First Nation's Pow-wow and at other school events.

She is seen as a role model to both young and old alike, as she holds a wealth of knowledge about Indigenous history and identity. A noted storyteller, Freedom shares her history, culture and language wherever possible in the Winnipeg School Division.

"I want to be a role model for the younger youth and share with them that sometimes in life we experience challenges/hard times and that through hope and strength and believing in our gifts, we can overcome any challenge in our life.  Creator gave me the gift of voice and of dance and I want to share with everyone that they too need to believe in themselves and each other by using their gifts/strengths."