A local Grade 9 student has been honoured alongside 12 recipients of this year’s Alberta School Boards Association’s Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award.
Paige Aubichon, a Grande Prairie Composite High School student, was selected from 230 nominees from across Alberta due to what the Grande Prairie Public School Division calls “exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment” to her cultural and educational journey.
Aubichon has organized a number of activities for her school’s beading club, and has been a strong advocate for the younger members of the Traditional Paths community dance group outside of school.
She received her award on June 11th during a ceremony held during the GPPSD’s Board Meeting. The well-attended ceremony was led by Elder Joey Lane and included smudging, prayers, and wrapping Aubichon in her Star Blanket- one of the highest honours in local Indigenous communities.
In the future, Aubichon says she plans to pursue a career in healthcare while continuing her advocacy work to emphasize the importance of culture and education in her community.