Black Gold celebrates its 2026 Honouring Spirit Indigenous Award nominees

Marissa is a vibrant leader who lives her Métis heritage with authenticity and joy. Known for her contagious passion, Marissa has taken the initiative to share her culture with her peers through presentations that include traditional knowledge, visuals, and dancing, and answering their questions. Marissa also performed a jig for the entire school, helping to build cultural understanding.

Whether she is mastering multiplication or participating in school sports like cross-country and floor hockey, Marissa approaches every challenge with a positive mindset and strong work ethic. She is known as a true leader who guides her peers with a quiet and steadfast confidence. She plans to become a teacher so she can continue to share her Métis knowledge with future generations, a goal that reflects her deep commitment to her community.

Hazel is known by teachers and peers for her "spirit of kindness". She is friendly to everyone, conducting herself with genuine kindness and is observant of the needs and feelings of others.  Hazel is a quiet leader that embodies a calm and steady spirit.

Hazel models an appreciation of Indigenous culture through her participation in cultural learning. As a French Immersion student, she is recognized for her academic progress, perseverance and determination. She finds balance by honoring her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and she serves as a compassionate role model who appreciates the unique gifts and abilities of everyone in her school community.

Known throughout the school community as a “gentle giant,” Noah is a student who brings a "spirit of heart" to every interaction. He is a proud Mi’kmaq student who generously shares his culture and language with others, often helping his peers with the pronunciation of unfamiliar words. This year, Noah pushed himself outside of his comfort zone to try out for the school basketball team, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and resilience.

Noah’s leadership is defined by empathy and inclusion. He is known to conduct himself with profound honesty and honor. He is highly respected by students of all ages, including peers in his own grade, as well as younger children who look up to him for his patience and calm leadership. Through his daily presence, Noah makes his school a more compassionate and welcoming place for everyone.

Vienna is a student who embodies kindness, respect for others, inclusion, and quiet leadership. She leads through empathy and example, creating spaces where others feel welcome. A proud member of the Samson Cree Nation, Vienna embraces her cultural identity with confidence and has a sincere interest in honoring Cree language and Indigenous ways of knowing. 

Academically, Vienna is recognized for her curiosity and determination, recently attending a STEM conference for girls to further her love of learning. Vienna is the author of The Land Before Us, a children’s book published in 2025. Through this work, Vienna weaves Indigenous storytelling, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment, amplifying Indigenous voices.

Her resilience shines through in the way she approaches life’s challenges with maturity and a positive outlook. Vienna has a strong sense of balance; she is a competitive runner and nurtures creativity through music and writing. Her leadership is grounded in humility and service, making her a positive and steady influence within her school community.

Cody is known for the warmth and enthusiasm he brings to school every single day. He is deeply proud of his roots and has expressed a desire to go by his late father’s last name to honor his lineage and family connections. Cody loves to share stories and traditional teachings with others, helping his classmates understand the beauty and importance of his culture.

Cody works hard to meet academic goals. Cody’s consistent effort and generous spirit make him a true leader. His strengths are perseverance, a genuine interest in those around him, and the way he treats others. Whether he is talking about rodeos or asking a friend about their day, Cody’s leadership is found in his kindness and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Corbin is a proud member of the Beaver First Nation whose journey is a powerful example of pursuing excellence while honoring cultural identity. An outstanding student-athlete, Corbin balanced the demands of his education with his role as a leader on the ESBCHS football team. Corbin’s skill and leadership developed on the Indigenous Team Alberta Football team. Corbin was the only Canadian chosen to play on the 2025 Native All-American Football Team, where he was also selected as the team’s captain.

Beyond the football field, Corbin’s character is defined by reliability, respect, self-discipline, diligence and a genuine desire to uplift others. He is a role model who fully embraces the idea that "sports is medicine," participating in traditional practices like smudging and teepee raising to connect wellness with his Indigenous identity. Corbin represents his community and culture with immense pride and distinction.