The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has recognized one of our students with a prestigious provincial honour, celebrating leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to culture and community.

R.F. Staples School student Dennis McDonald is among 12 students across Alberta selected to receive the 2026 ASBA Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award, chosen from more than 200 nominees. The award recognizes First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who demonstrate strength and dedication in their educational journeys while uplifting others and celebrating the ways of their people.

When the call for nominations was shared, Dennis was immediately top of mind for staff. As one nominator shared, “Several staff members approached me to ensure that Dennis’s name would be put forward. This response reflects the profound and positive impact he has had on our school community.”

From an early age, Dennis has embraced his Cree culture, developing a strong connection through drumming and singing—something that has grown into a defining part of who he is today. He now shares these gifts widely, contributing to school and community events, including graduations, assemblies, round dances, and Indigenous celebrations.

His impact goes beyond performance. Dennis actively teaches others by sharing knowledge about drum-making and the cultural teachings that accompany it. His passion for learning and sharing is evident in everything he does. As one nominator noted, “his passion, pride and openness about his Cree culture has made it more meaningful for Dennis and staff.”

Dennis’s leadership was also evident during a division Land-Based Camp, where he demonstrated respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, while also sharing his own cultural knowledge. His ability to both lead and learn reflects a maturity beyond his years.

Outside of school, Dennis continues to live his culture every day—participating in powwows, round dances, and ceremonies, and encouraging younger family members to join him. He has also begun sharing his drumming more broadly to inspire other youth. As he once shared, “I don’t just sing for people… sometimes it’s just about me singing and drumming.” His culture is not something he participates in occasionally—it is part of who he is.

Dennis has also shown remarkable strength and compassion in difficult moments. After the loss of a close friend, he was asked to sing at the celebration of life—an honour he accepted with courage and care, using his gifts to support others in their time of need.

In addition to his cultural leadership, Dennis is a dedicated learner who balances school with running his own drum-making business. “Despite the challenges that life throws at him, he continues to be an excellent student and human being,” another nominator shared.

The Honouring Spirit ceremony, held on April 20, recognizes recipients in a meaningful way. Students are presented with an award certificate and congratulatory letter, wrapped in a unique hand-crafted Star Blanket—one of the highest honours in many Indigenous communities—and receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship sponsored by Keyera.

“Attending the provincial ceremony was a truly proud moment for our division,” said PHSD Board Chair, Victoria Kane. “The Honouring Spirit Award is about more than just academics; it’s about strength, culture, and leadership, and Dennis McDonald embodies all of these qualities. Being named one of only 12 recipients in the province is a historic moment for Pembina Hills. We couldn’t be prouder of the path Dennis is walking and the inspiring example he sets for his peers.”

Dennis’s leadership, humility, and commitment to culture truly embody the spirit of this award. As one nominator so powerfully wrote, “If you are ever passing through a small town in Alberta… and hear a young man singing and drumming, you will know that you have had the privilege of hearing a culture healing.”

Congratulations, Dennis — We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

Photos courtesy of Victoria Kane and the Alberta School Boards Association.