The Alberta School Board Association is recognizing two students from the Fort McMurray Public School Division.

Eighteen-year-old Savannah Graves from Composite and 8-year-old Sawyer Mercredi from Westview are receiving the Honouring Spirit Indigenous Student Award.

It’s given to those who show leadership, courage and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.

“I would like to thank my dad, my mom, my sisters and my teacher. I was super surprised when I won, and never thought I would get one,” said Mercredi, member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

I try to take my friends to learn how to do powwow dances. I feel so proud dancing, and I love wearing my regalia.”

Sawyer Mercredi // Photo supplied by FMPSD

Savannah, who is from Mikisew Cree First Nation, will be pursuing a hairstyle program in Edmonton, wanted to thank her family along with Julia McDougall, Indigenous Student Services Cultural teacher for FMPSD.

“She’s helped me to learn and love my culture. I’m thankful for my parents’ love and support, they’ve always wanted me to be more involved in cultural activities, and ceremonies. My mom always likes to take pictures of me standing next to a teepee or a totem pole, and other Indigenous statues. My dad always wanted me to make moccasins, bead work, dreamcatchers.

Only 12 awards were given out across the province among the 204 nominations.