Ten Grade 12 students who exemplify deep cultural connections, leadership and dedicated school and community service have been announced as this year’s Indigenous Role Models for the Abbotsford school district.
A review process by the Indigenous education advisory committee was conducted in December, and announced five students from Yale, two from Robert Bateman, two from W.J. Mouat, and one from Abbotsford Senior as the role models for 2024.
“We were excited to see so many applicants for consideration this year, which exemplifies the passion and dedication of indigenous youth today,” said Allison Gardner, district vice-principal of Indigenous education.
The Abbotsford school district and Mamele’awt Indigenous Education Centre role models:
Emily Silver-Douglas (Semá:th First Nation and Cheam First Nation), Yale Secondary
Through paddling, Silver-Douglas has represented Team Canada in world sprints. She volunteers, peer tutors and aspires to study Indigenous-based courses at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with an interest in social work.
Chiemela Anumba (Cree First Nation), Yale Secondary
Anumba has participated in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games and contributes to Truth and Reconciliation Day initiatives. Anumba is a member of the Indigenous Leaders and Allies of Yale supporting elders and mentoring students. She hopes to pursue the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at UBC.
Meishon Racette (Haida Nation), Yale Secondary
Racette takes pride in his culture, contributing back to his community through carving, traditional harvest and distributing food with his grandfather. Racette hopes to pursue business or computer engineering at the University of Victoria, aiming to mix together his entrepreneurial dreams with youth programs in Haida Gwaii.
Brooke Hayden (Skwah First Nation), Yale Secondary
Hayden has attended the Inspire Conference in Edmonton and volunteers at Semá:th First Nation longhouse. She aspires to be an occupational therapist and has plans to pursue a biology program at UBC or Simon Fraser University, followed by a master’s degree.
Ian Silver (Semá:th First Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Musqueam Indian Band and Sts’ailes), Yale Secondary
Silver participates in canoe racing with his uncle and cultural activities with his father. Through the carpentry program he has gained skills and reconnected with his culture. He now learns and teaches the Halq’eméylem language. Silver wants to pursue a career in carpentry, aiming for his Red Seal certification.
Cadence Norton (Gitxsan), Robert Bateman Secondary
Through mentorship, Norton learned traditional harvesting and used artwork to raise awareness about the ‘60s scoop and missing and murdered Indigenous women. She has completed the Junior Police Academy and is on the honour roll. She plans to study criminal justice at the University of the Fraser Valley, wanting to become a police officer with the Abbotsford Police Department.
Orenda Hackaray (Mathxwí First Nation), Robert Bateman Secondary
Hackaray has learned the language of Halq’eméylem, volunteers in beading instruction and contributes to community events. Her artwork reflecting Indigenous heritage won the Abbotsford School District orange T-shirt design contest. She has also collaborated on a legacy project to honour lost children of residential schools. Hackaray aspires to be an Indigenous teacher through post-secondary education.
Jessi Crouch (Métis), W.J. Mouat Secondary
Crouch organized the first missing and murdered Indigenous women and two-spirited people assembly through school leadership. Crouch aspires to become a paramedic or firefighter, with plans to attend the Junior Fire Academy and eventually become a critical care paramedic.
CJ Pursley (Gitanmaax Band), W.J. Mouat Secondary
Pursley has embraced her culture through school leadership, raising awareness about issues and attending various ceremonies. She volunteers to help Indigenous students with homework. Pursley plans to study economics with a minor in Indigenous studies at UBC.
Louis Calhoun (Haisla Nation), Abbotsford Senior Secondary School
Calhoun has engaged in drum groups, medicine circles, powwows, weaving and canoe trips. He has embraced the seven sacred teachings and has volunteered for various organizations. He is passionate about his culture and plans to further connect with his Haisla Nation family.
“I am deeply proud and inspired by our students exceptional leadership, commitment to cultural heritage and service to the community,” Yale principal Rob Sloboda said. “Our students are an inspiration and highlight the positive impact that one can make in their community.”
In 2002 the Indigenous Role Models Program was established to celebrate Indigenous graduates in Abbotsford who have a purposeful plan beyond graduation. Those selected join 68 other students who have been recognized in the past.
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