Northland School Division is celebrating a significant student achievement. Elizabeth School’s Jaycob Swan has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award, which was presented on April 20th at the Queen Elizabeth II Building in Edmonton. The award is presented to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students across Alberta who show strength, resilience, and commitment to their education, while recognizing their journey and the positive example they set for others.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am very proud to congratulate Jaycob on receiving this honour,” said Tanya Fayant, Board Chair. “To be selected from students across Alberta speaks to the strength he shows in his learning and in his connection to his culture. Jaycob is a positive role model for others, and the Board is proud to celebrate this achievement with him.”

“This award recognizes students who show strength, resilience, and commitment to their education,” said Cal Johnson, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. “Jaycob reflects these qualities through his dedication to learning, his pride in his Métis identity, and his willingness to share his culture with others. As a member of Northland School Division’s Superintendent’s Youth Council, he represents student voice with confidence and respect. We are proud of the example he sets in his school and community. Congratulations Jaycob.”

Jaycob Swan
Elizabeth School
Photo Provided

The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award is sponsored by Keyera and recognizes 12 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 across Alberta.

Each recipient receives an award certificate and congratulatory letter, a one-time scholarship sponsored by Keyera, and a hand-crafted Star Blanket. The Star Blanket holds deep meaning in many Indigenous communities and is presented as one of the highest honours. During the honouring ceremony, each student was wrapped in their own Star Blanket and presented with a certificate that reflects their family, community, or Nation. The ceremony was completed with an Honour Song.

Northland School Division also recognizes several students who received Honourable Mentions as part of the Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). Each Honourable Mention recipient received a certificate signed by ASBA President Baziuk and a member of the Indigenous Advisory Council, along with a letter of congratulations from the association’s president, recognizing their strength and commitment to their education.

Honourable Mentions were awarded to:
• Aurora Chalifoux, Anzac Community School
• Sydney Kishayinew-Johnson, Calling Lake School
• Kolby Bigstone, Chipewyan Lake School
• Sarah Shaw-Willier, Gift Lake School
• Olivia Calahasen, Grouard Northland School
• Anna-Marie Bellerose, Hillview School
• Aiden Laboucan, Hillview School
• Kylie Laboucan, Hillview School
• Haisley Supernault, Hillview School
• Violet Faithful, J.F. Dion School
• Erin McKay, Mistassiniy School
• Patience Badger, Northland Online School
• Kylee McLeod, St. Theresa School