Congratulations to Tenley Cunningham for being awarded an honourable mention in the 2022-23 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards. This provincial award recognizes students who display exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.
Joussard School teacher Julia Sander shares some words about Tenley: “Being in grade six this year, Tenley has taken on a larger role as a leader within our school. She is our hand games team captain and has successfully led her team to a Powwow tournament first-place victory in the spring of 2022. In addition, she created and directed a drama club with her peers at school and is currently running for class president in our social studies class.
Outside of school, Tenley has been a part of Sucker Creek’s weekly Powwow dance practices, where she has been learning to dance women’s fancy shawl. Tenley goes beyond her own learning by sharing her new skills with friends during phys. ed and recess. She is also a High Prairie Tae Kwon Do club member and assists in coaching younger students. This past summer, Tenley took time to help teach and run a community hand games team consisting of local children and seasonal campers. Additionally, she taught them to drum.”
Indigenous Education Coach Jamie Chalifoux describes Tenley as a student who always puts her best effort into her studies and many cultural and non-cultural activities and interests. He says: “Tenley takes the time to learn and gather as much knowledge as she can when teaching moments present themselves. She also openly shares her passion and knowledge gained openly with her peers, family, and community. She is well on her way to becoming a young Knowledge keeper and knowledge sharer wherever she goes. I think it is important to acknowledge someone like Tenley who leads by example and is willing to generously share what has been shared with her”.
Tenley, you are a courageous, committed leader and role model within our school, division, and community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.