(Red Deer Public School Division/ supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

On May 26

Indigenous students from local school divisions attend Inspiring Success Youth Conference

Jun 26, 2025 | 3:22 PM

The Red Deer Public School Division says over 200 Grade 8 Indigenous students from five school divisions took part in the fourth annual Inspiring Success Youth Conference last month.

The conference, which took place on May 26 at Red Deer Polytechnic’s Arts Centre, helped students learn and connect with Indigenous leaders in the community.

Students from Red Deer Public Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Chinook’s Edge School Division, Wolf Creek School Division and STAR Catholic Schools also met new friends and built a deeper sense of strength, belonging, identity, and pride in their Indigenous heritage.

“It is deeply impactful to bring young Indigenous students together to meet new friends, learn about their culture and be inspired by Indigenous mentors. This year we had a focus on more sessions led by Elders so that we could begin fostering youth-Elder connections,” said Hayley Christen, Learning Services Coordinator with Red Deer Public Schools. “The event is held at Red Deer Polytechnic so students can get a feel for what post-secondary education could be like for them. I hope the day inspires the students to dream big, and get excited about their futures.”

Students heard from keynote speaker Kendra Jessie, founder of the non-profit organization Sport for Spirit, about dreaming big and working to achieve their dreams.

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Jessie is recognized as a Nike N7 athlete, dancer, content creator, public speaker, and hockey coach.

The students participated in various sessions during the event including powwow dancing, Metis jigging, fish hide tanning, and hand games.

They also heard about the personal journeys of several Indigenous Red Deer Polytechnic students and connected with local Elders.

“This joint venture from all of the school divisions is an example of school jurisdictions working collaboratively to support Indigenous youth in celebrating their culture, embracing their identity, and inspiring hope for the future, all while advancing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said Jonathan Mauro, Indigenous Education Services Coordinator with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. “It was a powerful and meaningful day, witnessing young people connect with their culture, peers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members in a shared celebration of themselves and their culture. This event would not be possible without the guidance of our Elders, the school jurisdictions and the community working to support our youth.”

Indigenous Learning Coordinator with Chinook’s Edge School Division, Carolynne Muncer, said the conference is an important opportunity for students to learn about their culture and Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

“They also get to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in a meaningful way,” she said. “Our students always come away feeling a sense of pride about who they are and excited about the opportunities post secondary brings. It is an amazing day to be part of.”