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(Image Credit: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools/Supplied)
Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award

Grade 5 student in Red Deer honoured with prestigious provincial award

Apr 29, 2026 | 4:12 PM

A Grade 5 student from the St. Martin de Porres School in Red Deer has been named a recipient of the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award.

On Tuesday, the Alberta School Boards Association presented Aven Glover with the prestigious provincial award.

She was also honoured with a special presentation, gifting her a book on Métis leadership and a journal to encourage her continued growth as a community leader.

“Aven is a beautiful, honest soul who teaches us all how to lead with grace,” said Mme de Champlain, Principal of St. Martin de Porres, in a media release. “She embodies the spirit of this award through her creative soul and her unwavering kindness. We feel incredibly blessed to have her as part of our school community.”

Each year, the honour recognizes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education paths and the embrace of their cultural identity, as stated by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Glover is a proud member of the Métis community with roots in the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement

She is described by school staff as a “bridge-builder” who leads through her kindness and humility.

“Rather than seeking the spotlight, she focuses on ensuring every student feels included,” as written in a press release. “Her integrity was famously on display during a recent school production; when her name was accidentally omitted from the cast list, Aven continued her work with grace and diligence, never complaining, and prioritizing the collective success of her peers over personal recognition.”

Outside of the classroom, Glover serves as a leader for the Fish in Schools (FinS) project, where she manages to raise Rainbow Trout from eggs to adults and releases them into the wild.

Meanwhile, she is committed to carrying on the legacy of her ancestors, as she was inspired by her great-grandfather. She currently participates in the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program, practices traditional beading, and is dedicated to learning Cree and Michif phrases.