Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) is honoured to celebrate its young Indigenous leaders through the Division’s Indigenous Graduate Awards.
In early June, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team hosted its annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration with huge success. Indigenous graduates from throughout the division gathered with their families, the Indigenous Education Services team, Division staff, and representatives from Pembina Pipeline to celebrate their achievements.
Attending graduates crossed the stage and received a graduation gift, and Al Crawford, avid singer and song composer, played the Honour Song. Eight graduates also received Indigenous awards, which are given out through a competitive nomination process.
The kiwâhpimkowin (we see you) awards represent the 7 Sacred Teachings: love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, humility, and truth. Congratulations to this year’s award winners: Mikayla Wanihandi, Timber Vinck, Jada Horseman, Alexus Hayden Rayne Ferguson, Spencer Wilson-McCullough, Paige Burake, and Payton Reitberger. Each recipient received a custom beaded medallion, representing the 7 Sacred Teachings, created by artists at The Bead Lodge in Grande Prairie. Payton Reitberger was also the recipient of the kitâpwewakeyimowin (we believe in you) award, which includes a bursary towards post-secondary education.
The 2026 Hythe Regional School Indigenous Student Award was presented to Kendall Rae Horseman who was also recognized with a beaded medallion.
PWPSD would like to congratulate all 2026 Indigenous graduates and thank Pembina Pipeline for sponsoring such a beautiful evening.