Indigenous Role Models

Michaellaine is a proud member of Williams Lake First Nation (T’exelc).

She is a grade 9 student at Columneetza Jr. Secondary School.

Michaellaine is very proud of her indigenous culture. She is thankful to her mother who sewed her first regalia when she was only 3 years old! It was a jingle dress and the love of dancing is still with her. Michaellaine proudly performs at all the pow wows she can. She attends Shuswap class in school and enjoys learning all about her culture. She serves her indigenous community through volunteering.

Michaellaine leads a healthy and active lifestyle, free of drugs and alcohol. She enjoys playing competitive sports like hockey , baseball and soccer. In hockey she has helped her rep team make it to provincials more than once.

“Michaellaine is the quiet leader that everyone , every teammate, every classmate , every friend would want to have. Hockey is a game she loves to play and one that she is very good at, her goal is to always give her teammate an opportunity to be successful”. - Willie Hardeman, WLFN Tutor.

“I am confident that Michaellaine will be an outstanding representative for her school and a source of inspiration for her peers. She embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence that the indigenous Role Model program seeks to celebrate.” - Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon, Wms. Lake.

Michaellaine knows that her indigenous ancestry teaches her to always do her best in all she does. It’s her culture that gives her strength in all she does. She believes a role model should set a great example for others. They should be relatable and easy to communicate with.

Terrence is a proud member of the Esk’etemc Band.

He is a grade 10 student at Lake City Secondary School.

Terrence credits his rich Shuswap culture in helping to shape him into the person he is today; what he believes in, and the way he behaves. He is active in grass dancing and enjoys attending pow wows. He is especially proud to learn from his Elders and keep the traditions alive. He is thankful to his Kye7e (Grandmother) who sewed his regalia. “She taught me that everything about the regalia is symbolic, and that setting time aside to create something of my own was a sign of respect for the dance and for my heritage”.

“Terrence’s leadership skills, compassion, and dedication are truly commendable. Through his actions and character, he exemplifies the qualities of a role model. Undoubtedly, he will continue to positively impact those around him and represent the values and spirit of the First Nation Role Model program” – Catherine Groundwater, Educ. Services Coord. Esk’etemc

“Terrence is a confident individual, assisting others whenever he can. I observe him helping others with their academics as well as some of their elective courses. He is respected by his peers, which I have observed through his group interactions.” - Teacher, Mark Wintjes

Terrence leads a healthy and active lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol. He believes that a role model should be trustworthy and have respect for their self and others, they should show positive leadership through making positive choices. He knows that his actions speak for his people. “I understand that being First Nation is about respecting my heritage in all that I do. I am proud to represent my culture and to maintain our traditions for generations to come."