2026 Indigenous Student Achievement Awards

The 2026 Indigenous Student Achievement Awards took place on March 10 during the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) Indigenous Achievement Week to honour Indigenous USask students for their academic achievement, community engagement, leadership, research and resiliency. Congratulations to this year's recipients.

Read below about the College of Education students who were recognized. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Lukas Cardinal (He/Him), Educational Administration, Sucker Creek First Nation

Lukas Cardinal is from Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8, Alberta. He completed his Bachelor of Education in December of 2022. Lukas is dedicated to lifelong learning and continuing his education – he is in his second year of graduate studies in Educational Administration. In addition to maintaining a high average, Lukas demonstrates strong collaboration, critical thinking, and writing skills. Upon completing his degree, Lukas looks forward to advancing his leadership skills. Lukas is currently teaching at Rosthern Community School (PreK—12) and has been since January of 2023. He is a member of the Indigenous Professional Development Committee at his school which includes supporting colleagues in incorporating Indigenous knowledge into their teachings as well as leading weekly smudges for students and staff. In addition, Lukas is a member of the Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association Wellness Committee. He is also a pilot teacher for a Middle Years Literacy Program in Prairie Spirit School Division. Lukas is committed to providing athletic opportunities for Indigenous and rural students. In 2024, he helped establish a tackle football program at Rosthern Community School and is currently the Head Coach. In the fall, he will be leading the football portion of the Trach Sports Academy in Rosthern for rural athletes in surrounding communities. Lukas is also a member of the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association Football Advisory Group and coaches with Saskatoon Minor Football Varsity Academy. Lukas is both honoured and humbled by this nomination.

Michelle Davyduke (She/Her), SUNTEP - Saskatoon, Métis

I was born and raised in Saskatoon and completed all my education here as well. I grew up playing sports, often with my two sisters and with my parents either coaching or involved in other ways such as management. I was constantly surrounded by my family and it was a wonderful way to grow up. I did K-12 in French Immersion and then proceeded to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major in French in 2024. I started into SUNTEP as I was finishing up my first degree and it was amazing to be a part of a tight-knit program where I truly felt seen and appreciated. SUNTEP provided me with a wealth of information regarding Indigenous peoples', as well as about my own Métis heritage, which was an incredibly unique experience. I have now completed all my requirements for my Bachelor's of Education and have been working at Centennial Collegiate on a part-time teaching contract. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity and look forward to whatever my future may hold.

Emry Price (She/Her), SUNTEP - Prince Albert, Métis Nation

Emry Price is a third-year Bachelor of Education student in the SUNTEP Prince Albert Program. Emry demonstrates an exceptional level of academic excellence grounded in consistency, discipline, and a genuine commitment to learning. Her strong academic standing reflects not only her hard work but also the thoughtful, engaged approach she brings to her studies. She meets deadlines with reliability, contributes meaningfully in class, and maintains a positive presence that strengthens the SUNTEP learning environment.

Equally impressive is the support she offers her peers. She is approachable, encouraging, and always willing to lend a hand, creating a sense of community within the cohort. Her dedication, both to her own success and to the success of those around her, makes her a standout student and a deserving recipient of this award for academic excellence.

Aurora Bedard (She/Her), ITEP, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Woodland Cree and from Sandy Bay, SK

Awarded By The Office Of The Vice-provost Indigenous Engagement

Aurora is a 4th Year Education student and has been a BIRM mentor for three. She is Woodland Cree, born and raised in Saskatoon. A few favourite hobbies include playing co-ed volleyball, going for a walks/run at the PAC, traveling and road trips whenever she can, finding new music, and attending concerts. She is graduating from ITEP this year, where she likes to spend time with friends and volunteer whenever needed.

Daemon Hunter (He/Him), ITEP, Long Plain First Nation

Daemon Hunter is from Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba. He feels that as many First Nations and other groups of people, that school was not a choice. The historical abuse made him feel anger. With this anger, he wanted children to have a better experience than what he had experienced. He started an education course at Yellow-quill College/ University in Winnipeg. The course was a land-based course. Although the course did not work out the way that he wanted he finished the year in good standing. The next fall semester I moved to Saskatoon and started the ITEP program. Even though the program was not land-based, he said that it felt great to be in the program. It was still in the direction that he wanted, helping children. Not only helping, but to hopefully bring some joy into the students learning experience. Throughout his education experience in the ITEP program, it was demonstrated how to be positive role models to the students. He also learned of different ways of how to engage with different students at different learning levels. This is him. He is that change.

With Daemon’s demonstration of his persistence, dedication, and endurance, he will be that positive role model to his future students.

Nita McAdam (She/Her), ITEP, Whitefish First Nation

Nita McAdam-Leandre is a proud Plains Cree woman from Big River First Nation, deeply rooted in her language, culture, and community. She is married and a mother of three, as well as a proud grandmother to three grandchildren. Growing up between her home community and urban life has shaped her understanding of identity, resilience, and responsibility. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently completing my Education degree with ITEP in Saskatoon.

Her passion is Indigenous education and cultural revitalization. She is committed to creating learning spaces where First Nations students feel empowered and where Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions are respected and centered. She hopes to work with First Nation Tribal Councils to develop culturally grounded curriculum that strengthens community identity and student success. Currently, she is working with SHA as a First Nations Health Specialist where she supports First Nation people navigate the health system.

Nita is also a published author and creative artist. She helped my mother create the book Awaken (Waniska), reflecting their shared commitment to storytelling and cultural preservation. She has worked as an actor and Cree voice-over artist for the APTN Kids Chums cartoon for three seasons and appeared in multiple films as an extra. She also runs a beadwork Facebook page with over 7,000 followers, where she showcases her work and promote the preservation of traditional beadwork styles.

ITEP nominates Nita for her outstanding work with the community and commitment to her studies.

Karlee Puckey (She/Her), SUNTEP - Saskatoon, Métis

Karlee Puckey is a proud Métis woman from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Raised by her parents, Cheryl and Howard Puckey, she grew up surrounded by strong family connections and Métis traditions, spending much of her childhood in Chitek Lake, Saskatchewan with her Nanny, Papa, and extended family. These experiences helped shape her deep appreciation for community, culture, and resilience.

Karlee began her career as a professional hairstylist in 2008, inspired by her Nanny. After many years in the industry, she decided to pursue her long-time dream of becoming a teacher and is now completing her fourth year in SUNTEP at the University of Saskatchewan.

During her time in SUNTEP, Karlee served as the program librarian, supporting fellow students with resources, assignments, and encouragement. She is passionate about building community and hopes to create classrooms where students feel supported, valued, and proud of who they are.

Payton Smith (She/Her), SUNTEP - Prince Albert, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan

Payton Smith is a second-year Bachelor of Education student in the SUNTEP Prince Albert Program. Payton’s dedication to community shines through in every space she enters. As an active member of the Student Leadership Culture Committee, she contributes her voice, energy, and ideas to strengthening the SUNTEP community. Beyond the centre, she coaches Toppers volleyball and consistently steps forward for volunteer opportunities, demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting others and building relationships across the wider community.

Her ability to balance these responsibilities while maintaining a strong academic standing speaks to her discipline, generosity, and leadership. She is a dependable presence, a positive role model, and someone who gives her time and heart without hesitation. Her contributions enrich both SUNTEP and the broader community, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award for community involvement.

Cornell Tootoosis (He/Him), ITEP, Poundmaker First Nation

Cornell Tootoosis is from Poundmaker Cree Nation and the grandson of John B. Tootoosis, and son of Harold McNabb and Shirley Tootoosis. He is a founding member of the Poundmaker Singers who have celebrated their 25-year anniversary last year and have travelled and all over Turtle Island. The Poundmaker Singers are well known across Indian Country for their championship singing including with the Gather of Nations singing contest in 2017 as well as being nominated twice for the Native People’s Choice Awards for best album of the year. Cornell at heart is a family man grounded in nēhiyaw culture in life and in the classroom. Connecting culture to the classroom (indoors and out) is the core of his land-based teaching practice. He credits his successes to his belief in his culture, his strong cultural up brining and the teachings of his uncles, aunts, grandparents and the elders who help with ceremonies. He believes in leading by example and encouraging each other to succeed in whatever we do.

Presh Harvey She/Her, ITEP, Montreal Lake Cree Nation

Awarded By The Office Of Indigenous Engagement

Precious (aka Presh) is a 4th year ITEP student. Recently, she was recognized for Academic Achievement with her band Montreal Lake Cree Nation and she is ready to start her career as a teacher after successfully completing her practicum in term 1. She enjoys beading, any visual arts, and spending time with her friends and students in BIRM. She has been a mentor for two years in BIRM as
well as the Indigenous Summer Institute at USask.

Gabrielle Doreen (She/Her), Cross Departmental PhD, Tyendinaga Mohawk Nation

Gabrielle Yakotennikonhrare Doreen is Kanyenke’hà:ka (Mohawk) and sits with the Turtle Clan from Tyendinaga, where she is a second language learner. Yakotennikonhrare earned her Master of Education degree, focusing on Indigenous Land-Based Education, in 2018 from the College of Education. She is a Vanier Scholar currently completing her PhD in Educational Foundations/Cross-departmental program. Her research, Weaving wampum stories: Supporting kanyen’kéha immersion schools and Indigenous Land-based research methodologies, examines how wampum theories can be applied to Rotinonhsón:ni education systems and to further Indigenous research methodologies. Yakotennikonhrare teaches grades one and two at Kawenna’ón:we yonteweyenhstháhkwa. The school focuses on nurturing children’s creativity, supporting positive peer relationships, and learning onkwehonwe’néha (Indigenous ways) through land-based education and experiential learning. Aside from work and writing, Gabrielle is an active member of the Kenhtè:ke longhouse community and the Tyendinaga Native women’s association. Her PhD supervisor is Dr. Alex Wilson.

Tammy McLeod She/Her, SUNTEP - Saskatoon, Métis

Tammy McLeod is a proud Métis Cree woman with family ties to Southend Reindeer Lake through her father and to Stanley Mission through her mother. She is the devoted mother of six beautiful children, whose ages range from eighteen to two. Everything Tammy has pursued in her educational journey has been rooted in her commitment to creating a life for her children filled with opportunities she did not have growing up. Her role at the university has been more than academic — it has been an act of love, determination, and generational change.

Throughout her time in SUNTEP, Tammy has had the honour of reconnecting with her culture, identity, and roots. The teachings, relationships, and experiences she gained have shaped her both personally and professionally. She carries this knowledge forward with pride and will continue to grow in her understanding of Indigenous education as she walks through life and into her career.

Tammy will complete her Bachelor of Education this spring and hopes to begin teaching full-time in the city by the fall. Her goal is to build a classroom grounded in respect, belonging, and cultural authenticity — a place where students feel seen, valued, and supported. After gaining experience in the field, she plans to return to university to pursue a master’s degree, continuing her commitment to lifelong learning.

Tammy’s journey has been marked by perseverance, courage, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her resilience is reflected not only in her achievements, but in the way she continues to rise, grow, and lead with heart.

Jo-Rain Ross (She/Her), SUNTEP - Prince Albert, Montreal Lake Cree Nation

Jo-Rain Ross is a second-year Bachelor of Education student in the SUNTEP Prince Albert Program and a member of Montreal Lake Cree Nation. She embodies the strength and determination that define true resilience. After stepping away from her studies for a period of time, she returned to SUNTEP with renewed purpose and an unwavering commitment to her goals. Now in her second year, she continues to excel academically, consistently completing assignments on time and approaching every learning opportunity with motivation and curiosity.

Her journey is made even more remarkable by the responsibilities she carries with grace. As a new mother to Rayanna and a step‑mom to Theodore and Kassia who are both under the age of five, she balances the demands of family life with the rigour of post‑secondary education. Despite the many obstacles she has faced in her young life, she continues to rise, demonstrating perseverance, courage, and an inspiring dedication to her future and the future of her children. She is a powerful example of resilience in action and a deserving recipient of this award.