USask graduate shaping youth through education, decolonization and athletics

Cardinal teaches Grade 4 at Rosthern Community School in the Prairie Spirit School Division and will transition to middle years math, high school Indigenous Studies, and football programming through Trach Sports Academy next school year.

Beyond the classroom, Cardinal is a member of his school’s Indigenous Professional Development Committee, head coach of the senior football team, a coach with Saskatoon Minor Football Varsity Academy, and a member of the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Football Advisory Group.

He was recognized at the 2026 University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Student Achievement Awards for academic excellence while completing his Master of Education in Educational Administration.

When asked to describe Cardinal, his principal used these words: courageous, driven, athletic, competitive, and organized.

Cardinal moved to Rosthern in 2023 after receiving a teaching contract. The transition from Saskatoon to a smaller community was an adjustment, but he said confidence in his abilities helped him adapt.

“I’m not afraid to take risks, whether it’s in my classroom or in life,” Cardinal said. “We started a new football program, now going into its third year, which took a lot of courage. We wanted to make sure it was a successful experience and provide opportunities for high school athletes.”

Rosthern Community School serves students from surrounding areas, including Duck Lake Métis Local 10, One Arrow First Nation, and Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation. As part of the Indigenous Professional Development Committee, Cardinal helped lead the school’s first smudge on Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2022 and has continued weekly smudges in the Cultural Room for students and staff.

“Being Indigenous, I feel a sense of duty and responsibility to my family’s culture and history,” he said. “I don’t have all the answers, but that’s part of lifelong learning: as long as you’re trying your best and your heart is in the right place, that’s what courage is about.”

Family ties have shaped Cardinal’s values, particularly the importance of education.

“Both my parents’ families greatly value education, so all I’ve ever known is its importance,” he said. “While I didn’t necessarily appreciate it when I was younger, now I see the value and pride in it.”

His passion for teaching grew after starting in Rosthern, where he focuses on building connections and helping students reach their full potential.

He said continuous learning is central to his routine.

“Whether it’s a fun fact, self-care or philosophy, I’m always trying to learn one new thing every day,” Cardinal said. “It motivates me to keep learning in and out of the classroom.”

Cardinal credits his grandfathers, Harold Cardinal (LLB’95) and Wayne Stahl (BEd’71), as key influences.

“I always say if I could be half the men they were, I’d be a good man,” he said. “Wayne—in particular—had the ability to light up a room. He inspired me to pursue a degree in education.”

Aside from artistic pursuits such as playing piano and competitive dancing, sports have long been central to Cardinal’s life, including taekwondo and football. He said staying active supports his identity and well-being.

“I’ve always enjoyed being active. It helps me stay focused and feel good about myself,” he said.

Through teaching and coaching, including his upcoming role with the Trach Sports Academy, Cardinal emphasizes lessons gained through athletics.

“I focus on connecting athletics to life skills,” he said. “Discipline, integrity, teamwork and commitment apply to all areas of life.”

Cardinal says competitiveness is an internal drive rather than an external comparison.

“I’m the hardest on myself because I have high standards, high expectations and always want to improve,” he said. “I have to remember to be kind and give myself some grace.”

Whether it’s his work in the classroom, on his coursework, or on sports, he aims to give his full effort.

“My competitive nature pushes me to grow and learn,” he said. “Whatever I invest in, I want to give a 100 per cent effort.”

Cardinal said organization has been key to balancing teaching, coaching, and graduate studies.

“I’ve created systems that help me organize my thoughts and maintain a healthy balance,” he said. “They’ve given me a sense of relief and peace.”

Cardinal said his current efforts as a graduate student have enhanced his skills as a teacher while also preparing him for other important roles.

“I want to keep improving in the classroom while getting involved in more leadership opportunities,” he said.

Cardinal further highlighted courses with Dr. Gordon Martell (PhD) as influential in shaping his thinking about education and decolonization.

“Dr. Martell challenged me to think more deeply than ever before,” he said.

He is also interested in the Master of Indigenous Land-Based Education program as a future path to deepen his cultural connections.

For Cardinal, lifelong learning remains central to his identity.

“I always appreciate the opportunity to observe and learn,” he said. “I love listening and absorbing others’ experiences.”