Indigenous Role Models

School District No. 27 and the First Nation Education Council are thrilled to announce the 2024 Indigenous Role Models Grace Anderson and Finley Testawich. View the full 2024 Indigenous Role Model poster.

Grace is proud of her Indigenous  Ancestry.  She has a  Great Grandmother on her Mothers’ side from the Coast Salish Nation and a Great Grandfather (also from her Mother’s side) from  Xeni Gwet’in  First Nation. 

Grace knows the hardships that her family and ancestors faced for her to be here to-day.  She says that “because of their strength I can have a deeper connection to my heritage.  I’m thankful for how the attributes of my Indigenous roots have enhanced my life.  I’m even more thankful that I can do it on the land my ancestors once walked on before me”. 

“Grace’s outstanding character, academic achievement, and dedication to leading a kind and healthy lifestyle make her an inspiration to others”.   - Chloe Menard, Teacher 

“For the past two years, Grace has stood out as an exemplary student in both academic and elective course work.  There is consistency in working hard in all aspects of school, taking responsibility and ownership for strong achievement and displaying positive citizenship.  She stands out as a quiet leader, doing what is right without seeking rewards or accolades.  I feel privileged to be a part of her journey and predict that  Grace will become an impressive young adult:”  - Jodie Mason, Teacher 

Grace knows that her indigenous ancestry teaches her to always do her best in all she does.  She always tries to set a positive example to others.  She believes a role model shows trust, honesty, hard work, leadership, and respect. 

Finley is proud of his Indigenous ancestry with Plains Cree roots that  originate from Duncan’s First Nation in northern Alberta.     

He is a  grade 9 student at Columneetza Jr. Secondary. 

Finley treasures the stories that have been handed down through generations.  He is thankful to his Nohkom who has taught him how to cook and about the cultural tradi-tions.  His Mosom teaches him how to work on cars.  He shows Finley knowledge and understanding. 

Finley is thankful to his mom for all she does for him.  She has been his number one supporter since he was born.  Finley is thankful for these great role models in his life.  They have taught him to work hard and to be the person he is today. 

“Finley is a model student who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and strong work ethic.  He is always respectful towards his classmates and teachers, and his will-ingness to help others creates a supportive learning environment.  Finley’s dedication is evident in his academic performance as well.  He consistently completes his assign-ments on time and to a high standard.  I am honored to have been a part of  Finley’s journey at Columneetza. ” – Jordy Moise, Indigenous Support Worker 

Finley leads a healthy and active lifestyle.  In his spare time he enjoys playing hockey and archery.  Finely has shown leadership by organizing his own Indigenous hockey team “The Williams Lake Chiefs”,.  He has proudly accepted many awards such as 

’Most Sportsmanlike Award’ and “Most Valuable Player Award’ from his team. 

The 2024 Indigenous Role Model Candidates

We want to thank all of the 2023 - 2024 Indigenous Role Model candidates. We hold them up for their achievements, accomplishments, and the outstanding individuals they are. All candidates are role models and should be proud of themselves.

Previous Role Models

• 2023 Indigenous Role Models
• 2022 First Nations Role Models
• 2021 First Nations Role Models
• 2020 First Nations Role Models
• 2019 First Nations Role Models
• 2018 First Nations Role Models
• 2017 First Nations Role Models
• 2016 First Nations Role Models
• 2015 First Nations Role Models
• 2014 First Nations Role Models
• 2013 First Nations Role Models
• 2012 First Nations Role Models
• 2011 First Nations Role Models
• 2010 First Nations Role Models
• 2009 First Nations Role Models
• 2008 First Nations Role Models
• 2006 First Nations Role Models
• 2005 First Nations Role Models
• 2004 First Nations Role Models
• 2003 First Nations Role Models