PLAMONDON – Jaera Anderson, a Grade 9 student at École Plamondon School and a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, was recently presented with the Alberta School Board Association’s (ASBA) Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award during a special ceremony that took place in Edmonton on April 14.
“It feels really good that I know that I’m doing a good job, and I get recognized for it,” Anderson told Lakeland This Week.
The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award applauds First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in the province who demonstrate strength, leadership, as well as commitment to their education while honouring their culture and inspiring people around them, according to information from Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS).
Anderson has been dancing at powwows from a young age, first in jingle dress, and now in fancy shawl. Eager to share and promote her Cree culture, the youth also creates ribbon skirts, including for staff at École Plamondon.
“I won the Honouring Spirit Award because I represent my culture well and I’m not ashamed to do it,” Anderson stated. “I found joy in teaching about it. It was really nice to get that feedback that I was doing a good job.”
Anderson was selected for the Grades 7-9 category in the north region. She was one 12 students from 300 nominees in kindergarten to Grade 12 in the province to receive the award for 2025. Each of the award recipients was provided with a $2,500 scholarship that acknowledged their achievements and were provided support for future educational endeavours.
Receiving this scholarship meant a great deal to the Grade 9 student.
“It felt really nice to get that scholarship because it opens a huge path for my future,” she said.
In addition to her cultural advocacy, Anderson can be found doing volunteer work in the local community, as well as playing volleyball. She takes part in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program and enjoys making a positive impact in the lives of younger students.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Anderson explained, is a fantastic way to learn how to work with younger people and also help her grow as well.
“I love spending time with my little and seeing him come more out of his shell, and be more comfortable around me,” Anderson explained. “When we first met, he was very quiet. And throughout the year now, he's just been more open asking me for help, suggesting things we could do. It's been really nice.”
Anderson was also selected by school staff to represent École Plamondon School on the NLPS student advisory council to the board. Being a council member has provided her with an opportunity to connect with other students across the division and bring ideas back to her own school.
“It feels good to know that I'm heard,” she said. “I get to go spend a day with other individuals who want to be heard, too, and share their opinions and suggestions for making things better.”
Karen Packard, NLPS board of trustees' chair, praised Anderson for her work with students, her commitment to promoting her Cree heritage, and for striving to make her community a better place.
“Jaera is an incredible example of how students can lead with pride, purpose, and positivity,” Packard said. “Her dedication to her culture, her community, and her learning is inspiring, and we are proud to have her represent Northern Lights.”
Seven other NLPS students also received honourable mentions for the award including: Peirsyn Bourassa (École Plamondon School), Alice Cardinal (J.A. Williams High School), Brooklyn Cardinal (Kikino School), Kavita Howse-Dequaine (J.A. Williams High School), Kaylan Lavallee (J.A. Williams High School), Mason Olson (Bonnyville Centralized High School) and Wesley Quintal (J.A. Williams High School).
