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By Windspeaker.com Staff
With files from Jeremy Harpe, CFWE-FM
Grade 12 student Sheldon Steinhauer is the recipient of the 2017 Indigenous Shining Student Award, chosen from among 60 other nominees because of his leadership and creativity in music and art, and his passion for his Cree language.
His devotion to the language began in Saddle Lake, where his mother enrolled him in a Cree school which provided teachings and cultural lessons.
While there is still much to learn, Steinhauer said, he tries to teach his friends about what he knows.
“I’m not annoying about it, but I want them to know who I am and what I believe so they get to know me better.”
On winning the award, he said his family is “really proud of me.”
“My mom cried… they support me and it’s just amazing. No words can explain.” To him, the award means “I accomplished something incredible.”
Steinhauer is currently attending high school in Red Deer and will be graduating this year. He hopes to continue on to university in a music or arts program.
He’s thinking of becoming a tattoo artist, but the goal is to finish high school “the best I can.”
And Steinhauer is heading to Vancouver for a youth leadership conference. He’s hoping to build his communications skills “that I never thought I had, and just learn more about leadership and learn more about myself.”
There were four Indigenous Shining Student Awards presented by the Education Partners Task Force. The annual award acknowledges First Nations, Métis and Inuit students enrolled in a Grade 10 to Grade 12 high school program.
Steinhauer says his culture helps shape who he is, including his morals, and what he believes.
“It shapes who you are, but it doesn’t take over who you are. My heritage makes me a stronger person. And that’s what I love about it.”