Congratulations to the recipients of the Shad2026 Entrance Scholarship for Otipemisiwak Métis youth in Alberta funded by Rupertsland Institute: Alexandra Carlson, Ainsley Fee, Drew Farry, Adrien Gignac, Julia Klassen, Mya Kirton, and Briar Logan.

These scholarships, made possible through the support of Rupertsland Institute celebrate the accomplishments of Métis youth from diverse backgrounds. These awards honour exceptional young people who exemplify hard work, leadership, and a strong commitment to building up their communities. Grounded in the Métis values of resilience, kinship, and pride in our culture, these scholarships are an investment in the future of our Métis Nation and the next generation of leaders across Alberta.

Alexandra is most excited to meet like-minded individuals and grow her network. Ainsley is looking forward to meeting people from around the country and forming long-lasting connections. Drew is excited to broaden his academic horizons at Shad. Adrien is interested in exploring hands-on projects and problem-solving activities. Julia looks forward to connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas, and learning from their unique perspectives. Mya is excited to participate in Shad because of her passion for all kinds of sciences. Briar wants to challenge herself by stepping outside of her comfort zone, try new things, and make connections that could last long after the program ends.

Click on the images below to learn more about these changemakers and how they hope to make an impact on their communities.