Dakota Collegiate and the Louis Riel School Division are proud to acknowledge Sequoya Handel, who recently won the 2023 Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award in the category of Artistic Performance. This award is presented to an individual between the ages of 16-24 who has achieved artistic distinction in a performance medium.  

Sequoya Handel is a 16-year-old from St. Theresa Point. He is Manitoba's youngest Indigenous flute player and has travelled all over Turtle Island performing musically and dancing Fancy Bustle, Men's Traditional, and Grass Dancing. Sequoya has worked as a Youth Coordinator with Folklorama, contributing to the mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.   

Sequoya performs weekly while continuing his cultural studies by being an Elder's helper during sweats. During this time, he also rehearses for showcases and develops his skills in music production, props, and regalia.   

Within the Louis Riel School Division, Sequoya is an active Indigenous Youth Leadership team member at the divisional level and at Dakota Collegiate. Sequoya has taken on many roles at Dakota Collegiate, such as performing, public speaking, and leading peers to promote awareness of his culture.   

“I have witnessed Sequoya’s enthusiasm and drive to flourish in his cultural knowledge and level of participation through dance and music,” said Elder Winston Wuttunee. “Sequoya is a very gifted Native American flute player. I believe that through receiving this award, Sequoya will feel the encouragement from the community that will only strengthen his involvement to pursue an even higher level of creating a cultural learning structure in the educational school system.” 

Teresa Cotroneo, the Executive Director for Folklorama, also supported Sequoya’s nomination.  

“He has taken his role as a Youth Coordinator very seriously,” said Teresa. “I was aware of Sequoya's commitment to welcoming and creating the opportunity for all First Nations Pavilion Chair members to participate in a sweat lodge ceremony. I was very touched to know that he had also assisted the children who were going to perform at this pavilion to receive their traditional names, colours, and clan in a ceremony before the festival." 

At the MIYAA event, Sequoya spoke proudly and eloquently, giving thanks to his sponsor, Berkowitz Therapies, for their sponsorship, the staff and students at Dakota Collegiate for his many opportunities, and his parents. He added a special thank you to his mother for giving him opportunities to teach other youth about their way of dancing.  

“Great honour comes with great responsibility,” said Sequoya. “Therefore, culture is a responsibility before it is a right! Be brave, be courageous, find your truth, and be deadly!”  

We are so very proud to celebrate you and your accomplishments, Sequoya. Your continued work will make a significant impact on this world. Keep growing and persevering! 

Learn more about the 29th Annual MIYAA.