The Jules Lavallee Memorial Bursary recognizes a graduating Indigenous student who has developed/utilized/shared their gifts to fulfill goals and aspiration in relation to their selves, families, and communities. 

This year two graduates exceeded the panel’s expectations to receive the Jules Lavallee Memorial Bursary.  

Kyrra Kematch (White Swan Flying Through the Sky) is graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate. Her hopes and dreams for the future are to become a lawyer for Indigenous rights and an MLA. Her passion for law and politics came from working closely with role models like Nahanni Fontaine and Bernadette Smith and exposure to her community from past and current volunteer work.  

Kyrra has tirelessly volunteered her time and efforts to many worthy causes. She doesn’t just talk about doing, but she actively pursues many opportunities where she sees needs and injustices. Her dedication to Indigenous activism and rights will make her an excellent advocate for social justice. 

Evan Clarke is graduating from Dakota Collegiate and is the eldest of four siblings from a single-parent home. He takes pride in being a big brother, and a support to his family. It has not always been easy for Evan as the family has struggled and many of the responsibilities have fallen on his shoulders, even when he was experiencing his own challenges. In the face of all these adversities, Evan has persevered and excelled at school and in his community.  

Evan has participated in several extra-curricular activities, including Indigenous Youth Leadership, and Student Advisory Committees at both Dakota Collegiate and LESD. He played on the Lancer football and rugby teams. Academically, Evan is a strong student; although much time and effort goes into caring for his siblings, Evan has demonstrated that he can excel academically. Evan has aspirations to attend post-secondary for the electrical trades at Red River College Polytechnic.  

A big thank you to Vincent Design and EZ Transit Services, this bursary would not be possible if not for our generous donors. 

On June 7, approximately 210 students from across the division gathered with friends, family, and community at Dakota Collegiate to celebrate their graduation at the Jules Lavallee Memorial Grad Powwow.  

Trustees and Senior Leadership presented graduates with a white stole. Any graduating student that wanted to be recognized at the Powwow were invited to participate.