​Last month, two SJASD students were recognized for their amazing artistic, entrepreneurial and volunteer efforts.

Honey Flett-Frampton, a Grade 12 student from St. James Collegiate Institute, received a Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award in the Artistic (Visual) Category. While Sunshine Levasseur received a Personal Achievement Award from the same award body. Sunshine is a recent graduate of SJCI and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Manitoba.

Honey's Art

Honey is Anishininew (Oji-Cree) and received an Imagine a Canada grant this past spring from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to express her vision of a reconciled Canada. Honey worked with local Métis artist Kisa MacIsaac to create a collaborative mural (pictured below) for the SJCI school library.

​ SJCI teacher Tara Tuchscherer submitted a letter of recommendation on behalf of Honey to the Indigenous Youth Achievement Award selection committee.

"I have thoroughly appreciated getting to know Honey and working alongside her on many different projects," Tara writes, adding Honey is never without her sketchbooks and art supplies.

Besides being an excellent student, Tara commends her for her many extracurricular activities, including her involvement in the school's Peaceful Village program to welcome newcomer Canadians, and annual Divisional Powwow. She is also involved with the school's Indigenous leadership group and Sacred Peoples Circle.

“I cannot wait to see what she can accomplish. [Honey's] future is bright," writes Tara.

Sunshine's Thriving Business

Sunshine Levasseur graduated from SJCI in 2022 and has been busy going to school and running small business Miss Ribbons with her sister Iroc Levasseur. The business features hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, purse/dance bags, parfleche (folded carrying bag), custom appliqués for leggings and moccasins, and other cultural items.

More recently, the Manitoba Museum featured Sunshine's work to mark their "Orange Shirt Days" from September 30 to October 2, 2023.

Former teacher Tara Tuchscherer also provided a letter of recommendation on behalf of Sunshine to the Indigenous Youth Achievement Award selection committee.

“She was a role model to many with her passion, drive and commitment to spreading awareness and taking action against systemic injustices facing Indigenous peoples today," writes Tara.

Sunshine played a leadership role in the school's Indigenous Leadership Group and Sacred Peoples Circle. As part of this work, she was instrumental in organizing a week of awareness events and art associated with MMIWG2S, and also mentoring students on initiatives highlighting Truth and Reconciliation.

“I thoroughly enjoy seeing what she is learning and creating in the Faculty of Art at the University of Manitoba and watching her small business grow," writes Tara. “I am truly honoured to know Sunshine."

The Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards celebrate outstanding Indigenous youth achievements in many fields ranging from arts to academics and employment in a traditional field. Approximately 18 youth between the ages of 16 to 24 are awarded each year from across the province. Last year, former SJASD winners included Ariana DeDam and Russel Linklater.

Congratulations to Honey and Sunshine for sharing your amazing talents with the SJASD community and beyond.

(From top to bottom): Honey Flett-Frampton (left) and Sunshine Levasseur (right) upon receiving their Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards; Honey and local Métis artist Kisa MacIsaac produced this mural, which is displayed in the SJCI library; SJCI students, including Honey (right) wear Sunshine's Orange Shirt Day design in 2022; Sunshine's re-interpretation of the Manitoba Museum's "M" for the facility's "Orange Shirt Days" events in 2023.