2024 Indigenous Scholarship Awarded
Strike’s scholarship program is part of our ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and making a positive impact on the broader community. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to education and are dedicated to providing financial aid to people from historically underrepresented groups. As part of this commitment, we offer an annual $2,000 scholarship to an Indigenous student pursuing education in the skilled trades or the energy sector.
The 2024 Indigenous Scholarship has been awarded to Tyler Ermineskin, also known as Nihkamo Pehyesis, meaning “Singing Bird” in Cree, from the traditional territory of Treaty Six, Neyaskweyahk/Ermineskin Cree Nation.
Tyler is currently a third-year law student at the University of Alberta. His introduction into law began at an early through his involvement in the pow-wow circle and his exposure to Natural Law through ceremony, where his Elders taught him about ethical accountability and relational responsibilities to the land, medicines, and his role as a Napew (Cree man).
Our team was particularly impressed with Tyler’s extensive community involvement. He has given back to his community in numerous ways, including:
- Dedication to hunting and providing wild meat for Elders, ceremonies, and cultural revitalization efforts. His hunting practices, aligned with traditional Cree customs, are especially crucial during the winter months. During the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing afterward, the need for wild meat increased among Elders and leadership, especially for Nation members living below the poverty line. Tyler has taken on the responsibility of providing wild meat for ceremonies, feasts, and events within the community, ensuring that cultural practices and traditions are upheld and respected.
- Involvement in a language revitalization project aimed at preserving and passing on the Cree language and culture to children and youth. Alongside others, he helped create classes for children and youth who have been displaced from their land, community, and family, surrounding them with Elders and offering Cree language classes weekly for ages 0-18+. This transmission of knowledge, language, and culture is a spiritual practice, crucial for reconnecting children and youth who had been distanced from their community.
- Volunteering in various capacities, including making and delivering food hampers, participating in community events like Pride, and raising awareness about mental health supports.
Tyler’s vision after completing law school is deeply rooted in advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous people. He plans to focus on practicing in areas of law that are vital for advancing Indigenous rights, including pro bono work that ensures access to justice for Indigenous people, international law, Treaty law, and strengthening laws in Canada that protect women and children from violence and discrimination. Additionally, he aims to create child-friendly educational materials about Treaties and establish a mentorship program for youth and adults considering a career in law.
His dedication to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture, traditions, and language is evident in his plans to integrate traditional Indigenous laws and practices into legal services and advocacy efforts. Tyler’s commitment to decolonizing approaches and enhancing understanding and access will be crucial in advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities.
We extend our best wishes to Tyler as he continues his educational journey and pursues his future endeavors!