Note: This story has been updated since it was first posted online to include comments from Stephen Wood.
A Maskwacis educator was recently honoured for his achievements and contributions to the community with an alumni honour award from the University of Alberta.
Receiving his bachelor of education from the university in 2001, Stephen Wood, originally from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, has spent most of his life in Maskwacis where he was a teacher for more than 20 years before taking on the role of vice principal at Ermineskin Junior Senior High.
"(I'm) grateful to be mentioned and recognized with some very prolific individuals by the University of Alberta Alumni," said Wood.
Wood was recognized for his leadership as a teacher, musician and performer at the 2024 Uni of A alumni awards ceremony on Oct. 24, held at the university's campus.
"I was honoured, but thought many others were more deserving of the recognition, like our Elders and Knowledge Keepers who are the true professors of our language," he said.
During his career in education, Wood was dedicated to passing on knowledge of the Plains Cree dialect to the next generation, by teaching Cree language classes as well as writing and developing Cree curriculum within the Alberta school system.
He said his favourite part of teaching was show 'kisewatisiwin' (kindness) to all students and building real 'wahkotowin' (kinship) relationships with students, staff and community.
Wood is also a co-founder of the well-known powwow round dance drum and singing group based in Maskwacis, Northern Cree. Wood started the group with his brothers in 1982.
Northern Cree has recorded more than 40 albums and has performed for audiences in the United States, Canada, France, Greenland, Iceland and
Mexico.
Northern Cree has had nine Grammy nominations and won a Juno Award for Classical Composition with RWB Mix for the ballet, GoingHome Star.
