Brayden Omeasso-Steinhaur of Maskwacis was named as one of only 20 recipients of the $10,000 per year (up to four years) RBC Indigenous Youth Scholarship.
More than 300 Indigenous youth from across Canada were considered for the annual award, which is now in its 30th year and recognizes both strong academic performance and community involvement.
The scholarship is awarded to recipients who share a vision for the future including giving back to their communities and creating a more inclusive Canada for Indigenous peoples.
Enrolled in teacher’s college Maskwacis Cultural College, Brayden is focused on preserving and revitalizing the Cree language with Indigenous youth.
“Currently I am going to school to become a teacher,” said Omeasoo-Steinhauer in a release. “I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Education and I would love to teach Cree language classes in the schools of my community of Maskwacis.
“One of my personal goals right now is to learn my Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree) language and practice it as much as I can. This is one way I can contribute to language preservation and revitalization.”
From Ermineskin Cree Nation, one of four nations that make up the community of Maskwacis, Omeasso-Steinhaur is passionate about giving back to his community in his spare time. He is currently the high school volleyball coach at Maskwacis Cree High School.
“I like to focus on building youth skills including being a team player, resiliency, volleyball specific skills, communication, and all other skills that require a strong team,” said Omeasoo-Steinhauer. “Coaching the youth will allow them to take the skills I teach them from the court and apply them outside of the court. My goal with coaching is to build a stronger community through the students who join sports.”
