May. 01, 2026
The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) selected 12 outstanding First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from across the province for the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award ceremony.
Among the 2026 recipients is Moby Calf Robe, member of the Kainaiwa First Nation and Blackfoot Confederacy, and Grade 5 student who attends
Cedarbrae School.
Moby has shown strong leadership guided by likakimat, the Blackfoot value of trying hard. He participates in pow wow dancing, often dancing the Chicken Dance with his sister by his side. He helps care for the school's tipi and Medicine Garden, and demonstrates pride, respect and advocacy for his community and is known by others as a kind, safe and caring friend.
Moby has also proudly shared his culture with the school community through the book Niitsippooktsistaanitsi (My Braids), written by his mother, Latasha Calf Robe. The story features Siiisaahkomaapi (Night Boy), a traditional Blackfoot boy, and tells of family, identity and the meaning and gifts of his three braids. Through this learning moment, Moby was able to share Blackfoot knowledge, storytelling and family teachings with his peers.
“Moby truly embodies the spirit of this award through a strong commitment to both education and community," said Laura Hack, Chair CBE Board of Trustees. “This honour goes beyond academic success. Moby is known to be a role model for acceptance and respect for fellow students and for recognizing and appreciating the unique gifts each person brings."
The annual award celebrates Indigenous students who demonstrate strength, perseverance and dedication in pursuing their education while inspiring their peers, teachers and communities. This year's recipients were selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by school boards throughout Alberta.
Students were presented with their award at a ceremony held in Edmonton on Apr. 20. A central element of the ceremony was the presentation of custom-made star blankets to each recipient. In many Indigenous cultures, being wrapped in a star blanket is one of the highest honours and symbolizes recognition, protection and respect. The practice reflects guidance from ASBA's Indigenous Advisory Council, which helped shape the ceremony and award design.
Congratulations Moby for being recognized for this achievement!
