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The Big Win and other Stories of Triumph
Two students from Mamawi Atosketan Native School celebrate after winning the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize.
Mamawi Atosketan Native School Represents North America, Wins Global Sustainability Prize in Abu Dhabi
T Elias Mykat receives MANS’ Zayed Sustainability Award from the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
wo Indigenous students from Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS) flew to Abu Dhabi to attend the Zayed Sustainability Prize award ceremonies on January 13, 2026, and bring home the US$150,000 prize in the ”Global High Schools—The Americas” category. MANS’ proposal for a student-led hydroponic farm project was chosen from more than 7,700 applications from 173 countries. MANS was the only North American finalist. MANS’ “Growcer Farm Project” competed with two schools in
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South America for the category prize. The high school finalists are participating in four days of panels and activities along with finalists in other categories during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The proposed hydroponic garden, which would be housed in a container, would diversify the school’s sustainable food production education. Two years ago the K-12 school‘s traditional “dirt” garden expanded to include hydroponics in a classroom and was recognized by Fortis with a “greenUp Award” in March 2025.
Photo courtesy of Zayed Sustainability Prize communications
The proposed year- round hydroponic garden could bring fresh produce to the school and the Maskwacis community while giving students hands-on experience in leadership, science, and environmental stewardship connected to food security and sustainability. As the only Canadian finalist, Mamawi Atosketan Native School is honored to represent Canada and North America and to stand on the global stage among inspiring schools from around the world that are working to build a better, more sustainable future. “We are filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement,” said Melanie Dussaye, who submitted the grant application. “For us, this project is not only about food but also about possibility. It’s about empowering young people to see that their ideas matter, their actions make a difference, and their voices can create real change. Being recognized at this level reminds us that even a small school in rural Alberta can have a global impact when passion and purpose come together.” Reprinted from Adventist Journey, June 2026 View Zayed website video at mans1.ca
Photos contributed
Rare Treaty 6 Medallion Presented to MANS
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t a January 17 celebration in Maskwacis, Chief Joel Mykat (Ermineskin Cree Nation) presented Principal Kim Harrington with a medal representing special regard and an ongoing relationship built on trust. The medallion depicts a handshake between a representative of the Crown and an Indigenous chief with the words “As long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows” inscribed around the perimeter. The inscription is taken from Treaty 6, which was signed in 1876 by the chiefs of the area 150 years ago. —By Lynn McDowell, Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy
Elias Mykat (L) and Kenyon Bull (R) displaying the special blankets and eagle feathers they received from their nations while MANS principal Kim Harrington beams above the Treaty 6 medallion bestowed in the presence of honoured guests from Ermineskin Cree Nation and Louis Bull Tribe.
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Cree Leaders Link Prize with Cree Values
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t’s my honour to be among such outstanding students,” wrote Chief Wilton Littlechild, Companion of the Order of Canada, Alberta Order of Excellence, and Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the photo taken at the January 17 dinner to celebrate the return of the MANS students from Abu Dhabi. Littlechild’s 11-minute speech at the dinner hosted by the Louis Bull Tribe and Ermineskin Cree Nation commended the students on their comportment as representatives of the youth of their nations. He also emphasized the connection between the Zayed sustainability award and the Cree perspective on the duty to respect and care for the earth. —By Lynn McDowell
MANS students Elias Mykat (back left) and Kenyon Bull (back right) proudly bear the blankets and eagle feathers bestowed by their nations at the January 17 dinner held in their honour. Seated in front are Elder Solomon Bull (their grandfather and most senior elder of the Louis Bull Band) and Chief Wilton Littlechild (Ermineskin Cree Nation), Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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This was never about a trophy. It was about what that recognition said to our students.
Before their summer break and getting down to work in the new hydroponic set up, the two students who accepted the Zayed Sustainability Award in Abu Dhabi had given more than 40 media interviews and panel appearances. Ray Fankhauser, hydroponic project coordinator (L), accompanied them for most interviews.
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—Melanie Dussaye, author of Zayed competition application and Assistant Treasurer, Alberta Conference
Photos contributed
Hydroponic Gardening:
Getting Down and Practical (Again)
Following MANS’ focused hands-on carpentry skills approach, the school is taking its previous offerings in gardening to a new technical level
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hink about a container 300 times bigger than this model," Ray Fankhauser, hydroponic project coordinator, told the crowd assembled at MANS for the hydroponic container groundbreaking ceremony on May 22. The full-sized Growcer container can yield 7,000 - 9,000 pounds of leafy greens per year. Government and business dignitaries who attended the ceremony included:
Scott Tumbach Field Services Manager, Independent Schools and Home Education (Alberta Education & Childcare) Ken Miller Project Manager, Applied Research - OLDS College Christian Ortiz Founder of Justice AI
John Jagersma - Executive Director - AISCA Stan Orlesky Indigenous Relations - Fortis Alberta, which had recognized MANS small scale hydroponic garden with a "greenUp Award" in 2025. —By Lynn McDowell
Boris Contreras Assistant Deputy Minister - First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division, Ministry of Education and Childcare Michael (Mike) Chow Manager, Programs and Partner Engagement - RUMIE - First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division (Alberta Education & Childcare)
Photos contributed
Chief Mykat (Ermineskin Cree Nation) flew in from Ottawa to participate in the groundbreaking for the hydroponic garden, returning to Ottawa that same evening.
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“Mr.B” Jonathan Belinsky, MANS Teacher/Leadership Supervisor (left), applies muscle along with Maskwacis team members at Foothills Camp Meeting.
Inspire Mamawi Leadership Students Speak Out about Their Lives and the Difference the Program is Making
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hen MANS students applied to be part of Inspire Mamawi Leadership’s second annual summer program (IML), they knew that the program represents opportunity—to get off the Res, travel, learn skills and build their resumés, and explore directions for their lives.
Mindset Shift
“There’s not a lot of opportunities [on the Res],” says Tashay, who was part of the first IML team of six last summer. “I think that’s why most of the [new] kids were joining.” Then she observes, “This program has shown me there’s a lot more than just staying at home, just working. It shifted my mindset.”
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The team is awesome. I really liked to work with them—I really enjoyed their outgoing personalities, and they had great work ethics. We felt like a family. —Lucy, Medicine Hat
Tashay graduated this spring. Before joining the 2024 summer team, she disliked school; now she looks forward to attending the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she was accepted before graduating.
Gentle Impact
Members want to stay in the program because more than resumé-building, IML feeds them in ways that few of their friends get to experience.
“People don’t realize how much it actually does to you,” says one. “When you actually stay with it and listen to what other people have to say— actually take their advice and see how it impacts you— the program helps you through life. It’s not only there for the money. It can be there spiritually. “I was a big drinker,” the student continues. “I slowed down and eventually stopped drinking because Mr. B*
Photos by Trevor Boller
and the program kept me busy from thinking about alcohol or craving it.”
the example of her teacher Mr. B. “Some people do judge him for being that optimistic.” But Mr. B’s consistent life points to new possibilities: “He does bring light into a dark room.”
The Judgment Barrier
A Magnetic Team
It’s not just self-talk they find powerful. Being judged by people who don’t understand their lives and attempts to walk with God is difficult. “You never know what [someone has gone] through for them to change their ways,” explains one student, and being judged when they “fall” or even try to do better raises deep emotions and barriers. “One thing I think we all find hard,” the student goes on, “is to see [ourselves] ‘walking with God’ because we don’t want to feel judged for putting our faith in Christ.” The contrasts they observe can be stark, sometimes jarring. One student cites
The atmosphere as we talk is positive. Small wonder that the team is attracting Indigenous youth who don’t attend MANS, like Kaydence and Lucy. Living off-reserve most of her adolescent life, Kaydence felt “Whitewashed.” However nice her non-Indigenous classmates were, trying to explain the culture of her childhood often left her feeling isolated. Connecting with other Indigenous teens connects her with parts of herself that seemed missing. They're not just a summer team. They're in with their hearts. —By Lynn McDowell, Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy
Tashay Headman (Dual Credit Carpentry student) applies the “Measure twice, cut once” rule to her work. Tashay was baptised during Camp Meeting 2024.
Dual Credit Carpentry student Sean Saddleback didn’t need to measure when he cut ceramic tiles to fit the complex pattern in a kitchen renovation. “They always fit perfectly!” says his MANS carpentry teacher/ supervisor Jonathan Belinsky.
Photos by Trevor Boller
Co-leaders Jonathan Belinsky (center) and Pastor Tsholo Sebetlela (far right) test out their finished project, along with other members of the Inspire Mamawi Leadership Team. The gazebo was built from raw lumber in two days at Foothils Camp Meeting.
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GRAD 2026
On the eighth anniversary of the Wahkohtowin Campus, a donor is awed by his Full Circle Experience Larry Wilkins could see Mamawi Atosketan High School when it was a wish and a prayer in then-principal Gail Wilton’s heart. This June, Larry, who donated $1 million to help build the high school, was invited to address MANS’ biggest ever graduating class—11 students, four of whom were already accepted into the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Larry’s 2026 Reflection
It’s amazing to see the full circle, right from Gail telling me they needed a high school to spieling at an incredible high school graduation. I was so proud of them. They were such beautiful young men and women, full of promise and hope. Truly, I was shocked when I first saw them enter the graduation ceremony. Like the world-wide win in the sustainability project [April 2026 Messenger cover], those kids blew me away. The Creator always does that.
He winks at me, reminding me He’s still here and has always been by our side. Today [three days later], I’m still on a gratitude high. What an experience! Faith is the only thing in life that makes the wearing of these meat suits worthwhile. Ignoring God must be a wasteful and futile existence, at least compared to what I have been witness to. For no discernable reason, I have been blessed. I am a first-hand witness to the power of “I am”.
In the Beginning: A Faith Journey
In “To be a Skywalker,” (June 2014 Alberta Adventist News) Larry reveals how his Indigenous heritage, compassion, and Adventist faith ignited his passion to create an Adventist high school campus like no other. (Full at albertaadventist. ca in AAN archives). MEANS & MEANING
To be a Sky Walker Larry’s gift marks his gratitude and faith, and lights the path for others. He’s found that his commitment to an annual gift makes a big difference— to the students who attend the school, yes, but also to the way Larry looks at his relationship with God.
Larry Wilkins is a second generation First Nations Adventist. Larry owns a clinical spa in St. Albert. He bears witness to his relationship with God not only by closing his business on Sabbath, but also by his commitment to make a significant annual gift to the Conference’s mission school, Mamawi Atosketan Native School. Larry Wilkins
A New Venture in Partnership with God A video introduction to Mamawi Atosketan Native School, can be viewed at www. albertaadventist.ca/means&meaning.
I live for the interaction with God that comes through pushing the confines of my own faith. A New Life Off Reserve Larry’s grandparents, Lawson Chase and Emma (Blaker) Chase.
Larry’s great grandpa Blaker (far right) as part of display at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. The patriarch who left the Reserve and gave up his treaty rights to save his daughters from Residential School prayed at every meal in his native Mohawk language.
A Golden Moment: Larry Wilkins, his wife Becky and daughter Samantha (“Sam”) experienced an emotional evening.
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ets. While I deal with people every day, I only do business with God. His word is good. I am living proof. — Larry Wilkins, Owner External Affairs Clinical Spa, St. Albert See the inside back cover for the experience of current student Eldenia Potts at Mamawi Atosketan Native School, Larry’s Alberta Conference ministry of choice.
Watch Larry’s address to the class at mans1.ca
Photo by Lynn McDowell
Lynn McDowell, LLB & Certified Specialist in Planned Giving Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy Alberta Conference
Largest & Ambitious Graduating Class: The first cohort of four Dual Credit
See The Class of 2026 graduates march in at mans1.ca
Carpentry Program students were already accepted into the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology when they marched in graduation. All of the 11 graduates had stated post-secondary education goals.
Mother to a Multitude
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heresa Crier, kokum (“grandmother” in Cree) who raised three of the 2026 graduates, was presented with a trophy recognizing her dedication to her children and grandchildren. The Elder admitted to putting 12 grandchildren through MANS and also Maskwacis’ Sabbath gatherings. Several younger grandchildren who reside with her are still progressing through grade school. —By Lynn McDowell, Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy
Graduation photo by Joanne Harrington, June 22, 2026; kokum photo by Lynn McDowell
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Building MAMAWI ATOSKETAN CENTRE
Community Together BY LYNN McDOWELL
Murray and Elaine Sankey, Little Gem Ranches, donor partners in creating The Creator’s Gem at MAC.
Chief Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo (Samson Cree Nation), an alumnus of MANS, greets Daenerys Buffalo at his inauguration ceremony. Daenerys and her brother Kostyn, both MANS students, were invited participants in the June 19 ceremony.
Joelene Yellowbird, Maskwacis Plant Knowledge Keeper and partner in creating The Photo by Lynn McDowell Creator’s Gem at MAC. 10 Maskwacis Stories of Triumph 2026
Photo courtesy of Curtis Cameron Photography
Photo by Keith Richter
Samson Cree Nation Communications Department*, Raydon Buffalo and Director Delorna Makinaw, co-organizers of community landscaping information and planning event. Landscape architect Jessica Tivy, far right. * Not pictured: Ashley Lightning.
Courtesy of Samson Cree Nation Communications Department.
Lynn McDowell and Alberta Conference president Jeff Potts (L,R) present a Groundbreaker Award to Chief Vernon Saddleback (in office 2017-2026) for his visionary role in making the MAC possible. See more community builder awards in The Bridge Update No. 17 at mans1.ca.
Inspire Mamawi Leadership Summer Team, around Alberta and in Maskwacis.
Photo by Trevor Boller
Gordon Minde, Ermineskin Cree Nation Community Wellness Director, has collaborated with Pastor Tsholo Sebetlela for more than five years. See video at 1mac.ca. Video capture by Nwamiko Madden
Photo by Trevor Boller
Bella Potts, MAC Steering Committee member, Summer Team Lead & Inspire Mamawi Leadership support.
Pastor Tsholo Sebetlela, Inspire Mamawi Leadership founder, Soccer Camp leader.
Photo by Trevor Boller
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MAMAWI ATOSKETAN CENTRE
THE MAC IN MASKWACIS
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13 AN ADVENTIST CIRCLE OF MIYO WAHKOHTOWIN
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Construction video at 1mac.ca
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