2025 Indigenous Role Models Honoured at Semá:th (PHOTOS)

On April 2, 2025, at the Semá:th First Nation Longhouse, an Honouring Ceremony took place for the 2025 Indigenous Role Models. Here's a look at each of our role models and a little bit more about them as individuals. 

Acadia Toney (Métis) | Abbotsford Senior Secondary

After I graduate, I will be pursuing my dream of becoming a professional wedding photographer as my passion is capturing and sharing special moments of joy.

Dheja Coghill (Saik’uz First Nation)| Bakerview Centre for Learning

I am currently taking the hair program at Abby Senior and am excited to stretch my creative capacity with this new opportunity. In the future, I plan to work towards my Red Seal in hair styling and also towards becoming an Indigenous Support Worker.

Kianna McNeil (Semá:th First Nation) | Bakerview Centre for Learning

After high school, I am interested in studying Halq’eméylem, Japanese, animal biology, and acting at UFV. My mom owns a business called Stó:lō Catering and I love learning to make traditional food with her when we cook for the longhouse. Eventually, I would like to buy a house in my home community of Semá:th First Nation.

Isaac Lindsay (Dogrib Rae First Nation) | WJ Mouat Secondary

My career plan after high school is to study at both UFV and JIBC. I want to become a police officer, so I can serve and protect my community. I can advocate and represent my community as Indigenous and an African in uniform. The career plan is the same that my mother pursued: working towards becoming a police officer. I'll first need to do what every new officer is required to do which is being an officer on patrol for a few years, then I plan on joining the K-9 Unit, finally when I’m in my senior years I will become a homicide detective.

Jason Harlow (Nisga’a First Nation) | WJ Mouat Secondary

I take pride in my heritage, not only in my words but also in the way I conduct myself. My history serves as my cornerstone, my culture as my strength, and the lessons learned from my Elders form the basis of my future.

Ciara Moraes (Tsimshian First Nations, LAX KW’ALAAMS band) | Robert Bateman Secondary

I plan to get into microbiology after high school to become a Medical Microbiologist. I have always been interested in science. I believe in researching and cultivating solutions in the medical field as it also presents fulfilling opportunities such as medical breakthroughs.

Pearl Levan (Shawnee Tribe & Walla Walla Tribe) | Robert Bateman Secondary

I am graduating a year early from high school to fast track my career as a Firefighter. I plan on doing a summer fighting wildfires. Then becoming a full-time Firefighter, with potential plans to work into a Lieutenant position.

Emilia Bylow (Métis) | Yale Secondary School

I was a big advocate for our Mane Cafe. Students could purchase coffee but there were only dairy products. I fought for lactose intolerant people, and we now have almond milk as a personal choice. I was also student of the month for October 2024, got honour roll in grade 10, and I’m immensely proud of the work I did for peer tutoring. I plan to go into a photography course at UFV. I hope to expand my knowledge within caretaking, that way I can do both of my favourite things as work.

Max Tait (Kitsumkalum First Nation) | Yale Secondary School

Moving to BC has been successful. I made honour roll every semester and joined programs that I never would have. I took the District’s cybersecurity program. I am going to study cybersecurity at SAIT in Calgary. I want to give back for all the opportunities that have come my way because of being Indigenous.

Sequoia Levan (Shawnee Tribe & Walla Walla Tribe) | Robert Bateman Secondary

After high school, I plan on getting my personal pilot’s license and then my commercial pilot's license through the Chilliwack Flight Centre. After working as a commercial Pilot and finishing my training, I want to work as an airline pilot.

More Photos Here