RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Awards Celebrate Indigenous Excellence and Future Leaders

For the fifth year in a row, friends, family and members of the University of Regina community recognized the outstanding achievements of four Indigenous student leaders at the 2026 RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Awards on campus.

“This year’s four Indigenous student leaders demonstrate determination, creativity, resilience, and a dedication to community service that will be felt for generations to come,” says John Bird, manager of the ta-tawâw Student Centre at the U of R. “Thank you, Zoe, Dakota, Paige, and Cherish, for the dedicated leadership you provide across our campus. We are deeply grateful to RBC for their generous support of the Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Awards, without whom we would not be able to further support and uplift the lives of our students.”

The Neekaneewak (they are leading) Leadership Initiative is a program run by the ta-tawâw Student Centre at the U of R. The Initiative enhances cultural awareness and develops leadership skills in student participants through traditional and current ways of knowing. The awards recognize Indigenous students who have demonstrated leadership in their academic, personal, and professional lives, and through community pursuits.

I want to thank RBC for this leadership award. It means so much to me that my hard work has been recognized and will help me going forward in the future. — Zoe Icton, Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Cultural Leadership

“Solving the challenges we face requires bringing together diverse knowledge systems—including the time-tested wisdom embedded in Indigenous teachings and ways of knowing that have sustained communities for generations,” says Jim Grundy, Senior Branch Manager, RBC Dominion Securities. “Today, we celebrate four exceptional wayfinders and change-makers. Their leadership creates ripples that strengthen our communities now and will guide those who follow. On behalf of RBC, we are honoured to walk alongside them."

The four 2026 recipients are powerful examples of student leadership in action and represent the growing Indigenous student strength in community, academic, professional, and cultural leadership.

Cherish Alexson, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Community Leadership

When she was a little kid, Cherish loved to play in her mom’s makeup bag. As an adult and accomplished makeup artist, she enjoys inspiring First Nations youth by holding wellness days for them and helping them to build their self-confidence. The oldest of seven children, Cherish, is a strong role model for her siblings as well.  

“Education was instilled in me through my parents at a young age,” says Cherish, who is completing a Bachelor of Administration degree at First Nations University of Canada. “I watched my mom convocate, which inspired me to continue. I want to be an inspiration for my younger siblings and show them that you can do hard things and achieve goals. This RBC award will set me on a better foot when I graduate in June and finish my last classes.”

Paige Manns, Métis Nation, Academic Leadership

Paige is in her third year studying Education through the SUNTEP program. For her, becoming a teacher is the best way to model success and opportunities for Indigenous children, something that Paige did not experience growing up.  

“I want to be an example of an Indigenous teacher, an Indigenous woman who has her life together, who is making her way through the world in a positive way and making positive impacts in her community,” says Paige. “To me, being a leader is representing the people around you. Making sure that no one’s being left behind, that they’ve always got support behind them and know that support is there.”

Dakota Smoker, Ochapowace First Nation, Professional Leadership

Dakota is in his third year studying Business Administration at First Nations University of Canada. He is helping to spearhead a Youth Clean Energy Symposium in June – bringing together youth, industry leaders, and Knowledge Keepers to collaborate on energy solutions – as part of his internship with First Nations Power Authority.

“Youth are our next generation of leaders, and we have an obligation to pass on knowledge that we have already,” says Dakota. “Education opens many doors for you that you don’t even realize are there. My education has put me in rooms and helped me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Zoe Icton, Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Cultural Leadership

As a student-athlete playing for the U of R Cougars Women’s Soccer team for the past five years and student in the Faculty of Social Work, Zoe has been advocating for more Indigenous spaces across campus to make sure everyone feels welcome and to help Indigenous students reclaim their Indigenous identity and culture.

“I’ve always been interested in art and doing crafts,” says Zoe. “Being introduced to beading and Indigenous-based art has allowed me to express myself and the things that I’m interested in. It’s allowed me to learn more about my culture and connect to it as well.”

Interested in applying for an RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative award or nominating a student? Learn more from the ta-tawâw Student Centre.

In recognition of their leadership, award recipients each received a $5,000 award and a gift box from RBC, as well as a Star Blanket from the ta-tawâw Student Centre.

“Through the ta‑tawâw Student Centre, the University is proud to recognize and celebrate these Indigenous students who have demonstrated such strong commitment and leadership in their academic, personal, cultural, and professional paths,” says Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Regina. “Their commitment includes honouring Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and we are grateful to share this knowledge to enhance the University’s research, learning, and service efforts.”

Banner Photo: The University of Regina and RBC presented awards to outstanding young leaders at a ceremony on April 10, during the 5^th annual RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative awards ceremony. (Lt to rt: Lori Campbell, AVP Indigenous Engagement, Zoe Icton, Cultural Leadership, Dakota Smoker, Professional Leadership, Paige Manns, Academic Leadership, and Jim Grundy, Senior Branch Manager, RBC Dominion Securities). Credit: University Communications and Marketing