The scholarship winners stand with Victor's wife Vi. (Submitted/ Kelly Klassen)

By Nigel Maxwell

Young leaders

2023 Victor Thunderchild scholarship winners include future youth advocate, veterinarian and investigator

Jun 23, 2023 | 2:00 PM

The legacy of a well-respected Prince Albert educator lives on.

The three recipients of the 2023 Victor Thunderchild scholarships were announced this week and they are Roper Blanchard, Cadence Crain and River Tait. Crain, who lives at Muskoday First Nation, told paNOW the scholarship means a lot to her.

“Mr. Thunderchild was somebody who had a lot of power in our school (Carlton Comprehensive) and he was a role model that everybody looked up to,” she said.

In the fall, Crain is attending Langara College in Vancouver, where she was offered a basketball scholarship. She also plans to pursue a degree in Criminology.

Cadence Crain. (Submitted/ Kelly Klassen)

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Aspiring one day to be a youth advocate, River Tait will pursue a social work degree at the First Nations University of Canada campus in Prince Albert. Noting Thunderchild’s passion for culture, Tait described Thunderchild as a role model for indigenous youth.

“He was just such a good inspiration,” Tait said.

Each scholarship recipient receives $2,000 and the money was collected during a GoFundMe that was started following Victor Thunderchild’s passing in April 2021. Selection committee member Kelly Klassen shared with paNOW that the community’s generosity was overwhelming.

River Tait. (Submitted/ Kelly Klassen)

Roper Blanchard is attending the University of Saskatchewan in the fall and aspires one day to be a veterinarian.

“In terms of going to school next year, it’ll be such a big jump of money that’s needed for the classes I want to take,” he said.

Although Blanchard had not met Thunderchild personally, his family wrote how proud they were to have had the opportunity to meet Thunderchild’s wife as well as the selection committee.

“Apples for Victor. It takes a community. Thank you,” they said.

According to a social media post by Victor’s wife Vi, she invited her in-laws to this week’s scholarship awards ceremony.

“It’s part of our healing journey together as a family,” she wrote. “Thanks to the committee for letting me participate and have a say in this night.”

Roper Blanchard. (Submitted/ Kelly Klassen)

As part of the ceremony, Thunderchild read some statements written by former students affected by Victor. Nicole Constant wrote Thunderchild was her favourite teacher.

“He made sure that we knew he had our backs, especially the kids coming in from the different reserves. He did so much for us and made us accountable,” she said.

Another former student, Chelsey Honch, shared Thunderchild changed her life.

“He inspired me to learn about the indigenous culture, to open my mind and to more importantly, my heart to all those that may not have all the love in other places,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell