Karris Wuttunee (left) and Kendon Nighttraveler (right) were recognized with SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards of Excellence (SasktTel/Website).
SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards of Excellence

Two local students recognized for their achievements and dedication

Jun 24, 2025 | 4:37 PM

Two young local leaders have been recognized for their remarkable achievements and dedication to the community.

Karris Wuttunee of Red Pheasant Cree Nation and Kendon Nighttraveller of Little Pine First Nation were both recently named recipients of the 2025 SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards of Excellence.

The annual awards celebrate the accomplishments of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth between the ages of 14 and 18 across the province who demonstrate excellence in areas such as culture, community, sports, leadership, and academics.

Karris Wuttunee

Karris Wuttunee, a student at John Paul II Collegiate received the Culture and Community Award for her commitment to caring and giving back to others in the community. With a GPA of 92%, she is not only a high achiever academically, but also an active force in promoting Indigenous culture and values. In June 2024, she also earned the Indigenous Advocacy Award and Honour Roll Award.

As a proud member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Karris spends her spare time volunteering at round dances, powwows, youth programs, community events and just about anywhere she can. Her passion for giving back and supporting others has made her a role model at school and in her home community.

“It was really unexpected and surprising that I won, I’ve always just done it because it helps me feel like and become a better person,” said Wuttunee.

“I like to help out a lot in my community and try to be an inspiration for others. I like to go to elders’ homes, volunteer wherever, and just help however I can. I just want to encourage others to try their best and give back,” she added.

Karris expressed gratitude to her family and mentors by saying “I would say thank you to my mom and some of my aunties and then a few teachers that I am close with. I’ve always liked giving back and I’ve always been taught that I should be grateful and try to give back as best as I can so that I can represent my culture.”

Kendon Nighttraveller

Grade nine student Kendon Nighttraveller was awarded the Sports and Recreation Award for his exceptional involvement in athletics and sports in the community. A student at Chief Little Pine School, Kendon is a standout multi-sport athlete, playing competitive soccer and hockey.

He currently plays with the Battlefords United Football Club and secured a spot on the Rivers West soccer team for the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games. He also plays hockey with both the AA North Battleford Barons and the Maidstone Jets.

“It was exciting and a nice honor, I didn’t really think that was possible that I would get recognized,” Nighttravller said.

Nighttravller credited his love for sports to his early years with family.

“My dad showed me how to play sports at a young age, and I just fell in love with it. Now, I want to try and play college soccer somewhere,” he explained.

When asked about who inspires him, he said, “I look up to my dad, my Mushum (Grandpa), and my friends.”

The SaskTel Indigenous Youth Awards of Excellence continue to highlight the positive contributions Indigenous youth are making across Saskatchewan. Wuttunee and Nighttravller’s stories of dedication, and leadership stand as shining examples of what it means to represent the community while staying true to culture and passion.

austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes

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