Radiating cultural pride in her aboriginal heritage, Moonlite Supernault is becoming a leader for her generation.
The Grade 9 student at Penticton Secondary School is the Rotary Club of Penticton-Okanagan Student of the Month for May and is a cultural leader in Pen High’s aboriginal studies program which provides academic support for and cultural enrichment to the general curriculum.
“Were it not for Moonlite, our program would not be as rich as it is,” said Dustin Hyde, the school’s aboriginal education teacher. “She adds so much cultural knowledge and her willingness to put herself out there and take a big risk is something very few are willing to do.”
Supernault avails herself of every opportunity to share her knowledge and talents with others. Teaching how to play stick games in a school for at-risk students and bringing her drum along to introduce First Nations music and songs in any gathering are only two ways that she actively seeks to reach out to people. She often volunteers to dance, sing and play drums at community events. You may have seen her perform at the recent Family Literacy Day held at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, or at various cultural events elsewhere in our city.
Supernault is not shy about performing and is proud of representing her culture through traditional dance. She is not afraid to be in front of a group and talk about her culture.
“It is natural for me,” she said, admitting that she is more reserved in one-on-one conversations.
Supernault was selected as a princess for three different powwows, the first one when she was only 10 years old.
“It is like a beauty pageant, without the beauty,” she said, laughing. “You get chosen based on your abilities in public speaking, dance and another talent of your choice.”
In her case, her natural talents led to the hand drum and guitar.
“At first, I wasn’t very good at making speeches, but with a few pointers from my Mom and Dad, I really improved,” she said.
Her classmates said she is quiet in classes; open-minded; not afraid to show when she is annoyed; and always speaks the truth without fear of the consequences. Supernault’s career aspirations are in tourism and travel management where her natural people skills and abiding interest in history, geography and languages will be put to good use.
Being of aboriginal heritage has not always been celebrated fully; and as a proud and self-confident member of the newest generation, she wants to change the common portrayals of First Nations people.
The Student of the Month Award is a Rotary Club of Penticton-Okanagan initiative. The award aims to recognize outstanding students for unique combinations of achievement in scholastics, athletics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership and service to others. The Rotary Club of Penticton-Okanagan is partnering with Penticton Secondary School in this initiative, aided by a generous financial contribution from Gateway Casinos as part of their proactive involvement in wide-ranging community service projects.