At just 14 years old, Caleb Codi Atkinson is already being recognized as a leader in his community and a role model for youth across Treaty 1 territory.
The Grade 8 student from Roseau Valley School (RVS) has grown up in Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation (RRAFN) and will be honoured with the Promise Keeper Award at the upcoming Treaty One Gala on April 30 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
“It’s mostly for me admiring my Treaty 1 culture and my homeland,” Atkinson says. “It’s really cool and I finally get to be with my people.”
Atkinson was excited when he got the news about receiving the award.
“I just came back from school and all of a sudden my mom comes up and said they’d like to give Caleb the Promise Keeper Award for admiring his culture and homeland.”
And while he admits he doesn’t know many of the people who will be attending the gala, he is excited.
“I don't know that many people over there because they'll be from every single treaty. I'm just happy to be over there getting this award.”
Atkinson’s path has been deeply rooted in cultural teachings and ceremony from a young age. Initiated into the Midewiwin Society when he was just four years old, he quickly took on responsibilities within the lodge and has since advanced to the Second Degree.
Now, as an apprentice to the Chief Lodge Directors, he helps prepare and carry out sacred ceremonies.
“That's rarely held by someone his age,” says Jennifer Collette, Principal at Roseau Valley School. “A big part of what he does there is he ensures that all aspects of the ceremony are properly prepared and carried out and it’s a pretty important job. “
Atkinson is also a familiar face in cultural and community circles. He participates in after-school sports, takes part in moccasin-making and traditional stick game classes, and is currently studying Anishinaabemowin, his ancestral language.
He is a committed singer and dancer. He sings with the water drum, grandfather water drums, the big drum, and hand drums.
“The one that I danced is called the Prairie Chicken style,” Atkinson explains. “And I have my own drum group called the Golden Eagles.”
His passion and leadership haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, Atkinson was honoured as a Brave at the RRAFN Pow Wow, a role that speaks to the respect he’s earned from both his peers and community Elders.
Collette says she has had the privilege of teaching and getting to know Atkinson.
“Caleb has been really involved in his culture since he was quite young. I taught him when he was in Grade 3 and even then, from a really early age, he has been working hard to make sure that he is carrying out those cultural pieces and he's really involved in the community, and it makes me proud to know him.”
He was also part of the RVS Cultural Showcase. Atkinson danced for the entire school and community and talked to other students about why his culture is important.
“He has given back to our school community through being an authentic person in our building and sharing a story with people. I think that gives people bravery and courage to say, ‘Hey, I can do that too, I can be who I am’ and be proud of that,” Collette says. “I think when you have leadership in your building like that, it also promotes other people to be authentic and get in touch with their story.”
She says that Atkinson is a shining example of what it means to walk in a good way.
“When you think about people leaving school and being part of a community, I can totally see him taking on some leadership in the community, wherever he is.”
Atkinson continues to make a lasting impact on his community and will be a strong voice for culture, ceremony, and the next generations to come.