The Friends of Education Award recognizes individuals or organizations who are committed to improving education for Alberta students and who have made an important impact to education in Alberta. This year, the Peace River School Division (PRSD) has nominated Wendy Goulet for her outstanding leadership and passion for educating students within PRSD.

Wendy Goulet, an Administrative Assistant for Aboriginal Services, leads the Peace River Aboriginal Interagency Committee, and continues to make ongoing, significant contributions to support student learning across the division.

Known for her tireless dedication to the community, Wendy has created multiple opportunities for all students and staff to learn more deeply about Indigenous cultures.  Each year, Wendy dedicates countless hours to ensure that Peace River Pow Wow takes place.  When it was not possible for everyone to gather, she embraced virtual means to continue Pow Wow. She also created multiple opportunities for Elders and knowledge keepers to share their wisdom online. She helped organize events at Riverfront Park to acknowledge the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and will continue to do so this year as well.  

Wendy has also not hesitated to enter classrooms to offer her support.  She has helped facilitate our regional Blanket Exercise to enable students to understand more deeply about our local history.  As well, she has helped guide students in how they can support Sisters in Spirit events which are meant to remember and raise awareness about local Indigenous women, girls and men who have been murdered or gone missing.

The PRSD Board of Trustees also works closely alongside Wendy who has offered advice about how to best demonstrate our respect for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and how to begin the process to bring the Treaty 8 flag and the Métis flag into the boardroom before resuming flag raising ceremonies for all our schools.  

The Peace River School Division is proud to nominate Wendy for this award and appreciates her willingness to connect educators, students, and community members to opportunities that allow for engagement and participation in our local cultures and for learning about our history from an Indigenous perspective in a meaningful and heartfelt way.