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At SMLS, our mission is to develop girls who can challenge and change the world and two current students are doing just that. Sena and Meera, both in grade 11, are the founders of The Indigenous Foundation, a grassroots advocacy group that is raising awareness and providing education for the rights of Indigenous communities.

Inspired by some of the globally-minded conversations that are regularly encouraged at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School through academic programming and Signature Programs, such as Global Citizenship, the two friends created The Indigenous Foundation with the intention of “doing their part to spread awareness and initiate change in the world for the better.” They have been making an impact ever since.

Since its creation in November 2020, The Indigenous Foundation has grown and evolved into a platform that is creating positive and lasting impact. What started off as a social media account has grown into an organization with over 30 team members and various sub-teams, each focused on a different aspect of raising awareness.

Now, a few years later, Sena and Meera are being lauded on a global stage for their work, having recently been named the 2022 winners of the prestigious Kurt Hahn Prize, awarded annually by the Round Square organization.

The Round Square organization is an internationally diverse  network of more than 200 schools from more than 50 countries across six continents that share an understanding of the hardwired link between character education and academic success. Meera and Sena’s recent achievement is particularly noteworthy because in the award’s 55-year history, only one other Canadian school has had a student receive the prize. 

“We are incredibly proud of all that Meera and Sena have done,” says Nancy Richards, Head of School. 

“At SMLS we have a mission to develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world. Meera and Sena are doing just that. These aspirational leaders have a goal to educate and bring awareness of Indigenous rights and the stories of these peoples in Canada. They have reached and inspired so many people with an important message of allyship in supporting Indigenous communities,” Ms. Richards adds.

This prestigious prize will be presented at the Opening Ceremony of the annual International Conference of Round Square in England this September by the President of Round Square, His Majesty King Constantine. As part of the award presentation, Meera and Sena will also have the opportunity to speak to all of the international student delegates about their project.

A cornerstone of our Global Citizenship Signature Program is to foster the individual development of key life competencies and personal character and empower girls to be change-agents, who positively contribute to their communities and the global world. These students are having an impact locally, nationally and now around the world. 

To learn more about The Indigenous Foundation or to get involved, visit their website, listen to their podcast, or follow them on Instagram.