(Red Pheasant Communications/Facebook)

By Alyssa Rudolph

student council

‘Leaders of tomorrow’: Chief Cody Benson of Red Pheasant Cree Nation swears in student council

Nov 19, 2025 | 5:18 PM

An election recently took place on Red Pheasant Cree Nation – one that could potentially foreshadow the future of local politicians.

Students at Clifford Wuttunee School participated in a swearing-in ceremony with Red Pheasant Cree Nation’s Chief after being elected to the student council.

Principal Lionel Pillar said Chief Cody Benson and his council wanted to get more involved with the annual student vote.

“Hopefully we’re going to work closer with the chief and council and possibly sit in a meeting with them and just kind of see how the process goes for one of their meetings,” Pillar said.

The students were nominated by their classmates for positions of chief, vice-chief, treasurer, and secretary. A separate vote also chose two classroom representatives from each class in Grades 5 to 8. The students selected for the roles will help organize spirit week, be active in all culture days, and help with other activities in the school.

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“This is a really good opportunity for our students just to show leadership. We’re looking forward to the remainder of the school year and what these students are going to do for us here,” Pillar said.

But it’s the future beyond the classroom that Chief Benson is most excited about. Many of the students involved will be heading into high school next year and he believes the council positions will help those teenagers learn to be role models through their leadership. He said the current involvement by those youth will help the First Nation create a better tomorrow for the next generation.

“It’s a very good thing for the school and the community and gives us insight on the youth and what the youth want to see in the community,” said Benson. “This is going to give them the opportunity to feel the power to lead the school and show them what it’s going to take because eventually, someday they’re going to have to take on these roles also as chief and council.”

Pillar added the youth elected were excited to inspire younger classmates and the official swearing in ceremony with Chief Benson and his council added to the sense of pride they have in representing the school.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com