Betty Anne Shankar with the purchased rubber boots. (Image Credit: battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Alyssa Rudolph

'They have cute little designs for the little kids'

175 rubber boots break barriers for students on Thunderchild First Nation

Apr 28, 2026 | 11:02 AM

175 rubber boots.

That’s enough to supply every child at Thunderchild First Nation’s Piyesiw Awasis School with a brand-new pair.

“We are giving them away because every child matters,” said Betty Anne Shankar, director of prevention. “It’s important; it builds up their self-esteem, it’ll help with their attendance. Who wants to go to school with wet shoes and wet feet?”

The school, which educates youth in the area from kindergarten to Grade 12, has an ongoing focus on land-based learning.

“You have to be outside for that, and especially with all the water we’ve been getting, and the snow. This will certainly help them and remove a lot of barriers,” she said.

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This isn’t the only time Shankar and the prevention team have helped to supply the school children with footwear.

“In the spring we purchased running shoes for them. Now, with the rubber boots, a couple of the directors sat together, and we came up with this idea. I think it is a wonderful idea.”

In total, roughly $3,500 was spent to provide each child with a pair of boots and socks.

“In the prevention program, this is what we do. We work with youth at risk and with them, attendance is important and this will remove a lot of barriers for them, but it is also fun and exciting,” Shankar said.

“I am so excited, they have cute little designs for the little kids. I am excited for them to see their boots!”

—

Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

175 rubber boots break barriers for students on Thunderchild First Nation

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