Newly Elected Indigenous Student Trustee
Superior-Greenstone District School Board (SGDSB) is pleased to announce the election of Sam Sabourin as the new Indigenous Student Trustee, representing Indigenous student voice across the district. Sam was formally appointed to the role at the January 26th Regular Board Meeting.
Sam is a Grade 11 student at Marathon High School and a proud member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation). He brings to the role a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and a deep connection to land, culture, and community. An active student-athlete in basketball and volleyball, Sam also spends much of his time hunting, fishing, and trapping. He often speaks about the land as one of his greatest teachers, instilling patience, respect, and perseverance that now guide his leadership.
In his address to the Indigenous Youth Council, Sam spoke with honesty and courage about the realities many Indigenous students face, including mental health challenges, isolation, long travel times to school, and the importance of keeping students engaged and supported through to graduation. He shared his personal journey with humility, highlighting the importance of family support, determination, and believing in one's own strength.
Joining Student Trustees Miley Anthony and Rylee McLeod, Sam will help lead the Student Senate and support the work of the Indigenous Youth Council. Together, they will continue to strengthen student voice across the district and promote inclusive, student-centered initiatives.
“Sam represents the strength, hope, and leadership of Indigenous youth,” said Shy-Anne Bartlett, Indigenous Education Manager for SGDSB. “She shared that she is incredibly proud of Sam and the voice he brings forward, and is confident that his courage, commitment to community, and dedication to advocating for Indigenous students will have a meaningful impact across the system.”
Sam has expressed a clear desire to ensure Indigenous student voices continue to be heard, valued, and reflected in the decisions that shape their educational experiences. His vision is grounded in advocacy, inclusion, reconciliation, and the meaningful integration of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and leadership within schools.
Director of Education Will Goodman shared his excitement about working alongside Sam and the other Student Trustees, noting that “student voice is essential to strong leadership”. He emphasized that “this role is not only about learning together, but also about building relationships, sharing perspectives, and finding moments to learn and laugh together along the way.”
Superior-Greenstone District School Board looks forward to working alongside Sam as he begins his term and to the leadership he will bring through continued collaboration with the Indigenous Youth Council, students, staff, and Trustees. The Board invites the community to join in congratulating Sam Sabourin on this significant achievement and in welcoming him into this important leadership role.
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