Danyka (Aahwanakii) LaBelle, models leadership through her actions on a daily basis. In fact, the motto of her wrestling club is “Facta non Verba”, (Deeds not Words), which is how she has walked through her life thus far. She leads by example as the captain of her rugby team, as a highly respected member of the Alberta North American Indigenous Games team and one of the members of her schools' FNMI club. Danyka uses her knowledge and teachings to support and move forward, at her school, Orange Shirt Day, Red Dress Day, and the Moose Hide Campaign initiatives, creating awareness for teachers and students of the present day ramifications of historical events.

Danyka is aware of the value and importance of education today and recognizes that education comes in many forms. While she has been accepted at the University of Calgary in the Education program, she is hoping that her love of languages will allow her to explore the opportunity to revitalize the Michif and Cree languages among young people today. So, while a university education provides legitimacy in one world Danyka strives for legitimacy from her own community by receiving language communication from elders. Danyka’s goal of becoming a teacher and sharing her passion for sport and education with Indigenous youth, like her older sister and mother is a worthy endeavor. Her hard work and dedication to her studies and athletics was recently rewarded with the University of Calgary rugby and wrestling teams both offering her scholarships. This will make her a dual-sport athlete at the University level.

Through her experiences teaching hoop dance, powwow dance, and Metis jigging, Danya found her calling, her ability to listen, respond and encourage those she is surrounded by. This not only energizes her to provide more support but allows others to seek out their passions. Danyka’s positive outlook and enthusiastic spirit is contagious, and leads her to support and assist peers, family, elders and other community members.