April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. “Napi on the Spectrum” for Autism Awareness.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Kainai Board of Education is pleased to feature “Napi on the Spectrum” for Autism Awareness – a design created by former KBE Employee Elmer Soldier. As Elmer explains, “Napi had to be cartoonish so the kids could understand that he’s different — and that he’s actually one of us.”

Mr. Soldier, a former KBE employee of 24 years, looped his career as an Educational Assistant, working with one of KBE’s Natoyiipookaiksi 'Holy Children' students. Their journey together started in 2000 at Aahsaopi Elementary (now Issoitapi Elementary School), continued through Tatsikiisaapo'p Middle School and Kainai High School, all the way to graduation!

After retiring, Mr. Soldier, started making T-shirts “as a fun thing to do”. He was asked by a Saipoyi Community School Employee to create a shirt for Autism Awareness. Elmer states “I looked at other autism shirts, there was no Aboriginal angle. I started thinking about my days at Aahsaopi School and Mrs. First Charger (Kainai Elder and former KBE employee) shared a lot of Napi stories.” Elmer realized that Napi could be seen as being on the spectrum as the design was going on an elementary school shirt. “Napi had to be cartoonish so the kids could understand that he’s different — and that he’s actually one of us.” Upon completion of the design, all KBE Schools and District Office ordered shirts to promote “Napi on the Spectrum”

Elmer is from Swan Lake First Nation, Manitoba. He and his wife Donna (Russell), from Kainaiwa Blood Tribe, moved back to Kainaiwa Blood Tribe in 1999, after 18 years of building their family in Manitoba. Elmer and Donna have three wonderful children, and three grandchildren. Elmer's love for his career, continues his devotion to work as a casual employee in KBE Schools. 

Image attached was created for KBE LED Signs. Click HERE to view.