SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) values the role young indigenous students play in developing a strong and diverse local economy. That is why SREDA announced today a new scholarship, the SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS). This scholarship is offered through Great Plains College located in Warman, Saskatchewan.
“We are happy to partner with Great Plains College and the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network on awarding scholarships to future indigenous leaders in economic development,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “This investment is part of SREDA’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, specifically the call for ensuring aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities in the corporate sector.”
“The SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship is an example of SREDA’s commitment in supporting the next generation of indigenous leaders whose hard work will strengthen and grow our local economy,” said Jonathan Huntington, Board Chair of SREDA.
Students who quality for this annual scholarship can receive up to $5,000 toward their education in the Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program in their first or second year of study. SREDA has invested a total of $10,000 to be spread across four academic years. The Government of Saskatchewan has matched this investment to total $20,000 as part of their Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship funding.
“Great Plains College, SREDA and the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network are committed to meaningful consultation with one other, with the foremost aim of building respectful relationships with indigenous peoples and communities,” explained Brian Gobbett, VP Academic at Great Plains College. “The establishment of this scholarship and the support for indigenous students is only the beginning of what I foresee to be many, many positive outcomes of this relationship.
“Our goal at the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network is to assist in navigating a path where a higher percentage of First Nations are actively participating in the provincial economy,” said Shaun Soonias, Executive Director at SFNEDN. “We are pleased to partner on this scholarship to assist the next indigenous economic development leaders in Saskatchewan.”
For more information, and to apply for the SIEDS, visit: greatplainscollege.ca/scholarships
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About SREDA
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) strengthens and grows the local economy by providing programs and services in the areas of business attraction and expansion; entrepreneurship support; regional economic development and planning; economic forecasting and analysis; and marketing the Saskatoon Region. For more information, visit SREDA.com.
About Great Plains College
Great Plains College offers post-secondary certificate, diploma and degree programs – as well as university, skills and safety training, adult basic education and English language training – at locations across Western Saskatchewan including Kindersley, Swift Current, Warman, Biggar, Maple Creek and Rosetown.
About the SFNEDN
Established in 2012, the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) was created organically through discussions among key First Nations economic development leaders who shared common goals and a vision for First Nations economic development in Saskatchewan. The mission of SFNEDN is “To promote and support the sustainable economic livelihood of Saskatchewan First Nations communities through building capacity, relationships and knowledge” focusing on capacity development, networking, communications and research and advocacy.
For more information on SREDA, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724 E: elawson@sreda.com
