SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship Awarded

WARMAN, SK – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN) and Great Plains College were proud to award the sixth SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS) to Christian Potts-Schwinghamer.

The SIEDS scholarship was established to recognize leaders in the Indigenous community by offering an annual $5,000 scholarship to an Indigenous student who is actively enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development. The program is offered by Cape Breton University and hosted at Great Plains College Warman Campus.

“We are proud to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders through the SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship. This scholarship not only recognizes the academic achievements and community involvement of its recipients but also invests in the future economic development of Indigenous communities,” said Erin Lawson, CEO of SREDA. “Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Christian Potts-Schwinghamer, whose dedication and vision will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity and resilience of our communities.”

Christian Potts-Schwinghamer is the Procurement Engagement Strategist for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. His passion for community and continued education, instilled in him from teachings by his Noohkoom (grandma), is the driving force behind his work to bring Métis entrepreneurs and large organizations together to foster productive business relationships that benefit all. The Entrepreneurial Support initiative, spearheaded by Potts-Schwinghamer, aims to address and understand the challenges his Nation’s entrepreneurs face and connect them with support, education and economic opportunities.

“I’m honoured to receive this year’s SIEDS scholarship,” said Christian Potts-Schwinghamer. “This award has alleviated academic financial burdens so I may continue to focus on my passion for economic development, and providing support to Métis businesses in Saskatchewan.”

“We are pleased to award the sixth SIEDS scholarship to Christian, a deserving candidate who fits the bill of ‘leader in the Indigenous community’,” said Brad Mahon, president and CEO at Great Plains College. “We look forward to seeing the many impacts he is sure to have in career and in his community.”

Since the partnership was first established in 2018, SREDA has committed $15,0000 toward the SIEDS scholarship, which has been matched through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program for a total of $30,000.

The MBA in Community Economic Development is a part-time hybrid program with courses delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes at the Warman Campus. Courses run approximately 16 weekends per academic year so students can earn an innovative MBA while working. The program focuses on strategic leadership, First Nations economic development and public policy. The next offering begins in September 2024 and more information can be found at greatplainscollege.ca/mba.