SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship

Recognizing leaders in the Indigenous community

SREDA, the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) and Great Plains College are pleased to offer the SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS). This scholarship was created in 2018 to recognize leaders in the Indigenous community by offering a $5,000 scholarship to an Indigenous student who is actively enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development at Great Plains College Warman Campus.

SREDA has invested a total of $15,000 to be spread across four academic years. The Government of Saskatchewan has matched this investment, through its Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program, to total $30,000.

Students who qualify for this annual scholarship can receive up to $5,000 toward their education in the MBA in Community Economic Development program in their first or second year of study.

Applications are now closed.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2024

Christian Potts-Schwinghamer

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.

2023

Kelly Cameron

Kelly Cameron of Duck Lake, is the Business Supervisor, Indigenous Engagement at SaskEnergy, where his focus is to help prepare Indigenous communities and organizations for economic, community and business development opportunities to ensure they play a key role in the economy for years come, ultimately helping creating a better quality of life for their people. Kelly is a life-long learner, having previously earned a Business Administration Diploma in Management Studies from Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and a Bachelor of Management, Aboriginal Business and First Nation Governance from University of Lethbridge prior to beginning his MBA in Community Economic Development.

In addition to Kelly’s academic achievements he has also volunteered his expertise as a board member to many non-profit organizations that are committed to the advancement of Indigenous peoples, including the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Saskatchewan (ICCS), Saskatoon Aboriginal Professionals Association (SAPA) and United Way.

2021

Chelsie Dawn

Chelsie Dawn of Saskatoon, has always considered herself a life-long learner and values the importance of ongoing education as it creates new opportunities for her family and community. Chelsie’s previous post-secondary education has seen her achieve a Bachelor Degree in Aboriginal Public Administration (APA). Throughout her years since attending university, Chelsie has dedicated her career to working in the not-for-profit sector and specifically for Indigenous organizations. She has utilized her experience and skillsets to assist not-for-profit organizations with housing initiatives and training/employment opportunities for Indigenous families and individuals.

Chelsie is an advocate for the importance of volunteerism and she has been involved in a number of initiatives that benefit the Indigenous community and society as a whole. Among others, these included the Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik (Women Walking Together) support network, coordination assistance for the Awasis Education Conference, member of the Indigenous Cultural Competency Taskforce with Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership, the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan and provision of consultative expertise for the economic development sector of Akisqnuk First Nation.

2020

Kelly Fiddler

Kelly Fiddler of Waterhen Lake First Nation has over 15 years of service in Indigenous economic development, including starting the Waterhen Lake First Nation Development Corporation and directing the HireFirstNation program, a $3 million 3-year program hosted by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). Under Kelly’s management, HireFirstNation put more than 650 Indigenous people to work.

Kelly’s time in the MBA in Community Economic Development program has allowed him to build skills that are much needed in Indigenous communities. Upon completion of the program, Kelly hopes to continue to assist First Nations in developing projects that will bring economic sovereignty to Indigenous people.

2019

Melvina Aubichon

Melvina Aubichon of English River First Nation, has been involved in Indigenous economic development since a very young age helping her father run his businesses. After a short time working at a northern mine site, she returned to school to pursue her passion for administration and economic development – first with a Business Administration diploma from Saskatchewan Polytechnic followed by a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her current enrolment in the MBA program.

Upon completion of the MBA in Community Economic Development, Melvina’s goal is to engage more employers and industries in meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for Indigenous people, particularly in northern Saskatchewan.

2018

Warren Isbister-Bear

Warren Isbister-Bear of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, is a recent graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Public Administration program, and currently works as a planning and development analyst within the Employment Development and Career Services department of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology. He is also the president and active member of the newly established Saskatoon Aboriginal Professionals Association, whose mandate is to build partnerships and networking opportunities for Aboriginal professionals in Saskatoon.


Business in Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s mix of economic diversity, low business costs and high quality of life make it the perfect place for businesses and people to thrive.

Life in Saskatoon

From a low cost of living and short commute times, to great schools and endless entertainment options, there’s no better place to work and play.

Business in Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s mix of economic diversity, low business costs and high quality of life make it the perfect place for businesses and people to thrive.

Life in Saskatoon

From a low cost of living and short commute times, to great schools and endless entertainment options, there’s no better place to work and play.