The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) and Great Plains College were proud to award the first SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS) to Warren Isbister-Bear at a luncheon on March 23.
The SIEDS scholarship was designed to recognize leaders in the Indigenous community by offering a scholarship to an Indigenous student who is actively enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development, offered by Cape Breton University and hosted at the Great Plains College Warman Campus.
"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 Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. "Today (March 23), we are proud and honoured to award this scholarship to a future Indigenous leader in economic development."
This year's recipient, 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.
"It was an honour to present this new scholarship to a deserving candidate who is very active in the community and has a passion for economic development, particularly as it relates to workforce development," said Brian Gobbett, vice-president academic at Great Plains College. "We look forward to supporting his journey throughout the MBA program and the impact he will certainly have in the Aboriginal community and beyond."
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. SREDA has invested a total of $10,000 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 $20,000.
"The SFNEDN is proud to partner with SREDA and Great Plains College to support our upcoming Indigenous leaders. Warren approaches his work, volunteering and support for initiatives that have meaningful and impactful changes in the lives of Indigenous people with great passion. We look forward to his continued success in helping to make Saskatoon and region an inclusive and inviting place for Indigenous people to live, work and contribute to our community," said Shaun Soonias Executive Director at the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network.
The MBA in Community Economic Development is offered on alternate weekends over a two-year period at Great Plains College Warman Campus. It allows students to earn an innovative MBA while working, with a focus on advanced skills in business, leadership, development and international management. Areas of specialization include strategic leadership, First Nations peace-building, international business and public administration.
More information on the SIEDS scholarship or Great Plains College's Entrance Scholarship program, visit greatplainscollege.ca/scholarships.
