Seven Arts and Science recipients honoured at USask Indigenous Student Achievement Awards

More than 40 University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous students were honoured for their achievements during the USask Indigenous Student Achievement Awards on March 6.

Seven College of Arts and Science Indigenous students were recognized during the celebration that was held at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre. Arts and Science students were recognized in five categories: Academic Excellence, Community Engagement, Leadership, Research and Resiliency.

Read more about the recipients and their achievements below.

Academic Excellence

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Fraser McLeod, Métis citizen

DOUBLE HONOURS - COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

Fraser McLeod (he/him) is a proud Métis citizen in his final semester of a double honours degree in computer science and mathematics. Last summer, he engaged in research developing novel algorithms for quantum computers. Every year he’s been at USask he has been named to the Dean’s Honour List and was named an Academic All Canadian during his time as a Huskie Athlete. Fraser has shared his passion for learning by volunteering at weekly math help sessions, as an instructor for CampBox YXE, and as a teaching assistant.

Community Engagement

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Hannah Tremblay, Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation

HONOURS - THIRD-YEAR PHILOSOPHY

My name is Hannah Tremblay, I’m a proud member of Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation and I’m in my third-year of philosophy honours. I plan to pursue law in areas specific to human rights and multiculturalism. I have volunteered with Indigenous youth for most of my university career, supporting their journeys in their own cultures, uncovering interests in academia and providing a safe and engaging space. My goal is to be in a position that I may promote equity, safety, diversity and respect among all persons, which is both a goal and core value I hold to the highest regard that I credit to my participation in Indigenous learning and communal support.

Leadership

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Eileen Koshman

INDIGENOUS STUDIES MAJOR AND HISTORY MINOR

Her ancestral roots are in Green Lake, Saskatchewan, along with the Red River Settlement in Manitoba. Eileen is a third year USask Indigenous Studies major and history minor. Though she now lives in Saskatoon, her maternal grandparents raised her in small town Saskatchewan. Eileen wants her education to help marginalized people. She wants to enter a master’s program that will assist her in the empowerment of Indigenous communities helping them to find their voices.

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Trayce Williams, Ahtahkakoop First Nation

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR

Trayce Williams is a traditional powwow dancer from the Ahtahkakoop First Nation. He is a second year Arts and Science student, majoring in Computer Science. Trayce ran in the recent Indigenous Students’ Union bi-election. He was appointed Secretary Treasurer. Trayce first came to the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre as a very shy, polite, and kind student. He has shown considerable growth, and he has flourished into a leader and role model to his fellow students.

Research

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Olivia Andres, Sweetgrass First Nation

ISAP BSC BIOLOGY, MINOR INDIGENOUS STUDIES

Olivia Andres is a member of Sweetgrass First Nation with ties to Birch Narrows Dene Nation. She is pursuing a B.Sc. in biology and a minor in Indigenous studies, aiming to practice veterinary medicine and improve remote community access to animal care. Olivia has explored intersections of Indigenous and Western knowledges with an archaeological GPR survey team, a study abroad course focused on Indigenous Leadership and field research with wild horses on Sable Island, NS.

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Scott Caron, Métis

BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY

I am Scott James Caron (he/him), and I am Métis. I hope to shed light on the effects a short training session, which mimics video game stimuli, in our study can have on the reading ability of those participating in the experiment. My thesis has further implications because (much further down the line) this could translate into creating video games which specifically target reading ability to improve comprehension and speed of reading for a short duration (imagine a student playing this video game before a test who has a reading disorder such as dyslexia).

Resiliency

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Brett Hildebrandt, Citizen of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon Métis Local 126)

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND SCIENCE (HONS) IN HEALTH STUDIES (PSYCHOLOGY MINOR) AND A CERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL LANGUAGE

Brett (he/him) proudly identifies as a citizen of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon Métis Local 126). He aims to become a compassionate physician championing reconciliation and supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities’ mental health. Brett’s research, informed by personal experiences and centred on mental health interventions, drives him to foster understanding and healing. His dedication to rediscovering and reconnecting with his Métis heritage enriches his personal growth.

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