REGINA — The University of Regina and RBC recognized the accomplishments of four outstanding Indigenous students at the RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Awards at a ceremony Friday at the U of R, along with the families of the award recipients.
The Neekaneewak (which loosely translates from Cree to they are leading) Leadership Initiative is an Elder-based leadership program run by the ta-tawâw Student Centre at the U of R. The initiative enhances cultural awareness and develops leadership skills in student participants through traditional and current ways of knowing.
“When our students succeed, we all win as a community, and as a society,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, President, University of Regina.
“Through our actions, the University of Regina is working to build the most inclusive and culturally affirming learning environment possible, and these awards presented today are an important example of our commitment to supporting and empowering Indigenous students.”
Now in its fourth year, the RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Awards recognize Indigenous students who have demonstrated leadership in their academic, personal, and professional lives. The award categories are Academic Development, Community/Personal Development, Professional Development, and Cultural Development.
“To solve the big, complex problems our world is facing, we need to surface valuable knowledge, principles and creativity from every source available. Traditional ways of knowing is one source of inspiration for the ideas that will move our world forward,” said Jon Barth, Regional Vice President, RBC. “Today we recognize and celebrate four outstanding wayfinders and change-makers whose actions ripple outward, strengthening our communities now and for generations to come.”
The following students were recognized:
Community/Personal Leadership
Keigan-Courage Generoux, Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Keigan-Courage Generoux is a student at Hill School of Business. He is in his final year of a Business Administration degree, majoring in Marketing. Raised in a traditional household, Keigan has spent much time travelling to ceremonies, attending language programs, and watching his father be a role model for Indigenous people.
Throughout his educational journey, Keigan has sought ways to support and participate in community. As a member of the U of R Cougar Men’s Rugby team, he has been involved on the board, participated in financial planning and fundraising, and captained the team. Keigan has also played with Indigenous Rugby Clubs across Canada and spent time teaching youth through Sport for Life and Rookie Rugby.
Academic Leadership
Benjamin Taypotat, Cree/Assiniboine/Saulteaux, Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Benjamin Taypotat is in his final year of Environmental Systems Engineering at the University of Regina. Growing up, Benjamin was influenced by his mom’s perspective on education as the best way of overcoming the hardships that Indigenous people experience. Benjamin set the academic bar high and has a 85.29 UGPA; he made the Dean’s list six out of nine semesters and has received numerous scholarships for his academic achievement.
After graduating, Benjamin plans to pursue a career working alongside First Nations communities across Canada to help bring sustainable engineering solutions to Indigenous communities and encourage youth to pursue an engineering-related post-secondary degree.
Professional Leadership
Tasmin Petrowsky, Cowessess First Nation
Tasmin Petrowsky is a Métis Cree student at First Nations University of Canada. She is in her fourth year of a degree in Administration in Human Resource Management. Throughout her academic and personal journey, Tasmin has been actively involved in numerous Indigenous community engagement and leadership development opportunities, including in her work with the Ministry of Environment (Government of Saskatchewan), Casino Regina, and the investment and business development firm FHQ Developments.
Tasmin is an advocate for positive health outcomes and has participated in harm reduction efforts with Planned Parenthood and Youth Education About Health. Inspired by her work experience, mentorship opportunities through the Hill and Levene Schools of Business, and volunteerism, Tasmin plans to continue working in the Indigenous business and economic development sector, focusing on increasing economic capacity and engagement in First Nation communities.
Cultural Leadership
Parker Schmaltz, Dane-zaa, Beaver First Nations, Treaty 8
Parker Schmaltz is in his second year of a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Regina through the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP). His journey of cultural reconnection began through SUNTEP and the ta-tawâw Student Centre, where he engaged in traditional ceremonies, language, and teachings.
Despite not growing up immersed in his ancestral ways, Parker has actively sought cultural knowledge, particularly through nêhiyawak perspectives and ways of knowing. His dedication to ceremony has been a path of healing, allowing him to overcome personal challenges and find strength in traditional teachings. As an oskâpêwis, he has assisted in ceremonies, supported Knowledge Keepers and Elders, and learned traditional songs.
Parker’s commitment to lifelong learning and cultural revitalization goes beyond personal growth—it defines his role as an educator. As a future teacher, he is devoted to supporting students on their path to cultural reconnection, creating a learning environment where they feel empowered to embrace their identity and take pride in their journey, just as he has.
In recognition of their leadership, award recipients each received a $5,000 award and a gift box from RBC, as well as a Star Blanket from the ta-tawâw Student Centre.
