2013 SIGA Scholarship Program Continues to Grow, Support Students
- EFN Staff | December 16, 2013
It is students like Kevin Littlewolfe that SIGA scholarships are meant to benefit. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority recently announced the 2013 winners of the SIGA First Nations Scholarship Awards. This year, $30,000 will be awarded by SIGA to First Nations students in Saskatchewan to assist them in their educational pursuits.
Littlewolfe picked up $1,000 to help support him and his family as he works on completion of his Business Administration Diploma.
"I grew up with SIGA," said Littlewolfe, who has six years of service at SIGA in security. His long term goal is to get his degree and a Masters and then return to his employment with SIGA. "This scholarship came at the right time of the year," added Littlewolfe whose wife is also in school and there are kids and sports and life to deal with. "My kids sacrifice a lot while we go to school, so this will really help Christmas. Its all about the kids."
"The SIGA First Nations Scholarships Awards program provides opportunities to encourage education and continued learning. It also helps students successfully achieve career goals within SIGA and the broader community," says Zane Hansen, President and CEO, SIGA. "SIGA developed the scholarship program to address fields where recruiting has traditionally been a challenge."
For the 2013/2014 academic year, two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to students in Information Technology, Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism Management and or to students pursuing a Masters or PhD in any field. In addition, two $2,500 scholarships were awarded to students studying Communication or Electronics and fifteen $1,000 scholarships were awarded to eligible students in any other field.
Pat Cook, VP of Corporate Affairs with SIGA, is pleased with the number of quality applicants that have applied this year.
"In previous years, we've awarded $25,000 annually. We've increased this amount to $30,000 in response to the record number of applicants and quality candidates for our scholarship program. It's exciting to see many passionate First Nations students seeking quality educational opportunities to enhance their own lives and communities. SIGA is proud to contribute to these candidates' educational goals," says Cook.
For Cassandra Opikokew, the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship from SIGA, the award will have a great impact on her ability to conduct her research.
"I would not be where I am today without the generous support of SIGA. They have supported me from my undergraduate, to my Master's, and now my PhD," said Cassandra Opikokew. "All the way through, their support has allowed me to continue my research and advocacy work in the area of Indigenous peoples' health and education around the world. I continue to be honoured and humbled by their support and by my group and by my group of fellow recipients."