RBC Neekaneewak Award expands Indigenous students’ horizons, celebrates leadership

Family, friends, and members of the University of Regina community gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of four outstanding Indigenous student leaders on April 11 at the 2025 RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Awards on campus.

“When Indigenous students come to the University of Regina, they bring with them their history, family, friends, ancestries, and their nations,” said John Bird, manager of the ta-tawâw Student Centre at the U of R. “This recognition of their distinct ancestries is the first point of contact to their individual leadership traits. Everything they learn builds on the journey that their ancestors carried with them. This connection to ourselves, our nations, our relations is where leadership growth stems from.”

When Indigenous students come to the University of Regina, they bring with them their history, family, friends, ancestries, and their nations. Everything they learn builds on the journey that their ancestors carried with them. This connection to ourselves, our nations, our relations is where leadership growth stems from. — John Bird, manager, ta- tawâw Student Centre

The Neekaneewak (they are leading) Leadership Initiative is a 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. The awards recognize Indigenous students who have demonstrated leadership in their academic, personal, and professional lives, and through community pursuits.

“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 are 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 four 2025 recipients are powerful examples of student leadership in action and represent the growing Indigenous student strength in Community, Academic, Professional, and Cultural Leadership.

Keigan-Courage Generoux, Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Community Leadership

Raised in a traditional household, Keigan spent a lot of time travelling to ceremonies, attending language programs, and watching his father be a role model for Indigenous people. Throughout his educational journey studying Business Administration in the Hill School of Business, Keigan has sought ways to support and participate in community — especially when it comes to his favourite sport of rugby, which he’s been heavily involved in for the U of R Cougars and Indigenous rugby clubs across Canada.

“In programming and coordinating sport, I find a lot of fulfillment in seeing the effect that it has on other people and communities themselves,” said Keigan. “All the values that are shared by everybody in the sport of rugby tend to leech into other areas of the community and it brings everybody together.”

Benjamin Taypotat, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Academic Leadership

Benjamin is in his final year of studying Environmental Systems Engineering at the U of R. Growing up, Benjamin was influenced by his mom’s perspective on education as the best way of overcoming the hardships that Indigenous people experience. So, Benjamin set the academic bar high and plans to use his Engineering degree and passion for the environment to help First Nations communities suffering from polluted water or soil.

“A leader is someone who is able to uplift and help those around them so that they can reach a common goal, and most importantly, it’s someone who is able to put others ahead of themselves,” said Taypotat.

Tasmin Petrowsky, Cowessess First Nation, Professional Leadership

Tasmin describes her education journey as “a little bit unconventional.” Tasmin spent 10 years in the service industry and starting her family before pursuing Business Administration, studying Human Resource Management, at First Nations University of Canada.

“You’re never too old to go back to school and start a career and get different experiences,” said Petrowsky, who plans to continue working in the Indigenous business and economic development sector, focusing on increasing economic capacity and engagement in First Nations communities.

Parker Schmaltz, Beaver First Nation, Cultural Leadership

Although Parker didn’t grow up immersed in his culture, his journey of cultural learning deepened through his experience in the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) as a second-year Bachelor of Education student, and through his involvement at the ta-tawâw Student Centre. 

“I want to thank RBC for recognizing Indigenous leaders on campus,” said Schmaltz. “It serves as a reminder that we can do it just like anybody else. We are equal and above. It means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to my fellow winners.”

Engaging in traditional ceremonies, language, and teachings transformed his identity and strengthened his commitment to being a lifelong learner and reconnecting with his Dane-zaa roots and nêhiyawak (Cree) worldviews. In university, Parker is dedicated not only to his academic studies but also cultural revitalization and personal growth, having taken on the role of oskâpêwis (Elder’s helper). This role involves assisting in ceremonies, learning traditional songs, and supporting those who carry forward traditional teachings with humility and respect.

Interested in applying for an RBC Neekaneewak Leadership award or nominating a student? Learn more from the ta-tawâw Student Centre

“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 are an important example of our commitment to supporting and empowering Indigenous students.”

Banner photo: The four recipients of the 2025 RBC Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative Award from L to R: Keigan-Courage Generoux, Benjamin Taypotat, Tasmin Petrowsky, and Parker Schmaltz. Credit: University of Regina Photography.