DEVELOPING A SENCE OF PLACE
The Edwards School of Business is proud of its record in serving the business education needs of Aboriginal students. This success has been largely linked to the generosity of Mr. Gordon Rawlinson. In 2001, Mr. Rawlinson made a $1 million donation to the Rawlco Resource Centre for the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal people seeking a business degree.
You will find our Aboriginal graduates in the top echelons of many Saskatchewan organizations, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. The generous support of Mr. Rawlinson has made the Rawlco Role Model campaign a possibility with the assumption of the production costs involved in the campaign.
Gord Rawlinson B.Comm. ('68)
"It is important for the future of Saskatchewan that more
First Nations and Métis people are in business in this
province. Entering the College of Commerce from Prince
Albert, I know the challenges I faced adapting to life at
university. For many First Nations students, these
challenges can be much greater and may even be a
disincentive to pursuing a business education."
Aboriginal business students at the Edwards School of Business enjoy a host of support through the Rawlco Resource Centre and from further contributions by Scotiabank, Procter & Gamble and other donors.
Rawlco Resource Centre
Students at the Edwards School of Business have a dedicated
space to work, study, and develop a sense of collegiality among
their peers.
Rawlco Resource Library
The Rawlco Resource Library is home to a dedicated
collection of books and literature related to a business
education and Aboriginal issues.
Tutoring Assistance
Aboriginal student academic success is supported through
assistance with the financial costs of tutors, both for individual
and group subjects. Workshops are also held from time to time
to assist students with necessary study skills.
Math Pre-Requisite Classes
Fully funded Grade 12 Math B30 and Math C30 are
offered to Aboriginal students who need these courses
to meet pre-requisition admission requirements to the
Edwards School of Business.
Awards & Scholarships
There are significant entrance, continuing, and one-time
financial incentives through awards, scholarships and
bursaries dedicated to Aboriginal students at the
Edwards School of Business in both the undergraduate
and graduate programs.
Professional Development Fund
Aboriginal students are encouraged to build professional
networks and memberships through participation in
conferences, career fairs, related program certifications,
and to explore other opportunities to expand their
business education.
Financial/Bursaries
In order to ensure Aboriginal students can stay focused on
their academic success, emergency financial assistance is
available to offset those unexpected life events that can
occur such as sickness, family deaths or household and child
care expenses.
Elder Services
Students seeking the support of an Elder may find assistance
through the Rawlco Resource Centre and funds are available
for honorariums and ceremonial events.
Cultural Events
Opportunities to share in Aboriginal culture are provided
throughout the year with prayer ceremonies, sweat lodge
ceremonies, and opportunities to attend round dances,
Pow Wows, and other local events.
Promoting a Business Education to
Aboriginal Youth
The future of Saskatchewan will be largely influenced by the
growing and youthful Aboriginal population. The Edwards School
of Business is actively promoting a business education to
Aboriginal youth with site visits, career fairs, and a national role
model campaign.
Rawlco Aboriginal Business Student Ambassadors
Aboriginal students have an opportunity to give back to their
communities and inspire Aboriginal youth to pursue a business
education as volunteers and role models in activities promoting
a business education to Aboriginal youth. They also volunteer
at conferences and events related to their own business
education providing them with opportunities to build a
professional network.
Rawlco Aboriginal Business Student
Services Assistants
Aboriginal business students have opportunities to be employed
as student assistants under the supervision of the Director of
Aboriginal Initiatives on various projects and events.
Student Information/Database
Self-identified Aboriginal business student information is
being collected to create an accessible and useful database
of student information.
PAWS group
Self-identified Aboriginal business students and alumni form
the basis of a dedicated internal website that allows targeted
communication to and among students.
ABSS support
The Edwards School of Business has the only
Aboriginal business student society in Canada
and their efforts build relationships with the business
and professional community.
Developing Identity - "This is Your Future"
Promoting a business education to Aboriginal youth is
also about inspiring them, showing them our success stories,
and awakening them to the opportunities possible with a
business education. "This is Your Future" is where we house
these efforts.
Scotiabank MBA Bridging Initiative and Award
Aboriginal MBA prospects are introduced to the Edwards
School of Business Master of Business Administration
program through the Bridging Initiative. Aboriginal candidates
compete for a substantial $10,000 scholarship.
