Brayden Caron is a fourth-year marketing major in the Edwards School of Business. (Photo: Submitted)

Edwards student recognized for leadership at Indigenous Student Achievement Awards

Brayden Caron is from the small town of St. Louis, Sask., and a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. He is in his fourth year at the Edwards School of Business as a marketing major and is very active in the student community.

By Kim Fontaine

Caron is currently the head of student supports for the Indigenous Business Student’s Society (IBSS), and a member of the Edwards Business School Society (EBSS) and JDC West student organizations.  

Caron was recognized with an award for leadership at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Student Achievement Awards, which was held virtually on Feb. 4, 2021, to honour USask Indigenous students for their academic excellence, leadership, research, community engagement and resiliency.

The award ceremony was part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW), which celebrated the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty within the context of this year’s theme: nīkānihk itohtētān, walking together into the future.

We asked Caron a few questions about his journey at USask:

Why did you choose Edwards School of Business and a major in marketing? 

I am a big family person, so I wanted to stay close to home. Edwards is one of the top business schools in Canada, so it was a no-brainer when picking which college to attend in Saskatchewan. I decided to go for a business degree as it very flexible and opens a lot of doors. I chose the marketing major as I enjoy the creativity and critical thinking that it requires.  

What has helped you to stay motivated and committed to your studies? 

Having a strong support system has helped me stay motivated and committed to my studies. I am fortunate to have a loving family and good friends that I can always turn to when I need help. 

How have your studies developed your knowledge, skills and leadership? 

Alongside the technical knowledge and skills that I’ve learned in class, my university experience has helped me grow my confidence. I have always been a shy and timid person, but university has forced me to put myself out there and take risks.    

What are your goals for the future? 

I want to continue to grow my knowledge and skills. One of my biggest goals for the future is to get into the sports marketing industry.  

This year’s Indigenous Achievement Week theme is nīkānihk itohtētān, walking together into the future. What does this mean to you? 

Walking together into the future means everyone working together, no matter who you are or where you come from, and creating a better future. 2020 was a rough year for everyone and to improve we need to work together to solve the issues we face. In the end, we are all human and share the same Earth so we should work together to make it a better place for now and for future generations.  

Tell us anything about yourself that you would like us to share. 

  • I am a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and descendant from the Métis at Batoche. 
  • I have practiced karate for the past 15 years, achieving my second degree blackbelt and competing at national and world-level tournaments. 
  • Throughout my university career, I have been involved with multiple student organizations including the Edwards Business Students’ Society, Indigenous Business Students’ Society, and Jeux Du Commerce West.
Brayden Caron is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and descendant from the Métis at Batoche. (Photo: Submitted)