Lori Waterhen, a member of Ministikwan First Nation, was recognized for her resiliency at the USask Indigenous Student Achievement Awards. (Photo: Submitted)

Fourth-year Edwards student a single mother with entrepreneurial aspirations

Lori Waterhen is in her fourth year of business management at the Edwards School of Business. She is also a single parent of four children.

By Kim Fontaine

Waterhen was recognized with an award for resiliency 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.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this prestigious award,” said Waterhen. “I want to thank the IAW committee and my outstanding support system for the nomination and the support throughout my educational journey. Hiy Hiy!”

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 Waterhen a few questions about her journey at USask.

Why did you choose the Edwards School of Business and the business management major?
I chose Edwards School of Business because of its reputation and highly regarded business education program in Canada. To achieve my goals of becoming an entrepreneur, I felt Edwards School of Business would be the best fit.

What has helped you to stay motivated and committed to your studies?
To stay motivated, I remember how far I have come, why I am here and what I want my future to look like. It'’ easy to be unmotivated in today’s environment, with so much uncertainty, change and challenges, but I keep in mind success is mine to lose and I’m not ready to lose.

Has someone in your life inspired you to get to where you are today?
Since I could remember, I’ve always wanted to go to post-secondary, but it was Mr. Deacon, an instructor at an upgrading program, who told me to stop making excuses. He taught me the only thing standing in my way was myself.

What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to become an entrepreneur and create an organization with meaning and opportunities for others and myself.

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 represents the journey of learning and growing together as a society. It represents the hard work and dedication each of us has done to get where we want to be. It also creates relationships and partnerships that have helped us throughout our journey.

Tell us anything about yourself that you would like us to share.
Without family and friends’ support, I would not be where I am today, and I am forever grateful and thankful for everyone who helped me. As a single parent, I will never forget the sacrifices my children made so I could strive for a better future. Hiy Hiy!