Indigenous Achievement Award Winner: Zach Lomsnes

Zach Lomsnes was a proud recipient of one of these awards. Lomsnes is originally from Big River, Saskatchewan, a proud member of Metis Nation Saskatchewan, and in his fifth year of kinesiology. He chose to study at USask with the opportunity to stay close and connected with family and friends.

“I love the USask campus and City of Saskatoon, the opportunity to stay close to home was important to me,” said Lomsnes. “I chose Kinesiology as being active has always been an important part of my life and taking Kinesiology left a lot of doors open for what I wanted to pursue next.”

Zach was honored to learn he had been selected for an Indigenous Achievement Award. The amount of work he has put in over the years has not gone unnoticed by himself, family, and peers, but the award is another piece of recognition and achievement to honor that.

“So many people I've met deserve the same recognition,” acknowledges Lomsnes. “These awards are great recognition and also show others if you're willing to put the work in then you can find success regardless of where you come from.”

Lomsnes gave recognition to the many people who have supported and inspired him throughout his academic journey such as family, friends, teachers, professors, and classmates. However, one person stood out among the rest, his grandmother.

“My grandmother was the person who inspired me the most, she instilled a desire to learn in me at a young age and it's easy to stay driven when reflecting back on those times.”

He is planning to apply to the College of Pharmacy to start next year with the hopes of continuing his education and further his understanding of the human body and ways to achieve optimal health.

“I believe Pharmacy allows me to do that while putting myself in a good position career wise. Across our province people rely on pharmaceuticals so it's a service that helps a lot of people but can also provide insight into how we can advance the health field.”