USask Engineering students earn Indigenous Achievement Awards

Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) is an annual University of Saskatchewan event that celebrates Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff, faculty, and alumni success. This year’s IAW is March 10-14, 2025. Throughout the week, various events will be hosted by USask units and colleges, including the Indigenous Student Achievement Awards on Thursday, March 13, celebrating Indigenous student success. Students will be honoured for their academic achievements, community engagement, leadership, research and resiliency. 

Two USask Engineering students are receiving recognition in the 2025 ceremony:

Award: Resiliency
Program: Environmental Engineering
Community: Métis Nation Saskatchewan

Raenna Hesje graduated from high school in 2014 and spent the next seven years working in the service industry. During this time, she faced significant personal challenges, including struggling with addiction, but also became a mother to a beautiful son. In 2020, she achieved sobriety, which marked the beginning of her educational journey.

In 2021, Hesje enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan’s engineering program. After such a long break from formal education, the transition presented its own set of challenges, especially as she balanced her studies with the responsibilities of motherhood. However, Hesje embraced this challenge with determination and confidence, proud of the resilience she displayed in returning to education.

Hesje has always been passionate about the environment, and her ambition is to contribute to a brighter, sustainable future for her son and future generations. It was that passion that drew her to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering. She is on track to graduate with distinction in spring 2026.

In addition to her academic success, Hesje is an executive member of both the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Environmental Engineering Student Society (EnvESS), where she actively contributes to the advancement of under-represented communities in science and engineering.

Award: Academic Excellence
Program: Mechanical Engineering
Community: Métis Nation Saskatchewan

Easton Hudson is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, born and raised in Saskatoon. He is currently in his second year of Mechanical Engineering.

From a young age, he developed a strong passion for mathematics and science, dedicating significant time to studying—something reflected in his academic achievements. Hudson has long been fascinated by robotics, vehicles, and nuclear power, which naturally led him to pursue mechanical engineering. As he progresses through the program, he has developed a growing interest in mechatronics engineering. While this specialization requires a master’s degree, he is confident that his strong work ethic will help him achieve this goal.

Although he did not grow up immersed in Métis values and traditions, his family’s dedication to their heritage has recently deepened his understanding of their culture. This learning experience has shaped his values and beliefs, making him more aware of the environment in which he lives. Hudson believes these perspectives will be valuable in his journey to becoming a thoughtful and responsible engineer.

Outside of academics, Hudson enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, and volunteering. In the summer, he competes and volunteers with kart racing at Martensville Speedway, and in the winter enjoys playing hockey. He is an active member of the University of Saskatchewan’s Quarter Scale Tractor Team, collaborating with fellow engineering students to design and build a quarter-scale tractor.

Hesje and Hudson will be celebrated at the 2025 Indigenous Student Achievement Awards Ceremony on       Thursday, March 13, 2025. For more details, please visit: https://www.usask.ca/usask-events/events/2025/03/indigenous-achievement-awards-ceremony.php

Throughout the week there will be various events hosted by USask units and colleges, including:

• A grounding circle to start the week off in a good way. 
• The Indigenous Student Achievement Awards Ceremony. The awards celebrate Indigenous student success. Students will be honoured for their academic achievement, community engagement, leadership, research and resiliency. 

For a complete list of activities, stories, 2025 awards recipients and details about Indigenous Achievement Week, please visit https://spotlight.usask.ca/indigenous-achievement-week/index.php