Q: Tell us about your journey, what led you to your area of study for post-secondary, and when did you decide Kitsaki was where you wanted to be?
A: My journey started in Stanley Mission and then moved to Air Ronge, where I finished high school. I was always involved, like being the football medic and working with Special Olympics – La Ronge. In 2021, I started studying Commerce in Marketing at Northlands College, and later, I moved to Saskatoon for the Edwards School of Business. While there, I also started studying for an Indigenous Governance and Politics Certificate. I’m part of the Indigenous Business Student Society, helping organize events. I’m also in the Cooperative Education Program, aiming to work at Kitsaki.
When I started university, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I liked Commerce and connecting with people. I also wanted to work for my community. Growing up, I always heard about Kitsaki and saw their ads but didn’t know much about what they did. Learning about Indigenous Business in Canada at university, I understood how important companies like Kitsaki are for community support. That’s why I became interested in Economic Development. The Cando Economic Development Indigenous Youth Summit I attended this summer really confirmed my interest in this field. I want to make a difference in my community like the professionals I met there.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?
A: I’m really excited about working for my community and knowing that my work will help improve people’s lives. I’m looking forward to learning from the experienced people at Kitsaki and building relationships within the communities. It’s great to learn about marketing in an environment that I’m
comfortable with and where I want to be in the future. I’m also happy to learn things during my coop placement that will help me and the communities in the long run.
Q: What are your goals when you are finished school?
A: After school, I plan to work in a city marketing position for a few years. Then, I want to move back to La Ronge and start building my life there. I hope to keep working with Kitsaki after my coop term. I also want to keep volunteering with Special Olympics in La Ronge and look for other ways to help in the community. My main goal is to help Indigenous youth from Lac La Ronge show what we can do to the world.
When I have more time, I’d love to get a dog, have a big garden, and maybe some pet chickens.
Sienna’s first day is January 10, 2024 and she will spend her time between Kitsaki’s offices in Saskatoon and La Ronge.