MBA program attracts First Nations

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The University of Saskatchewan's College of Commerce recognizes the potential for business in the First Nation's sector of the economy.

Kelly Lendsay, a Metis, is the Scotiabank Director of Aboriginal Business programs with the College of Commerce. He is responsible for coordinating the development and delivery of courses on such issues as Aboriginal economies, land claims, resource development and health care.

Lendsay said even though "the strategic thrust of the program is designed to attract Aboriginal people" it is also a part of the normal MBA program at the university.

This program is open to all students and is a course of study that focuses on the unique commercial and economical aspects of First Nations communities.

Right now, there are four Aboriginal students studying for their MBA in Saskatoon, but Lendsay expects that number to increase in the near future. His own project for his MBA was a study on how to get more Aboriginal students into MBA programs.

Lendsay also sees a lot of interest from non-Aboriginal students in this program.

Lendsay knows a program like this is necessary for the future of First Nations. With a shrinking federal budget, First Nations will demand "more due diligence in selecting (management) candidates because they don't want to waste money," he said.

The MBA program at the University of Saskatchewan is designed for people who have no commerce education. Lendsay came from a recreation background before earning his MBA.

The program is four years long and is course and project generated. That means, unlike other post-graduate programs, a thesis is not required. In place of a thesis is a project, which is done within the community. The scope of MBA studies is so large that almost anything that involves business management can be examined for the project.

"A woman with a nursing background did a feasibility study on health services to First Nations communities," said Lendsay.

These projects must be done within the communities that are being studied, which gives the students practical experience in business management.

This program is attracting a lot of attention. Last July, the Farm Credit Corporation donated $50,000 directly to the first Nat6ions MBA program. Scotiabank donated $250,000 to fund Lendsay's position.