Master of Nursing Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship
Master of Nursing student Robyn Klassen is the recipient of the CGPS Indigenous Graduate Leadership Scholarship.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing wishes to extend congratulations to Master of Nursing student Robyn Klassen on being named recipient of the College of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) Indigenous Graduate Leadership Scholarship (IGLS).
Klassen is in her second year of the Master of Nursing thesis program and is located in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. She is a proud member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and practiced as a registered nurse at Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services as a public health nurse since 2015, before becoming the public health nursing supervisor in 2021. She is a certified First Nations Health Manager through the First Nations Health Manager Association.
“It is a true honour to have been selected as a recipient of the Indigenous Graduate Leadership Scholarship,” said Klassen.
The scholarship is aimed towards Indigenous students who have taken an active role of leadership within their community.
Klassen has coached with the La Ronge Figure Skating Club for twelve years, serves as treasurer on the Tri-Community Dance Club Board of Directors, and is on the Prenatal and Breastfeeding Support Committee, a joint initiative between the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Nisto Ihtāwina Early Years Centre, and Northern Medical Services.
Klassen has a love of physical activity and her research for her master’s program is focused on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) prevention with Indigenous Youth from two reserves in Saskatchewan exploring the experiences of the youth after participating in T2D educational lessons and physical activity.
“Coaching figure skating has allowed me to engage with the youth in my community, promote physical activity, and help them build self-confidence,” said Klassen. “I am committed to fostering positive change in my community by empowering youth to express themselves in healthy ways.”
Master’s students are eligible to receive up to $20,000 for up to 2 years as part of the Indigenous Graduate Leadership Scholarship.
"The IGLS Scholarship was established in 2018 to recognize and support Indigenous graduate students who embody that special combination of academic excellence and leadership in the community,” said College of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Dean Debby Burshtyn (PhD).
“Robyn Klassen exemplifies these qualities, highlighted by her research focused on early education to prevent poor health outcomes in ways that will resonate with Indigenous youth. Clearly a changemaker on the rise!".
Klassen says she’s fortunate she’s been able to work towards completing her advanced nursing education online from her home community of La Ronge and not relocate to Saskatoon.
“I have had the incredible opportunity to connect with fellow students from diverse areas across Canada, exploring nursing through a critical lens of exploration and discovery.”
When Klassen isn’t practicing as a registered nurse or volunteering in her community, she enjoys spending time with her two young children cross country skiing, hiking, swimming, and painting.
From everyone at the College of Nursing, congratulations Robyn on this receiving this prestigious scholarship!