The new Sprott awards recognize resilience, leadership and academic potential for Indigenous graduate students studying at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). These financial awards help remove barriers to success for Indigenous students.
The Sprott Indigenous Graduate Scholar Award is awarded to a new student entering a thesis-based graduate program. It is a renewable award valued at $25,000/year for a MSc student and $30,000/year for a PhD student. This year’s recipients are Taya Fedorchuk and Kim Lebel. The Sprott Indigenous Graduate Achievement Award is valued at $5,000 and is awarded to a current student in a thesis-based graduate program. This year’s recipients are Bella Amyotte, Jolynn Amyotte, Morgan Fleming and Jeremy Irvine. The award recipients’ graduate research showcases the innovation and range of research in AgBio!
Taya Fedorchuk
Research project: Growing horticulture crops in northern climates in hydroponic greenhouse conditions
Taya Fedorchuk is completing the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (major in Horticulture Science) program and is set to enter the Plant Sciences master’s program with Dr. Tim Sharbel (PhD) as a thesis supervisor. Fedorchuk is a member of Okanese First Nation.
“My project focuses on growing both vegetable and medicinal plants in small hydroponic greenhouse facilities within a Northern community,” said Fedorchuk. “The research will take place in the Métis community of Pinehouse Lake in Northern Saskatchewan.”
“By introducing a climate‑controlled growing unit, this project strengthens local food sovereignty and ensures reliable, year‑round access to affordable, nutritious produce. It also provides hands‑on training for community members and youth, helping them develop practical skills in local food production and contributing to long‑term regional food security. In the future, I hope to expand this work to other Indigenous communities across the country.”
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