Outstanding young alumnus celebrated
A young father, husband, and grandson tears up midway through his acceptance speech. Family and friends, young and old, look on as he honours his grandfather for his raising him with love, respect for their culture, and an understanding of the responsibility we share to model a passion for social engagement to the youth of our communities.
Thomas Benjoe, a member of the Muscowpetung First Nation, was speaking to hundreds gathered in the Regency Ballroom of the Hotel Saskatchewan at the October 5 Alumni Crowning Achievements Awards as he accepted the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Regina and the University’s Alumni Association.
Presenting the award to Thomas was Leanne Bellegarde, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, PotashCorp. She described a hard-working, knowledgeable young man who is deeply committed to his community and embodies the principles required for true reconciliation.
Thomas, age 31, is also the President and CEO of the multi-million dollar, First Nations-owned File Hills Qu’Appelle Developments Ltd.
Thomas graduated in 2011 from the First Nations University of Canada, one of the University of Regina’s three federated colleges, with a University of Regina Bachelor of Administration. He worked as a Commercial Account Manager, specializing in Aboriginal banking at the Royal Bank of Canada. While at RBC, he contributed to First Nations’ leadership through investment capital in First Nations’ economic development. This role, in many ways, set the stage for Thomas’ current role at the helm of FHQ Developments.
At FHQ, Thomas and his team are looking into both renewable sectors – solar, wind, and hydro – as well as non-renewables, with the long-term goal of creating employment and rebuilding the FHQ communities.
Thomas, clearing living by his grandfather’s example, maintains strong connections to First Nations’ youth as a mentor, thoughtfully weaving culture into all aspects of his life. Grounded in his community and culture, Thomas is also a proficient and respected beader, beading many of the crowns for the First Nations University Powwow Princesses.
An outstanding alumnus, a business and community leader, Thomas was awarded a Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year award in 2009 and, in 2013, he was named a CBC Future 40- Saskatchewan recipient. ALUMNI CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The evening saw five well-deserving U of R alumni honoured at the Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards:
Thomas Benjoe, Outstanding Youth Alumni Award
Dr. Joan Halmo, Distinguished Alumni Award for Humanitarian and Community Service
Dr. Gregory Krätzig, Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
Dr. Margaret Dagenais, Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Service
Guy Vanderhaeghe, Lifetime Achievement Award