RAPA’s “A Proud Generation” Calendar Profile: Jada Yee – February 2015

Although this pic was taken years ago, Jada Yee still hasn’t aged a bit and was Mr. February for RAPA’s A Proud Generation 2015 Calendar (Photo by RAPA)

Every year, the Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association releases its “A Proud Generation” Calendar, which profiles Aboriginal Role Models in the community. RezX thought this was such a great initiative that we wanted to feature one of them, Jada Yee, who also happens to be February 2015.

“Envision what you want in life and go for it. Plan out the steps you need to achieve your goals in life and focus on success but do not fear failure because when we fail, we learn the most! Do not give up on what you really want to accomplish in life, when you have passion for what you do and inspiration, nothing can stop you!”  – Jada Yee.

FEBRUARY 2015 – JADA YEE

Jada Yee, is a 35 year old Lakota Sioux from the Wood Mountain First Nation and Chinese-Canadian.  Jada is a father to four amazing children and a devoted husband to a very supportive and strong wife of thirteen years. Every day he strives to learn something new so that I can pass that to his children. Jada’s main goal is to create a fulfilling life for my family. Becoming a young parent at the age of 21 helped Jada realize that he need to be a role model for continue a new journey in life. His children range in ages from 13 years old, 9 years old and twins who are 4 years old. Jada believes that his children teach him just as much as he teaches them and that being a parent is the most rewarding job that’s he’s ever had.

In 2013, Jada decided to return to the First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina to finish off his Bachelors in Business Administration. Aware that being a in a family of six did not how financially take an education leave from work, Jada decided to work full-time and take five full-time classes each semester. Jada firmly believes that his children were his motivational driver in not only pursuing his education but also showing him the value of education.

Jada has been employed with SaskGaming since November 1999 where he first started as a Part Time Security Guard. His world changed for the better in 2003 when he was selected to participate in the Aboriginal Management Development Program (AMDP), this opportunity allowed him to finish off his grade 12 and go to enroll in University as a Mature Student. SaskGaming allowed me to obtain him to obtain his Diploma in Business Administration and with a Certificate in Hospitality, Tourism, Gaming Entertainment Management. The AMDP program allowed Jada to expand his skills by placing him as a shift manager in every SaskGaming operations department where he has gained knowledge by being the Manager of Casino Operations; the Food & Beverage Shift Manager within the Food and Beverage department; and the Pit Manager within the Table Games department.  His various employment experiences have allowed me to gain relevant knowledge of all areas within the operations of the Casino including but not limited to: the Slots, Table Games, the Bank and the Guest Services.

Early on in Jada’s academic career an elder taught him to always give back to those who teach you. While in university, Jada was involved with volunteering for as many events as possible, this led him to being a Student Ambassador for the First Nations University of Canada Regina Campus as well as Master of Ceremonies for many events such as the Winter Festivals, Student Elections, and Convocation Ceremony.  He was also a part of the Student Association and served as a First Nations University –University of Regina Students Union Executive Representative and the Office Manager for the Student Association.

Jada also had the honor of volunteering to be the Chair of the Proud Generation Committee which helped showcase Aboriginal Youth Role Models throughout Saskatchewan in a Calendar. A Proud Generation Calendar inspired him to become more actively involved in his where he volunteers council member for the Red Cross.

Highpoints in Jada’s academic career have included research participation in a presentation that that combined First Nations Values with Gaming in Saskatchewan. It took a great deal of time and dedication but the result was an invitation to assist in presenting the project with Professor Joanne Goodpipe at the 15th Annual Gaming & Risk Taking Conference in Las Vegas at the end of May 2013.  Recently, Jada was awarded the “Third International Student Mobility Partnership on Cultural Diversity” scholarship from the University of Regina where he travelled to Mexico to study and interact with their five Indigenous populations for three weeks.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Jada will receive a Bachelor in Business degree in June 2015 where he plans he plans on continuing his education by applying for graduate school in Masters of Public Administration.

Jada credits the support of his family, First Nations University of Canada and his co-workers who he shares his successes with all of them.

– Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association

A Proud Generation Calendar is one proud initiative from the Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association

A PROUD GENERATION ABORIGINAL ROLE MODEL PROGRAM

Since its inception, the “A Proud Generation” Aboriginal Role Model Program has distributed more than $56,000 in the form of bursaries to over 90 Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan. All proceeds from calendar sales are re-invested in the youth through the bursaries and into the program the following year. Anyone can purchase calendars by contacting RAPA (Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association) who publishes them; rapanetwork@gmail.com. To learn how you can get involved or to nominate someone for the 2016 A Proud Generation calendar please visit: www.aproudgeneration.com or www.rapanetwork.com