USASKUniversity of Saskatchewan | Saskatoon | Canada | 2019 - 2020Indigenous Viewbook

telling OUR STORIES

With a history going back more than 110 years, it’s not surprising that the story of the University of Saskatchewan (uSask) continues to change and evolve as the university itself evolves to meet the needs of students and our local and global communities.

uSask is a welcoming place where you will find programs, services and people dedicated to your personal and academic growth, and where we hope you will see yourself as a part of our shared future.

In 2013, the University of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, Elders and other campus stakeholders, designed a suite of icons based on symbols that represent Indigenous cultures from across Saskatchewan.

When you visit the University of Saskatchewan, you will see these symbols represented throughout the campus as an important part of our visual identity.

Ida McLeod ê-kî-nihtâwikêt yêkawiskâwiskamâhk okâniskocâpâna mâsaskâpawa. mâsaskâpaw otêsa atâhkakohpa êkwa idapan ayâwêw kôtak câpâna Marie Vandall, otanisa mâsaskâpawa ana askâw ê-isiyihkâtiht “cîhcam.” onatawihikêw wîsta.

kayâs îspi ê-apisit îspi nânitâw, âhkosiwiw sapopayin yêkawiskâwikamâhk. mihcêt ê-nakataskêcik, mihcêt awâsisak ê-pônê-wâskâwicik êwako ohci kisisowin. nôhkom ê-kî-nipahi-kiskisot mitoni ê-kî-nipahi-âhkosit.

nicâpân ê-kî-âsotat ôma, “kîspin nitânis ê-sapo-pimâtisit ôma tipiskâw nitasotân ê-wah-wîcihat ka-kiskinohamiht iskwayikok nikaskîhtan.” êkosi nôhkom ê-kî-sapo-pimâtisit ôma ê-tipiskâk, ê-ati-miywayât. êkosi mitoni ê-kî-wîcihat ka-kiskinohamiht kwâyask. nîswâyaw ê-kiskinohamiht, âkayisimowin isi, ekwa nêhiyawêwin isi.

ispî ê-itâhtopîponêt nânitâw 12, idapan ê-kî-nawasoniht ka-nakiskawat kihci-okimaskwêw. ê-kî-ati-kiskinohamâkêt 1950s. aya, kîsihtâw kiskinohâmotowini- degree 1971 ispî ê-kî-ati-kiskinohamâkêt, môy mihcêtiwak kiskinohamâkêwak ka-nêhiyawiwêcik.

1972 kî-mâciw Saskatchewan Indian Language Institute kisiskâciwan iyinitow-iyiwak kiskinohamâtowwikamikohk. pah-peyakwân ê-kî-kiskinohamâkêt nêhiyawêwin kisaskaciwan kihci-kiskinohamâtowikamikohk. nîstâm nêtê nêhiyawwêwi-kiskinohamâkêwa. mêtoni sôhkî-âtoskatam ka-kânâwêyihtahk nêhiyawêwin. kî-osîhtahk, kî-masinaham nêhiyawi-masinahikana. mêtoni ê-pakâskî-nêhiyawêt, mitonê kwâyask ê-kî-nêhiyawêsinahikêt.

ê-tâwahikêt itê ê-kî-kânawiyihtamahk kinêhiyawêwininâw. ê-pône-wâskâwît 1982.

Ida McLeod was born at Sandy Lake (Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation). Her ancestor was mâsaskâpaw. mâsaskâpaw was the older brother of atâhkakohp and the late Ida had another grandparent, Marie Vandall, the daughter of mâsaskâpaw, who was sometimes named “cîhcam.” She was a healer.

Long ago when she was little, when she was two, a sickness passed through Sandy Lake. Many left the earth; many children died because of fever. My grandmother truly had a fever; she was truly sick.

My great grandfather made a vow, “If my daughter lives through the night, I vow that I will give everything so she can get educated.” And my grandmother lived through the night and began to get better. And he truly helped her get well-educated. She was educated in English and in Cree.

At the age of about 12, she was selected to meet the Queen. She started teaching in the 1950s. She, however, finished her education degree in 1971. When she started teaching, there were not many teachers who were Cree.

In 1972, she started the Saskatchewan Indian Language Institute at the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College. At the same time, she taught Cree at the University of Saskatchewan. And she was the first Cree teacher there. She worked very hard to preserve Cree. She wrote and created Cree books. She spoke very well and she wrote very well.

She created a space where we can preserve our Cree language. She passed away in 1982.

Submitted by family of Ida McLeod

Ida McLeod

Randy MorinBachelor of Arts – Indigenous Studies (First Nations University of Canada) | Bachelor of Education (ITEP – University of Saskatchewan) | Master of Education (University of Victoria) | Faculty member in Indigenous Studies, College of Arts and Science

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SASKATOON STARPHOENIX

With motivation from his 106-year-old grandmother, Flora Weenonis, and his inner drive, Randy Morin decided to pursue higher education to create a better life for himself. Studying first at First Nations University of Canada at the University of Regina, Randy became interested in continuing his education when he saw he could contribute to making changes that will benefit others. “I realized that knowledge is power and that most of the education that was taught to me from K-12 did not include enough Indigenous content or history,” he explains. “It wasn’t until I…started taking Indigenous Studies classes that I started to learn the true history of Indigenous people, why we have the issues we have today and how to overcome them.”

Randy sees the value education has had on his own life, and on the lives of his wife, Lindsay Knight, and their children, Keesik and Kisay. Now, as an educator and storyteller, he shares that knowledge with students. “My education has greatly influenced me to this day for the better. I have

been learning to decolonize myself and my way of thinking because of the education that I attained from learning from many amazing professors, lecturers, and classmates,” he says. “The best positive experiences that I continue to have are with students who tell me that I helped them in their lives by having greater understandings of Indigenous experiences and issues.”

When asked what advice he would give to someone thinking about university, Randy has many ideas to share. “Take risks. Start your assignments as soon as you can and don’t put them off until the last minute. Smudge and pray each day. Exercise often. Visit and get to know strangers. Walk with dignity and pride of your ancestors and always keep them in your mind. Be proud of your culture and heritage, whether it be speaking your language or participating in your cultural practices. Pay off your debts as fast as you can. Practice moderation in everything you do.”

“I knew my ticket to a good, happy, healthy life was through education.”

“The U of S is one of the leading inclusive campuses across Canada. I felt part of the campus and welcomed with opportunity.”

Kendall NetmakerBachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Education | Founder and CEO of Neechie Gear | Author of Driven to Succeed: From Poverty to Podium

Kendall Netmaker is well known today as an award-winning businessperson, public speaker and mentor in the business community. His achievements did not arrive overnight, however. As he regularly describes at his speaking engagements and in his new book, success was the result of effort, determination and perseverance, along with the kindness and encouragement of others who helped him along the way.

Through sharing his story and his time, Kendall Netmaker hopes to inspire and empower other young people in the same way he experienced when he was starting out. “I was studying education in ITEP when I entered several business planning competitions,” he explains. “I had to learn from business mentors to write a plan and craft a pitch that would eventually win us our startup capital to launch Neechie Gear.”

Netmaker credits his education as having an important influence on where he is today. “It has helped me to be organized and to become a better educator through public speaking,” he says. To students considering the University of Saskatchewan, he says, “The U of S is one of the leading campuses across Canada driving Indigenous success. I highly recommend becoming part of the community [here] to succeed in your life.”

Joi T. Arcand Bachelor of Fine Arts | Artist | Shortlisted for the 2018 Sobey Art Award at time of publication

As an up-and-coming contemporary artist whose work has been shown locally, nationally and internationally, it might seem surprising to know that art wasn’t always on the radar for Joi T. Arcand. “I’ve always loved art,” she says, “but I didn’t know it could be a career.” Her interest was sparked when, in first year, she enrolled in a photography course and fell in love with the process of developing her photos in the dark room. From there, things just seemed to fall into place. “I took more art classes and ended up enrolling in the BFA program,” she explains. “It seemed like a natural path for me at the time.”

Joi chose the University of Saskatchewan because it was close to home, just an hour away from where she grew upon Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, and because other members of her family had also attended uSask. “My sister, Dr. Melissa Arcand (College of Agriculture) and some of my aunties and uncles also graduated from the U of S, so it was familiar to me.”

While the university itself was familiar, the subject matter of Joi’s classes was both new and inspiring. “I wasn’t exposed to contemporary art growing up,” she says, “so my university education really opened up my eyes and mind to that world; specifically the contemporary Indigenous art world. Many of my art history and photography profs introduced me to the work of artists such as Jeff Thomas, Shelley Niro, Ruth Cuthand, among many others.”

Staying with it wasn’t easy, but like other successful graduates, she found what she needed to get past obstacles to pursuing her passion. “It was challenging to move from my small reserve to the city, so I went home every weekend,” she remembers. “It was lonely and isolating at first, but choosing Fine Arts made it easier to meet people because it was a small fraction of the larger student body. Looking back, it was the relationships that formed and shaped my practice to this day.”

“Remember that the late night studying and the struggles you may go through will pay off in the end. Your work will benefit our communities and make us stronger! âhkamêyimok! Keep going, don’t give up.”

Waterhen Lake First Nation band member and University of Saskatchewan alumna Rachel Fiddler knows that university can be a challenge. But it’s one that comes with opportunities to build relationships and equip yourself for a lifetime of continued learning and self-discovery. “Throughout my degree, I was able to begin to find my strengths and also discover more about my own Indigenous identity,” she explains reflectively. “Sitting in classrooms learning about the systems of oppression and colonization that impacted myself and my family, I came out better equipped to continue my own healing journey, be proud of who I am, and work in different community development capacities. The mentors and instructors I met along my academic journey continue to guide me in my life.”

One relationship that stands out for Rachel was with the late Patricia Monture. “I remember sitting with her in her office one time, where she was encouraging me to continue my education. ‘People listen to you when you have letters behind your name’, she said to me. But also, to balance education with a strong sense of identity as an Indigenous woman. She believed in me so much that I began to believe in myself, and I can still hear her saying ‘Know where you came from in order to know where you’re going.’”

Now, as the Community Resource Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Students’ Centre, Rachel is in a position that allows her not only to reflect on her own experiences as a student, but to pay forward the support she received from peers and mentors. ”I had challenges like many students face; tight budgets, balancing family needs, becoming a mother, and learning successful study skills to do well in my classes. What helped me was the relationship building between professors, staff and students.”

“Reach out to the support that is offered, build meaningful relationships with the people who are there to support and guide you, but most importantly, believe in yourself.”

Rachel FiddlerBachelor of Arts – Sociology | Certificate in Aboriginal Justice and Criminology | Community Resource Coordinator, Aboriginal Students’ Centre

Kate ElliottBachelor of Science in Nursing | Masters of Public Health and Social Policy | Current student in the College of Medicine

“The best advice I can give is there’s lots of amazing people in pre-med and med school; finding a mentor is really beneficial.”

In 2018, Kate Elliott—a third-year Métis student in the College of Medicine—was selected to receive an Indigenous Achievement Award for her exemplary leadership.

Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Public Health and Social Policy specializing in Aboriginal Health. She has shown exceptional leadership mentoring Indigenous youth, working with the Métis Nation strategic governance and programming nationally, and is currently a leader with Indigenous student groups in Medicine. Elliott has a desire to be an urologist and to work with Indigenous families and communities.

When asked what advice she would give to a first-year Indigenous student interested in going into med school, she says, “The best advice I can give is there’s lots of amazing people in pre-med and med school; finding a mentor is really beneficial. It’s a really long, hard road and it’s nice to have someone who’s walked the path before you. If an exam doesn’t go well, they can talk you through it and give you guidance and support. Having people in our lives that have walked that road and have helped pave that path is really inspiring and helps you through those harder days.”

Matt DunnBachelor of Science in Engineering | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Professional Engineer | Indigenous Peoples Initiatives Coordinator, College of Engineering

“Surround yourself with supportive people, and be fearless in pursuing your interests.”

Matthew Dunn is a familiar face at uSask for Indigenous students interested in pursuing engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. As the Indigenous Peoples Initiatives Coordinator in the College of Engineering, Matt has made it his life’s mission to encourage and support Indigenous students to consider and enter these fields of study.

Matt, who is Dene and a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, has earned Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. Matt was interested in engineering from a young age and originally planned to work in the aerospace industry. His life has since taken a different, but fulfilling, direction and he encourages others to be open to possibilities they haven’t yet considered. “By trying new things

and not being afraid to fail, you can achieve your definition of success and have amazing experiences along the way.”

While completing his degrees, Matt experienced many of the challenges university students face, such as managing many different commitments. “Balancing my academics with sports and work required focused effort and dedication,” he says, “but I was ultimately a better student for it. I’m glad I saw it through to the end because it has been very beneficial in my career.”

Matt credits his education as being one of the most positive influences in his life. “My time as a university student and Huskie athlete has provided me with an excellent career and many lifelong friendships and connections,” he says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today and wouldn’t be with my amazing partner and our awesome kids if it weren’t for my education at the University of Saskatchewan.”

“Someone wise once told me that we often do our best work in our own communities.”

Lawren TrotchieJuris Doctor | Master of Laws candidate

In 2018, Lawren Trotchie earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law and was accepted into the Master of Laws (LLM) program, where she plans to focus on criminal law and Gladue.

For Lawren, the choice to study law was made at an early age. “Since I was 5 years old,” she explains, “it has always been my goal to become a lawyer.” When asked what sparked her interest in this field, she replied, “I grew up seeing people very close to me going in and out of the criminal justice system and I wanted to become a voice for change. It has always been my passion to be able to represent my people in some capacity.”

The choice to study law at the University of Saskatchewan was also an easy choice for Lawren. “Someone wise once told me that we often do our best work in our own communities,” she explains. ”The reason being is we are able to see all the cracks that need to be filled in or fixed.

I believe that learning more about my community at the U of S—and the changes that need to be made—will allow me to be successful in my future legal career.”

When preparing to study law, Lawren was able to take advantage of a unique opportunity at the University of Saskatchewan: the Native Law Centre Summer Program. “One of the most positive and life-changing experiences at the College of Law was the property law course I took…prior to entering my first year of law. I met so many incredible Indigenous leaders that have become lifelong friends. I was fortunate because the College of Law became home to me before I even entered first year. The friends that I studied with…were friends that I continued to study with during law school. Little did I know that while I was obtaining my law degree, I was also making friends with people who would soon become part of my family.”

“I always look at my education as being not just for me; it’s for my community.“

Brady Highway Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management | Master of Environment and Sustainability candidate | Resource Management Coordinator at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Brady Highway is a master’s candidate with the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability, studying polar bear activity and Indigenous perspectives. Using trail camera images and data collected at Wapusk National Park and by observing bears on the land, Highway’s research involves conducting workshops with Indigenous Elders and community members to learn their perspectives on bears’ activities and condition.

These insights give a voice to Indigenous knowledge that has been missing from Western scientific narrative. “What I’m looking for are Indigenous perspectives of polar bear health to see if they’re looking for sources of food, or if there’s something else going on,” says Highway. “In Churchill there are Dene, Cree, Michif and Inuktitut speaking people that would be able to contribute to a more fulsome discussion about polar bears and their activity.”

A potential deliverable for the project could be a website with the study results primarily in Indigenous languages, with translations into English. The goal would be to make it available for the local school so that the community can use this study to teach children about polar bear safety. He sees it as being a powerful language revitalization tool and a way to promote Indigenous leadership in wildlife research.

“I always look at my education as being not just for me, it’s for my community,” says Highway. “I want to make sure that whatever I do here is relevant to our concerns and maybe can address some of the shortfalls we have in our education system, and that ultimately can work towards a harmonized effort to develop the knowledge we need to coexist with polar bears.”

Kristen McKenzie Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Registered Nurse (RN)

For Kristen McKenzie, an important moment in her educational journey was when the option to complete a nursing degree became available in her hometown, La Ronge, SK. “I had moved away from my Northern home and my support people in order to complete two years of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Prince Albert,” she says.

“In 2013, I was able to move back home with my young family and attend classes through videoconference. Having the program offered in the North allowed me to complete my studies and in 2015, I graduated with 10 other Northern students,” she declares proudly.

Today, there are 15 seats available to Northern students each year to study nursing in Île-à-la-Crosse and La Ronge. Nursing remains accessible to students from other parts of the province through seats in Prince Albert, Yorkton, Regina and Saskatoon.

Kristen chose to pursue a career in the health field due to the high demand for such skills in Northern communities and because of her desire to help others. “My motivation to pursue this career was inspired by the rewarding feeling I get by helping someone and because there is always a need for Aboriginal nurses in the North,” she says.

Now, Kristen is in a position to give back, not only as a registered nurse, but also as a mentor for other students pursuing careers in Nursing. “Obtaining a university education has opened up many possibilities for me. My education has allowed me to be in the position where I can support and mentor nursing students as a lab instructor.”

“Obtaining a university education has opened up many possibilities for me. Never give up on your goals. Education is the key!”

Ashley Sasbrink-HarkemaBachelor of Science – Anatomy | Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Ashley Sasbrink-Harkema always planned on going to university after high school, and having grown up in Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan was a natural choice. “Saskatoon was home for me and I was lucky to have such a world class university right in my back yard,” he says.

At the beginning, though, what he was going to study in university wasn’t immediately clear. “In high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life,” he remembers. “I had thoughts of going into commerce and toyed with the idea of pursuing medicine, but I thought it would be too hard.”

After his first year, things started to become clearer. “I have always wanted to be able to help others,” he says. “I didn’t put all my effort into my first year that I could have, but I felt if I really worked hard from then on, that perhaps I could pursue medicine.”

Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy with high honours and was accepted into several medical schools, but chose to stay in Saskatoon to take advantage of the support network that already existed for him here. He went on to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree and completed his residency in family medicine. He has also completed additional training in emergency medicine.

When asked what advice he would give to someone pursing a similar path, he says, “Pursing medicine is a long journey, at times you feels like it will never end. There was many times when I would be studying long nights and weekends, knowing that I’m probably missing out on a lot of things my family and friends are doing. In the end it was worth it. My advice would be to always remember your final goal, there will be light at the end of that tunnel. Set up small goals for yourself and remember to take time for yourself to be able to relax and enjoy life.”

“I have always wanted to be able to help others. My education has allowed me to be able to directly help people and make a difference in people’s lives.”

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY TAKES GENI STUDENT TO NORWAYThrough a program that is unique in Canada, Blaine Mirasty recently spent a term in Norway taking classes toward his Master of Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI) degree. The program— established through a collaboration between uSask and uRegina’s Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT)—offers GENI students the opportunity to gain work experience and an international perspective through a short-term exchange.

Blaine completed five courses while in Norway, including a Norwegian language class, which inspired his ambition to educate youth in his home community of Flying Dust First Nation someday. “I hope to one day provide children in Flying Dust First Nation with traditional teachings of Cree language and possibly land-based education through hunting and fishing trips,” he said.

The overall experience was a valuable one for Blaine. “I believe that traveling provides some of the best educational experiences,” he said. “If GENI students have the chance, I recommend doing a mobility term with the UiT because you will take those valuable lessons with you for the rest of your life.”

PHD STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS VANIER SCHOLARSHIPSIn 2017, Jocelyn Joe-Strack was one of three Indigenous PhD students at uSask selected to receive Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. Also selected were Terrance Pelletier—a former chief of the Cowessess First Nation and residential school survivor studying how leadership models within his community have been influenced by the effects of colonization—and Tasha Spillett—a Cree and Trinidadian woman from Manitoba using feminist and race theory to look at the impact of Indigenous land-based education on the well-being of Indigenous girls in urban areas.

These awards, valued at $50,000 per year for three years, recognize top-tier PhD students who demonstrate excellence in academia, research impact and leadership at Canadian universities.

Jocelyn is a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, Yukon and her research will tell the story of her community’s journey towards self-determination and Indigenous-led reconciliation through development of a new, community-directed approach to land use planning.

“Our lessons and experience will have relevance across Canada and for the world’s Indigenous nations striving towards the same goal: to safeguard the future for our generations to come,” she said.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALISTAIR MAITLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

STUDENT FROM DINÉ NATION RECOGNIZED WITH INDIGENOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDT.J. Warren grew up in Red Mesa, Arizona, and is a proud member of the great Diné Nation. A natural leader and cultural advocate, he is often found volunteering with youth, sharing his gift of song and dance. As an active participant in the Indian Teacher Education Program community, he was recognized in 2018 with an Indigenous Achievement Award for his exemplary leadership.

T.J.’s success is firmly planted in his Diné roots. Growing up, his mother and father taught him the concept of T’àà hwí’ájítéego: “it is up to you”, as well as the moral and behavioral teachings of Hózhó, which is a state of well-being and balance. “Every day, we were encouraged to strive for Hózhó, to be a good leader, to be self-empowered through our thoughts, actions, behaviors, and words,” he says. “I think a great leader needs all of these teachings and qualities, which I learned through my traditional upbringing as a Diné.”

Now, as a future teacher himself, T.J. wants to create an environment for others to be successful. “Ultimately, I want to create what I want to be available for my children,” he says.

ABORIGINAL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM HONOURED WITH PROVOST’S PRIZEWhen first-year University of Saskatchewan student Janice Osecap decided to pursue post-secondary education, she faced a number of “stresses”—including getting into the right classes. Then Osecap found the Aboriginal Student Achievement Program (ASAP) in the College of Arts and Science, which offered support and encouragement throughout the academic year.

ASAP aims to provide a dynamic and supportive first-year experience to Indigenous students in the College of Arts and Science, and its unique approach was honoured on April 27 with the Provost’s Prize for Innovative Practice in Collaborative Teaching and Learning.

Participants in ASAP join learning communities of students with common interests who attend classes together throughout their first year. Elders and peer mentors—upper-year Indigenous students—offer regular motivation and guidance. Advisors work closely with students to establish academic and financial plans.

Milo Cameron, a former peer mentor in ASAP, says that while being a peer mentor was a lot of work, the experience was also “vastly rewarding.”

“I knew what it felt like to be new at the University of Saskatchewan,” he explains. “I wanted to utilize my experience to make someone else’s experience easier.”

Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus in Saskatoon and the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre are situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.

As an intercultural gathering place, the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre brings together the teachings, traditions and cultures of the peoples of Saskatchewan. Grounded in the teachings of collaboration, cooperation, humility, reciprocity and sharing, the centre aims to enhance Métis, First Nations and Inuit student success.

Gordon Oakes Red Bear was a spiritual and community leader who guided many in his community and across Saskatchewan. He was born in 1932 in what is now the Nekaneet First Nation and passed away in early 2002.

Oakes believed in Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples working together for each other’s mutual benefit, using the analogy of a team of horses pulling together and living in balance to impart this teaching.

Because he held a strong belief in education and honouring one’s culture and traditions, this building is named in his memory.

Aboriginal Students’ Centre

The Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC), located in the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, is part of a wide community of support at the University of Saskatchewan dedicated to Indigenous students’ academic and personal success.

The ASC team offers personal, social, cultural and academic support, and works in close collaboration with partners across the university and with community organizations to connect you with services and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

Along with the many events organized in support of students throughout the year, the ASC is responsible for organizing the annual Métis Dinner and Dance, Indigenous Achievement Week, and Graduation Powwow to celebrate the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty.

Aboriginal Students’ Centre

Academic programming including: • Student Success

workshops• Tutoring

Métis, First Nations and Inuit student orientation activities

Cultural supports including: • Elders • Knowledge Keepers • Ceremony

Wellness programming including: • Fitness4U • ASC intramural

sports teams

Social programming including: • Parent Circle • Supper Club • Weekly soup and

bannock lunches

Intercultural programming including: • Building Bridges

activities with international students

At uSask, there are many scholarship and bursary opportunities, including some awards designated specifically for Indigenous students.

While you will be considered automatically for some awards, like Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships, there are many more all new students are encouraged to apply for.

Receiving a scholarship or bursary can lead to new opportunities. Visit usask.ca/awards for information about all scholarships and bursaries available at uSask.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

BEST AND BRIGHTEST ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPSApply for admission by December 1Apply for scholarships by December 15

uSask’s Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships, our top awards for entering students, include five designated for Aboriginal students, known as the Circle of Honour Awards. These scholarships range in value from $24,000 to $40,000 over four years and are awarded to recognize academic excellence and community engagement. Start your application for these awards early. The application form includes short- and long-answer questions for the awards you wish to be considered for.

■■ Circle of Honour – George and Marsha Ivany President’s First & Best Scholarships 1 x $40,000 ($10,000/year over four years)

■■ Circle of Honour – Chancellor’s Scholarships 2 x $30,000 ($7,500/year over four years)

■■ Circle of Honour – U of S Entrance Scholarships 2 x $24,000 ($6,000/year over four years)

■■ College of Agriculture and Bioresources Renewable Entrance Scholarship 1 x $12,000 ($3,000/year over four years)

COMPETITIVE ENTRANCE AWARDSApply for admission by February 15Apply for scholarships by March 1

Competitive Entrance Awards include numerous scholarships and bursaries that can be accessed by many students with diverse experiences. Applying can be as simple as filling out our online form, though we recommend applying early as you may be required to submit supporting documents to be considered for some awards.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCESSING FUNDING?Aboriginal students, including Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, may receive specialized government support for post-secondary education. Visit students.usask.ca/aboriginal for information.

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If you live in Saskatchewan, you may choose to learn where you live and complete anywhere from a few classes to your entire degree at one of our off-campus sites or through an off-campus or community-based program of study.

The University of Saskatchewan (uSask) has partnered with communities, First Nations and Saskatchewan education institutions for over 40 years to provide students with opportunities to study and learn close to home.

Today, approximately 1,500 uSask students study at off-campus sites through face-to-face, online, independent study and live-streamed classes.

You can begin your uSask program and, in some cases, complete a degree without leaving your home community or region.

Learn where you live

University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert campus

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) Saskatoon, Prince Albert

Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP)Saskatoon, community-based programs

Regional college partners:Cumberland College Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale

Great Plains College Swift Current

North West College Meadow Lake, North Battleford

Northlands College Buffalo Narrows, Creighton, Île-à-la-Crosse, La Ronge

Parkland College Canora, Fort Qu’Appelle, Melville, Yorkton

St. Peter’s College Muenster

College of Nursing campuses and distributed sites:Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, Yorkton, Île-à-la-Crosse and La Ronge

Yorkton

Canora

Melville

Fort Qu’Appelle

SASKATOON

North Battleford

Swift Current

La RongeCreighton

Muenster

Regina

MelfortTisdale

NipawinPrince Albert

Meadow Lake

Île-à-la-Crosse

Buffalo Narrows

To learn more, contact the regional college or uSask office in your area, or visit: admissions.usask.ca/programs/off-campus.php

CAMPUS TOURSYear-round

OPEN HOUSE Friday, September 28, 2018

INDIGENOUS SPEND-A-DAY Friday, October 26, 2018

Everyone is welcome to come to these events, which celebrate Indigenous achievement:

INDIGENOUS ACHIEVEMENT WEEK2019 date to be determined

GRADUATION POWWOWWednesday, May 29, 2019

As a new student, you will be invited to these special events as you prepare to start university:

U-STARTMay-June 2019

ORIENTATION AND ASC NEW STUDENT WELCOMESeptember 2019

Connect with usGet to know the university through these events for prospective students:

we encourage creativity.

we live sustainably.

we build connections.

we value diversity.

we seek reconciliation.

Learn more at usask.ca/ourvision.

The University of Saskatchewan, situated in the vibrant city of Saskatoon on Treaty Six territory and the traditional

homeland of the Métis, and on one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses, is grounded in the character of a dynamic, forward-looking province. We have a well-

deserved reputation for creativity, collaboration, and achievement. Supported by an innovative, energetic

faculty, staff, student, and alumni, community, and by a research infrastructure unique in Canada, we deliver across Saskatchewan and beyond one of Canada’s widest arrays of

academic and professional programs.

The university displays remarkable resilience and a commitment to problem solving, attributes drawn from

our prairie roots and from the outstanding contributions by members of our community from around the world. Our university’s unique spirit has transformed the lives of those

who have experienced it.

admissions.usask.ca

RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS

105 Administration PlaceSaskatoon, SK Canada S7N 5A2

1-306-966-5788

Book a tour, register for an event or find other ways to connect with us online!