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We are honoured that you are considering Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Post-secondary
education is a big decision and our team of Indigenous community liaisons and student
success support coaches are here to support you every step of the way.
Student awards and bursaries
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Sask Polytech provides approximately
$2 million in student awards every school year. Visit the Student Awards page to learn more and apply!
Sask Polytech provides about $500,000 each year to Indigenous students through scholarships,
awards and emergency bursaries to meet urgent financial need.
Summer Transition Program
The Summer Transition Program is open to all Indigenous students registered for Sask
Polytech programs starting in the fall term. It is offered on main campuses in Moose
Jaw, Regina, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. There are no registration or application
fees.
Learn more about the Summer Transition Program.
Contact us
Indigenous community liaisons and student success support coaches help perspective
Indigenous students prepare for post-secondary by:
- Being the first point of contact for information and advice for applicants and future
students
- Supporting post-secondary transition programs for Indigenous students based on a clear
understanding of education needs
- Extending invitations to new students to the Summer Transition Program and other events
- Recruiting more Indigenous students through high school visits, presentations and
workshops at high schools, adult basic education programs and guidance counsellor
workshops
- Working with counsellors, teachers, parents, external community partners and the public
Gary Gott
Indigenous community liaison, south
Regina campus, Parkway Building (Room 259)
Biography
×Gary Gott
I was born and raised in the Treaty 4 community of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation to
a Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Anishinabe family.
The skills of living from the resources of the land figured very strongly in my young
life until mandatory Indian Residential School attendance for high school at the age
of fourteen until graduation. I learned how to trap, carpenter and work in the commercial
fishery. Later, I attended Brandon University fresh from graduation.
Upon attendance in university, I discovered Indigenous traditional spirituality. The
pursuit of knowledge, the learning, the mastery of certain aspects, and the eventual
teaching enabled employment in various positions in Saskatoon, Yorkton and various
other communities.
As a latecomer into academia, and my convocation in my mid-thirties from the U of
R and the First Nations University, I certainly appreciated the necessity of having
good credentials. My employment history with my degree brought me into the world of
the Regina Public Schools, Sexual Assault Counselling, Corrections Canada and in my
home community.
Wandie Velasquez
Indigenous community liaison, north
Saskatoon campus
Biography
×Wandie Velasquez
Wandie Velasquez is born and raised in Saskatoon and belongs to Waterhen Lake First
Nation on Treaty Six territory. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan
with a Sociology degree concentrated in Aboriginal Justice and Criminology, and a
Women and Gender Studies degree. Her experience has varied from working in sexual
health education supporting harm reduction practices, to working as a support and
mentor in assisted living homes and shelters in Saskatoon. Currently, she works to
increase awareness of the Indigenous Success Strategy within northern first nations
communities in Saskatchewan.
Christina Head
Indigenous student success support coach, north
Saskatoon campus (Room 103)
Biography
×Christina Head
Born and raised in Saskatoon. Recently our family received our status back and we
belong to Treaty 10, English River First Nation. I have a diploma in Accounting and
Payroll Administration.
I’ve been with Saskatchewan Polytechnic for 10+ years. I started as an office assistant
in the E.A. Davies building and was moved to Enrolment Services in 2015. I became
an enrolment services specialist in 2016. I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding
of the current admission requirements, the application processes, the registration
processes and graduation processes.
Monica Pagget
Indigenous student success support coach, south
Regina campus (Room 151)
Biography
×Monica Pagget
Hi, my name is Monica Pagett, and I am an Indigenous woman born and raised in Saskatchewan
and a proud member of the Peepeekeesis First Nation located on Treaty 4 territory.
In 2013 I returned to Sask Polytech as a mature student to complete my Office Education
certificate and I have had the pleasure of working with Sask Polytech since 2018 in
various roles. Education is the key to success and am looking forward to sharing my
love of learning with our students in their academic and career journey.
