Saskatchewan Polytechnic welcomes Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's recommendations

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic will review the report for recommendations relevant to post-secondary education

June 22, 2015 - Saskatchewan Polytechnic welcomes the release this month of the summary report and recommendations by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"There are many people who are living with the legacy of residential schools," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech's president and CEO. "Part of the path of reconciliation involves understanding and recognizing the experience people had and working together to create a way forward."

"Acknowledging the impact of such a significant chapter in our shared history is an important step in sustaining long-term positive change," says Jason Seright, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's director, Aboriginal Strategy.

Dr. Rosia noted education can play a key role in ensuring society learns from the residential school experience and supports the healing process among Aboriginal people. In the weeks ahead, Sask Polytech will be examining the report for recommendations relevant to today's adult education sector, and that effort will continue with the release of the final report this fall.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has 3,300 Aboriginal students - more than any other post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan. The organization has made significant progress in including Aboriginal content in several programs and aspires to indigenize its curriculum on a broader scale.

On Sask Polytech campuses, an Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan seeks to close the program completion gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students by providing such services such as Elder access and transition programs. Additionally, each campus is home to an Aboriginal activity centre. Cultural events celebrating and recognizing Aboriginal heritage are open to the entire campus population.

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Media Release (pdf)

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