Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates National Aboriginal Day

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is working to increase enrolment and success and completion rates of Indigenous students


June 21, 2016 - With more than 18 per cent of the total student population identifying as Indigenous, it is the responsibility of everyone at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to help Indigenous students have an equal opportunity to succeed. In the 2014/15 academic year Indigenous student enrolments have increased six per cent.

"National Aboriginal Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the culture and contributions of Saskatchewan's Indigenous people," says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. "It is also an opportunity to celebrate the important role our Indigenous people play and will continue to play in Saskatchewan's future."

Over the last year Saskatchewan Polytechnic has taken significant steps forward in reinforcing our ongoing commitment to our Indigenous communities. The institution signed the Indigenous Education Protocol and welcomed the calls to action by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. An Indigenization Declaration was approved, allowing Sask Polytech to make progress on including Indigenous culture and language into its programming and campuses. The Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan continues to help more and more students enrol and convocate at Sask Polytech.

"At Saskatchewan Polytechnic we are making our programming and campuses more inclusive of Indigenous students and culture," says Jason Seright, director of Aboriginal Strategy. "Indigenous culture and language is included in email signatures, speeches, signage and public spaces. The inclusion of Indigenous culture and peoples should be the norm, not the exception."

On Sask Polytech campuses, an Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan seeks to close the program completion gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by providing such services 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.

Now in its 20th year, National Aboriginal Day honours the culture and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people across Canada. The day traditionally falls on June 21, which is the first day of summer and the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

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