Saskatchewan Polytechnic honours Aboriginal students' achievements

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Sask Polytech hosts special honour ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal students.


April 14, 2016 - Looking to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of our Aboriginal students preparing to graduate, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will be hosting honour ceremonies at two of our campuses.

  • April 14 - Prince Albert Campus, Technical Building cafeteria. 5:00 p.m.
  • April 15 - Moose Jaw Campus, Macoun Lounge. Part one - 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Part two - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00

"These honour ceremonies give us the opportunity to celebrate the educational achievements of our Aboriginal students," says Jason Seright, director, Aboriginal Strategy. "We're proud of what they've accomplished and we want to show our support in a culturally appropriate way."

Each ceremony welcomes students in their graduating year, their families and friends as well as Elders and other members from their home communities. Those attending will have an opportunity to hear success stories from current students, a performance of an honour song and a dinner.

"We're always looking for ways to connect with our Aboriginal students," says Seright. "Often that home stretch before graduating is daunting. The honour ceremony lets us recognize and celebrate the hard work they've put in to their education and show that we're here supporting them the whole way."

With more than 18 per cent of the student population identifying as Aboriginal, Sask Polytech has developed an Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan. The plan sets out to remove barriers to success for Aboriginal students and enhance their experience by incorporating Aboriginal ways of thinking and learning into the everyday culture of Sask Polytech.

"These ceremonies are part of a larger initiative to indigenize Sask Polytech and incorporate indigenous culture and traditions into practices and policies throughout the entire institution. These ceremonies are just one, of many, ways we are achieving that goal," says Seright.

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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