November 15, 2016 – On Wednesday, November 16 Saskatchewan Polytechnic will fly the Métis flag at our four main campuses in recognition of Louis Riel Memorial Day. This day celebrates the life of Louis Riel, a Canadian politician who represented the Métis's interests.
“It is important to recognize this historic, Canadian day,” says Jason Seright, director, Aboriginal Strategy. “Raising the Métis flag for Louis Riel Memorial Day is an important part of indigenization at Sask Polytech. We want our Indigenous students to feel like they belong on our campuses and are valued members of our community.”
Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the life, challenges and contributions of one of Canada's most notable historical figures.
| Moose Jaw campus: | 9 a.m. Flag raising. 11:30 a.m. Guest speakers: Moose Jaw Chief of Police Rick Bourassa, and Marquita Neufeld. |
| Prince Albert campus: | 9 a.m. Flag raising. 10 a.m. Tea, bannock and a presentation about the Métis sash. 12 p.m. Métis Jeopardy in the Library, hosted by Cathy Bendle, Basic Education program head. |
| Regina campus: | 9 a.m. Flag raising. |
| Saskatoon campus: | 9 a.m. Flag raising and cultural activities. |
The Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan was developed to provide Indigenous students with a variety of services that enhance the student experience and remove barriers to success. Enrolment for Indigenous students has increased 31 per cent since 2011-12. Sask Polytech has 3,700 Indigenous students; these students make up more than 18 per cent of the student population.
Guided by the principles of reconciliation and a goal to create long-term positive change, Sask Polytech’s indigenization efforts holistically integrate Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching and learning into our practices, procedures and services. Continuing to put students’ needs first, the Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan created an Indigenization declaration that guides efforts to ensure students can see themselves and their culture reflected throughout the institution.
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 needs, 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.