For Saskatchewan Polytechnic Indigenous students, DeAnna Bendig and Lee Sanderson, the wîcihitowin transition program led to a sense of belonging, connection to their roots and an incredible friendship. “We had a head start because of the wîcihitowin transition program. While everyone else was walking into a room full of strangers, we already had each other,” says Bendig, recalling the first day of class.
Bendig and Sanderson met in the program and discovered they were both taking Practical Nursing. The two clicked and have been inseparable ever since.
The Cree word wîcihitowin means helping and supporting each other and reflects exactly what the wîcihitowin transition program was designed for.
“Many of our Indigenous students leave their families and communities to study with us. We know this transition can be difficult,” says Deanna Kematch, wītōkamāhtōtān Indigenous Student Success director. “By participating in the wîcihitowin transition program, students get a better idea of what studying at Sask Polytech will be like and connect with a friendly face to help them navigate unfamiliar processes and systems.”
The program helps Indigenous students transition to post-secondary and prepare for student life at Sask Polytech. It provides an educational mix of cultural and academic resources through a week-long orientation event in August and monthly lunch and learns throughout the academic year.
“This program was so much fun and it was more than an introduction to campus. It was the foundation of my journey here,” says Sanderson. “It gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself with my new surroundings, build meaningful connections and ease my transition into post-secondary.”
Students receive information on campus and academic supports and assistance with funding arrangements. They also participate in cultural programming, personal skill development workshops and peer group building activities.
“I was able to engage in Indigenous activities that reminded me of who I am and where I come from,” says Sanderson. Participants play traditional Indigenous games, share stories and goals, take part in a smudge, get a campus tour and more.
Bendig says the program helped her feel more comfortable and familiar with campus. She learned about support services available like Indigenous advisors and counsellors, Elders and learning services. “Most importantly, it taught me that I’m not alone here. If I ever need support, I now know who to reach out to. That sense of belonging and support has made all the difference,” she says.
She adds, “Take advantage of Indigenous student services like the wîcihitowin transition program. They’re built for you. Lean into the support that's available.”
The connections they made at the wîcihitowin transition program, with each other, their peers and Sask Polytech staff, helped build a strong foundation to achieve their educational and career goals.
Sanderson is grateful for the wîcihitowin transition program and the friendship that came with it. “The most special part of this experience was meeting DeAnna,” she says. “I know that this journey wouldn't be the same without her.”
The program runs from August 19-22, 2025. Registration is open for Sask Polytech students June 17 - August 13, 2025. Register today!
