To help set a good intention for this event, Elders and Indigenous youth from the USask community came together to choose a meaningful name for USask's Indigenous Student Experience Day. The name that was chosen was piihtikway in Michif and pihtikwe tawāw in Cree, which translate as, "Come in; you are welcome here."
About
Join us this fall for an amazing day to learn what you need to know as you prepare to apply to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as an Indigenous student!
The Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement is excited to invite Indigenous high school students to participate in Indigenous Student Experience Day, a campus-wide event designed specifically for students in Grades 11 and 12 who are exploring post-secondary options.
The event will take place on Friday, October 16, from 9 am to 2:30 pm. With the theme "Your Future Starts Here: Exploring Pathways, Culture and Community," this interactive and informal experience will give you a chance to explore university life at USask by attending sessions connected to colleges, student services and resources.
Learn about different fields of study, discover pathways to future careers, gain an understanding of the university application process, and explore the services and support available to you as a future University of Saskatchewan student.
Throughout the day, you will be able to engage in hands-on activities, visit interactive spaces, and connect with faculty, staff, and current Indigenous students. The goal is for you to feel comfortable on campus, build confidence in considering post-secondary education, and leave with a better understanding of how to take the next steps toward university.
Agenda
9-9:30 am Check in
Kinesiology Building - Physical Activity Complex (PAC)
Check in at the Kinesiology Building (The PAC)
9:30-10:30 am: Welcome Pep Rally with USask Huskies
Start your day in a good way with some awesome games and prizes and meet some Huskies athletes.
10:30-11:45 am: Expo - Colleges, Programs and Student Services
Admissions and recruitment will be there to answer any questions students have regarding admissions and applying
12-12:45 pm: Lunch
Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre and Education Building - Student Lounge
Enjoy a fresh meal with friends and meet some of the staff and supports at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre or the Student Lounge in the College of Education.
12:45-1:30 pm: First Activity
Information will be shared regarding recruitment, admissions, and requirements as you prepare for your future at USask.
1:45-2:15 pm: Second Activity
Students will break off in small groups to visit colleges and sessions designed to learn more about what USask offers.
2:15-2:30 pm: Event Closing and Survey
Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
🟩 Building Intercultural Resilience Mentorship Program (BIRM)
Student ambassador: Teagan Pooyak
Location: Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
Experience what it is like to be in BIRM: hands-on learning, practical skill building, making new friends and meeting mentors! Expect to try new things and have fun doing it!
What is BIRM?
In the Building Intercultural Resilience Mentorship (BIRM) program, post-secondary student volunteers are connected with Indigenous high school students in Saskatoon to build relationships through shared experiences, interests, and goals.
BIRM is structured as a wrap-around network of inspiration and support for the participants, and they are able to develop mentor-mentee relationships that will be intercultural on many levels (i.e., education, age, race/ethnicity/culture, etc.).
The participants meet regularly with the support of the Program Coordinator to engage in leadership opportunities, career exploration, goal setting, learning Indigenous cultures and languages, land-based experiences, and developing academic skills.
🟨 Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
Student Ambassador: Annalys Robillard
Location: Dr. Cecil King ITEP Student Lounge
Training to become a teacher is more than textbooks and unit plans. Our program also infuses Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Come join us to learn about Men’s Grass Dancer taught by Jesse Osawamick, Second Year Teacher Candidate and a Women’s Traditional Dancer taught by Graycen Thomas, Third Year Teacher Candidate. You will hear their story teaching their dance. Each Teacher Candidate will showcase their dance style.
🟦 College of Medicine/School of Rehabilitation Science
Student Ambassador: Anthony Rusanov
Location: miyo maskihkêwiyiniwak (Good Medicine People) Space, Health Science Building - E-Wing, Room 4000.1
Join students, staff and faculty members of the Medical Doctor, Rehabilitation Science, and Physician Assistant programs for hands-on activities and individualized mentorship. Students attending this session will rotate through all three programs and learn about the training and career opportunities available in each field. This session will take place in the miyo maskihkêwiyiniwak (Good Medicine People) space, an area of the Health Science Building held for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to gather and meet.
One workshop will be centered on storytelling, relationships, holistic understanding, and community healing, while showing students that Indigenous knowledge and medical education are complementary pathways to improving health and supporting future generations. This will include conversation circles with current Indigenous MD students and residents as well as guidance from invited Elders, opportunities for visiting students to share their stories and connections, empowering them through a few facilitated questions and conversation. If the time allows a tour of the Indigenous art and symbols in the health sciences building as well.
🟥 Peer Health
Student Ambassador: Mickey Laliberte
Location: USask Community Centre - Marquis Hall, Room 104
Join us for an art project that will touch on mental health and self-care. Peer Health is a peer-led program run by USask students who are dedicated to promoting health and well-being across all campuses.
🟪 Agriculture Meets Innovation: Drones, AI, and the Future of Farming
Student Ambassador: Skylar White
Get ready for a hands-on adventure into the future of agriculture! Join the College of Agriculture and Bioresources to explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming the way we grow food, care for the land, and solve real-world challenges.
See powerful agricultural drones up close as they take to the skies in a live demonstration and then take your turn piloting drones yourself. Learn how these high-tech tools help farmers monitor crops, improve efficiency, and make better decisions. You'll also discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in agriculture to tackle complex problems, from improving crop production to supporting sustainable farming practices.
⬛ Edwards School of Business
Student Ambassador: Laila Valila
Location: Rawlinson Centre, Edwards School of Business, Room 242
Join the Edwards School of Business for an interactive, hands-on session focused on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Students will have the opportunity to work together through a fun, collaborative activity that highlights the importance of effective communication, creative thinking, and working as a team. Come ready to participate, connect with others, and put your skills to the test!
Lost or need help?
You'll be with a group led by Indigenous Student Mentors throughout the day, but if you become lost or need help including first aid, return to the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre and we will be able to assist.
Parking and transportation
Free parking will be provided for personal vehicles in Stadium Parkade on College Drive. Please request an exit pass when you check in to the event.
Visitors travelling by bus can be dropped off at the College of Kinesiology Physical Activity Complex (PAC). The most convenient pick-up location will be at Elders Court near the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, or Medical Court near the Health Sciences Building.
Bus and van parking will be available at Lot 20 by Merlis Belsher Place.
To register your vehicle or bus, please email your name, car make/model and license plate to gordonoakes.redbear@usask.ca. Parking registration will also be available onsite when you arrive.
Road closures near the Saskatoon campus, including parts of College Drive
The City of Saskatoon is working on a major construction project along College Drive. Travelers to the Saskatoon campus are encouraged to plan their route to avoid road closures and to leave extra time for travel on your way to the university. For the latest timelines and road closure information, visit the City of Saskatoon’s construction updates website and visit saskatoontransit.ca for changes to transit routes in the area.
Registration
Individual students and school groups are welcome at this event. School counsellors can register on behalf of a group. Parents/guardians are also welcome to register themselves and their students.
Event capacity reached
Questions?
If you have questions about Indigenous Student Experience Day, get in touch with us by email at gordonoakes.redbear@usask.ca.