Saskatchewan Polytechnic honours Aboriginal students’ achievements
- EFN Staff | April 21, 2016
Looking to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of Aboriginal students preparing to graduate, Saskatchewan Polytechnic hosted honour ceremonies at their campuses in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. “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.
Related stories:
- Sask Polytechnic welcomes TRC recommendations
- Enrolment continues to climb at Sask Polytechnic
- Sask Polytechnic approves Indigenization Declaration on Louis Riel Day
- Saskatchewan post-secondary leaders commit to closing the Aboriginal education gap