Classes resume at the University of Saskatchewan this week and this means a number of Indigenous students are both returning and coming to the institution for the first time.
The Aboriginal Students’ Centre held a special reception Wednesday afternoon to help students adjust to campus life.
Students’ Centre team leader Graeme Joseph says the event is all about making Indigenous students feel comfortable as they commence their studies.
“One of the most important things we can do for Aboriginal students is welcome them to campus,” he says. “Going on to postsecondary is a big step for many people and Aboriginal students face many unique barriers in terms of access in postsecondary education and what we want to do is create a community of support around them so that when they do come here, they not only feel welcome but are supported throughout their studies a the university.”
Indigenous students will also soon have a new facility on campus when the Gordon Oakes – Red Bear Student Centre opens sometime in the New Year.
Joseph says it is important to have a unique place on campus Indigenous students can call their own.
“The new students’ centre will provide that sort of home away from home, a safe place for Aboriginal students to come and engage and it’s important because it provides them that sense of place.”
Roughly ten percent of the students attending the U of S self declare as Aboriginal.