New USask employees share commitment to Indigenous engagement and cultural support
Recent USask graduates Rebecca Tootoosis and Shawn Whitford have returned to campus as University of Saskatchewan (USask) employees after both completed their degrees at the Edwards School of Business in 2025.
By Ashley Dopko, University CommunicationsNow, as part of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE), they are working to support and enrich Indigenous engagement for students, staff and faculty.
As OVPIE’s new project co-ordinator, Whitford will be handling the organization and management of familiar events such as Orange Shirt Day, Red Dress Day, and the ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan symposiums.
These events don’t just shape the work that he does; they can influence how the university community acknowledges Truth and participates in Reconciliation. Attendance is encouraged, but it is only the first step.
“I’m here to help people understand that Indigenous learning and Indigenous engagement go far beyond what we do at our events,” said Whitford.
“It’s about what you learn and how you use it in everyday teachings in your life. I’m still learning today about my own culture through the teachings this team has to offer.”
Cultural learning and personal growth are also at the forefront of Tootoosis’ work as the Indigenous cultural co-ordinator at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre.
“I support Indigenous students on campus with cultural activities and cultural programming,” said Tootoosis.
Starting university can be a big culture shock for students, whether they are coming in from rural communities or urban centres.
“They’re maybe trying to find themselves,” said Tootoosis. “They're trying to understand their culture and that’s what I’m here to support with.”
Having recently been a student herself, Tootoosis wants to make sure all Indigenous students know about what the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre has to offer.
“I want Indigenous students to know that this is their home away from home … a safe space to land and feel connected.”
Although they work on opposite ends of the campus, Tootoosis and Whitford’s work is closely tied together, connecting students, staff, and faculty to Indigenous culture.
“I couldn’t be part of a better team,” said Whitford.
“The team is just so supportive, so understanding, so welcoming,” said Tootoosis. “It feels like your family.”
In July 2025, Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre joined the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement portfolio, further aligning and combining their shared value of, and commitment to, Indigenous engagement on campus.