Strategy as Metaphor graphic
The name of the University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Strategy is ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan. This name symbolizes growth, journey, and relational teachings that guide and strengthen our lives and work. Our Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers gifted us with metaphors that captured the essence of this Indigenous strategy. You can learn more about the Indigenous Strategy as a metaphor at indigenous.usask.ca. (Photo: Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement)

Leading with respect: Five years of ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy

When the Indigenous Strategy was gifted to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on August 20, 2021, it was intended to uplift Indigenous voices, inspire reciprocity and keep the USask community rooted in accountability, a reminder that We Are All Treaty People.

By Ashley Dopko, University Communications

Now, five years later, leaders across campus have shared reports that highlight their unit’s achievements and underline their challenges. This is not only a chance to learn from each other, but also an opportunity to create a culture of accountability.  

Carson Magnuson, senior strategic officer with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE), has worked closely with units on campus, helping to guide the implementation of the plan. Now that reporting is complete, this next phase of stewardship from the OVPIE team will focus on that need for accountability.  

“The reporting process is designed to document progress but also to ensure that the commitments lead to measurable action,” said Magnuson.  

“These reports are meant to be read. They offer insight on how the strategy can thrive across campus, and they remind us that we are moving towards the same goal.” 

Phase four, this step of reporting, is a checkpoint along the way. ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy, will continue to act as a pathway toward safer, more inclusive environments that benefit all campus community members, while acknowledging that racism remains a present challenge.  

“If we continue to stand up against racism, we continue to stand up for our Indigenous communities, and we continue to remain relational in who we’re working for. We then create a better place for everyone to be successful,” said Magnuson. 

“If we all collectively agree to commit to these reports, then we'll have a better university, and we'll have a better community around us.” 

OVPIE has worked with units across campus to compile and publish 22 reports now available on their website, indigenous.usask.ca.