Indigenous youth leader steps up to represent USask students
Just a few years ago, teachers didn’t think much of Rollin Baldhead. He was cycling through schools in Saskatoon and Duck Lake, with little support or encouragement from anyone outside his family.
By NC RaineNow, at 25 years of age, Baldhead is currently an education student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in addition to his responsibilities as a youth leader with the FSIN and the (newly elected) USSU president.
According to a recent profile in Eagle Feather News, it was a change that few saw coming.
“I learned to believe in myself,” he said. “I’ve learned to be proud of who I am and where I come from.”
Baldhead carries himself an easy confidence, and is welcoming with his toothy, ear-to-ear smile. He’s thoughtful. Perhaps a little too young to be called ‘wise’, but will likely earn that distinction before he’s grey. He’s inordinately busy for his age - doing what he feels he needs to be doing.
“I think my heart is to speak for my people,” he said. “Kinship is really hardwired into my brain and my values. I think that’s one of the reasons I ran for (USSU President). The sense of community, and having supports here that represent all.”