The U.S. Council on Undergraduate Research has selected Laroque as its 2018 Geosciences Undergraduate Research Mentor, an honour that recognizes an individual who is a role model for impactful and transformative student-faculty mentoring relationships, and who maintains a sustained and innovative approach to undergraduate research.

The award was formally presented on Nov. 6 at the Geological Society of America meeting in Indianapolis. Laroque, a professor in the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and in the School of Environment and Sustainability, estimates he has mentored close to 100 students over his career.

“I believe that keeping students engaged in learning about the physical environment means that, as much as possible, one should take them out into a new environment for direct experience,” said Laroque.

For many first-year students in his introductory environmental science course, that means an opportunity to become adept at using the Canadian Light Source synchrotron to conduct their own research—a novel program Laroque began three years ago.

“Colin’s excellence in collaboration and interdisciplinary teaching and mentorship, particularly in the area of sustainability, provides an exceptional undergraduate student experience,” said Dr. Mary Buhr (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. “His students are empowered to make changes happen, and with his leadership they bring sustainability into action.”

The Saskatoon-born Laroque, whose family farm is near Duck Lake, said his teaching style emulates the practices of his extended Métis family, using experiential instruction to share their environmental knowledge gleaned over generations.

“I integrate students’ field experience into the classroom, so that they can work through their projects from field collection to lab work, data analysis, report writing and public presentations,” he said. “This approximates most closely what real research involves and prepares students well for graduate studies and many other job-related endeavours.”

Laroque received a bachelor’s degree from USask and his master’s and PhD at the University of Victoria. He taught for 10 years at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick before returning to teach at USask in 2014.

“I didn’t have post-doctoral fellows or PhD students at Mount Allison, so I developed a style to work with the undergrads there,” Laroque said. “In a certain sense, first-year students enjoy the research more. They think it’s a special thing for an instructor to take them under their wing at an early stage.”

In his nomination, students highlighted the substantial impact of his mentoring and the family-like atmosphere of the Mistik Askiwin Dendrochronology Laboratory which Laroque directs. That’s where Laroque introduces undergraduates from disciplines such as agriculture, fine arts, engineering, psychology and education to sound research. The students conduct tree ring-related research to understand past climates, past chemical environments, ecosystem dynamics, and past human activities.

A parent of a student who blossomed under Laroque’s guidance wrote: “Dr. Laroque doesn’t just make great students, he makes great men and women. He challenges them intellectually and academically. He makes them confident personally and socially by trusting and believing in them.”

Born in Mexico and raised in the United States as an undocumented immigrant, Barba and her family came to Canada two years ago during the rise of President Donald Trump, after Barba’s family was approved for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program to start a new life in Saskatoon.

For someone who had never been able to cross a border before while living in the U.S., at the risk of being deported—as her sister was after returning from Mexico—arriving in Canada was a moment Barba will never forget.

“Borders were such a big part of my childhood and you knew that you couldn’t cross them or you couldn’t go back,” said Barba, now a 22-year-old fourth-year honours student at USask, majoring in biochemistry. “But crossing the Canada-U.S. border, they took our papers and I specifically remember the person saying, ‘Welcome to Canada!’ That may sound like a simple thing, but to us, we have always been afraid of immigration officers, so for someone to say ‘Welcome to Canada’ was just so amazing. We finally felt wanted in a country.”

Now two years later, the family has settled into a new life and new careers in Saskatoon, with Barba flourishing on campus and in the community. There were certainly adjustments at first, with climate, culture and cuisine in particular. But while Saskatoon’s Hispanic community may be small, Barba was pleasantly surprised by the diversity on campus, with students from more than 100 countries studying here.

“Those first few months of moving to a new country can be lonely, but coming to this university was great,” said Barba, whose family has permanent resident status and will be able to apply for full citizenship next year. “It was like, borders don’t matter. It doesn’t matter where you are from. When I came here to start university, the hallways were packed and you saw all these different faces. It was very diverse and that really surprised me. And that’s when I knew I was in the right place.”

You can hear the passion in Dr. Charles H. Pierce’s (MD’68, PhD’74) voice when he talks about the opioid addiction epidemic, and for good reason. It’s been called one of the worst public health crises in Canadian history, devastating communities across the country, and putting a financial strain on the health-care system.

The opioid epidemic was the topic of the honorary alumni lecture delivered by Pierce at the 2018 Highlights in Medicine alumni reunion conference. Presently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, he has spent more than 48 years as a family physician, including more than 28 years in medical research with experience in drug development research and as an emergency room doctor.

“I was working in urgent care, and a friend of mine said ‘would you be interested ?’ I said ‘yes,’” explained Pierce, on how he started treating patients with an opioid dependency. “I can certainly see the big need. This is a real calling.”

Opioids are a classification of drugs used to treat pain and include morphine, oxycodone and codeine. Misuse can lead to problems, including addiction, overdose and even death. From January to March of this year 1,036 people across Canada died from causes related to using opioids, according to a September 2018 federal government report.

Now, 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.”

Read more on this article at Eagle Feather News.

Dr. Edison Haro Albuja (PhD) is one of these students. He is USask’s first PhD graduate from Ecuador. He graduated in fall 2018 with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Dr. Albuja came to Canada to study at USask.

Why did you want to study in Canada?

I wanted to learn a new language and culture. I think Canada is a beautiful country.

How did you learn about the University of Saskatchewan?

I had a contact in Ecuador who was familiar with USask. I contacted USask Student Recruitment and learned what steps I had to take to apply to USask.

How was your USask experience?

It was great! USask had the facilities and equipment I needed to conduct my research in biomedical engineering.

What did your biomedical engineering research focus on?

My thesis was Enhancing Ballistic Impact Resistance of Polymer Matrix Composite Armors by Dispersion of Micro and Nano-Fillers. My supervisors were Dr. Akindele Odeshi (PhD) and Dr. Jerzy Szpunar (PhD).   

Did you receive any scholarships to study at USask?

Yes, I received the Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT) scholarship. This is a scholarship funded by the Government of Ecuador.

What advice would you give international students coming to USask?

Start learning English early. English is the most important tool for international students, especially if you’re conducting research.

How did you learn English?

I attended the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre (USLC) where I studied English for Academic Purposes. I studied at USLC for one year before beginning my PhD.

What are you doing now that you’ve graduated?

I’ve returned to Ecuador and accepted the position of Dean of the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Armed Forces.

“I’ve worked very hard, but I’ve also been very, very lucky,” said the longtime University of Saskatchewan jazz instructor and trumpet player, who was featured recently in an article in The StarPhoenix.

McNeill has been teaching jazz theory and technique at the U of S for 20 years. He’s always instructed a cadre of individual students, and he’s still running the Jazz Ensemble for the school.

The 51-year-old hasn’t always been a teacher, and he isn’t only a teacher now. He still performs concerts at local jazz venues like The Bassment or during the annual Jazz Festival with other Saskatoon-based musicians, or any number of the travelling performers he’s met throughout his career.

But he also helps groom musicians outside the school, through workshops during the Jazz Festival and more professional groups like the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra (which he had a hand in founding). Almost every jazz musicians who got their start in Saskatoon in the last two decades will have worked with McNeill, either inside or outside the university.

Read more about McNeill is inspiring the next generation through music at TheStarPhoenix.com.

McDonnell arrived at the U of S in 2012 as a professor of hydrology in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) and is the associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS). Today, the U of S is the top-rated water research institute in Canada and one of the best in the world. Not only is McDonnell a renowned scholar, but a dedicated mentor to young researchers.

GIWS communications specialist Mark Ferguson asked McDonnell about his career, his award, and his continuing dedication to inspire.

The honour name—Yari:mema?/She Carries the Story Along—was approved by a body of faith keepers of the North American Wendat Confederacy before it was bestowed on Labelle during a private ceremony in Michigan.

“That was pretty incredible,” she said.

Another professional highlight for Labelle came even more recently—on Oct. 27, 2018—when she received the New Researcher Award at the University of Saskatchewan’s Fall Convocation ceremonies.

“It doesn’t seem real,” Labelle said of being chosen for the award.

“I actually Googled it a bunch of times on the university website when I first heard, because I was like, ‘This can’t be right,’ ” she said with a laugh. “All of the other people who have received this award before are like awesome rock stars, so it is exciting but also sort of overwhelming—because you feel like there’s a lot of responsibility with that.”

Since joining the Department of History in the College of Arts and Science in 2012, Labelle has earned an international reputation for her work in Indigenous history, with a focus on the Wendat (Wyandot) communities in Quebec, Ontario, Michigan, Kansas and Oklahoma. The Wendat people, also referred to as the Huron by the French, are known in high school history books as having had contact with Samuel de Champlain when the French explorer came to Turtle Island (Canada).

Labelle’s acclaimed book Dispersed But Not Destroyed: A History of the Seventeenth-Century Wendat People received the 2014 John C. Ewers Award from the Western History Association. It was also shortlisted for the Canadian Historical Association’s Sir John A. Macdonald Prize (rebranded as the CHA Prize for Best Scholarly Book in Canadian History). In the book, Labelle demonstrated that the Wendat people did not disappear, as many historians had claimed, but were instead dispersed in the wake of attacks from the Iroquois.

As an undergraduate history student at the University of Ottawa, Labelle took classes from Professor Georges Sioui, a Wendat community member who introduced her to people from the Wendat nations. Sioui also encouraged Labelle to pursue her master’s degree, which she received in Ottawa before earning a PhD in history at Ohio State University.

Labelle continues to work alongside and build relationships with the Wendat people. Her next book will focus on seven Wendat women spanning a large timeframe from the 1650s to 2006, and she has sought input from a group of Wendat women chosen by their communities to serve as her advisory council.

“They want their stories to be told; they want them to be published,” said Labelle. “They want people to know that they exist, so that was sort of the impetus for the first book.”

The New Researcher Award recognizes the outstanding research achievements of a faculty member who is within 10 years of completing their PhD. Considered one of the leading ethnohistorians in Canada, Labelle already has an impressive publication history. It includes an award-winning single-authored monograph, a co-edited book, a dozen book chapters or peer-reviewed articles, and co-editing a special issue of a journal—all within seven years of earning her doctorate.  

So, it should come as no surprise that being professors on campus and partners at home goes hand-in-hand for Karen Schwean-Lardner and Bart Lardner of the University of Saskatchewan.

“We both care about the welfare of the animals and birds and how important that is for producers,” said Karen Schwean-Lardner, an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources who specializes in poultry production. “In this country, we have codes of practice for beef, for dairy, and for poultry, that are defined by science-informed groups. And we have a system in which every commercial farm in Canada is audited based on their welfare standards and based on their food safety standards, which is wonderful.”

“Animal care and animal welfare is front and centre for producers, and as researchers it is important in everything we do,” added Bart Lardner, a professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, whose specialty is the science of beef production. “If the animal is sick, then that animal is of no value to the producer. So, producers are extremely concerned about animal care and animal welfare and proper handling techniques and it’s in their best interest.”

Whether it is beef or poultry, both are big proponents of the power-packed protein provided by both products, delivering desirable nutrients to help feed an ever-growing population. For their work, both earned international awards this year, with Karen receiving the Poultry Science Association’s Early Achievement Award for Research on July 26 in San Antonio, Texas, while Bart was honoured with the American Society of Animal Science’s Western Section Extension Award on June 20 in Bend, Oregon.

“A pioneer in his field, Jim has been devoted throughout his career to improving and protecting the health of agricultural workers in Canada and the world,” said U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad. 

“He has been an outstanding leader at the forefront of agricultural health and safety efforts, policy, and research. He is a visionary, a builder of teams and organizations, and a truly collaborative partner with farmers, industry and government to advance health and safety of rural Canadians.” 

Born in rural Saskatchewan, Dosman saw that farming can be a hazardous industry—for producers, workers, and their families. As a physician and specialist in respiratory medicine, he undertook foundational work on the effects of dust exposure among grain workers, which led to the establishment of a nationwide database supporting research and training. 

He spear headed international symposia that led to standards for dust exposure in the grain industry. He led the International Labour Organization’s effort to design an international code, Safety and Health in Agriculture (2011), bringing health care standards to millions of farmers and agricultural workers worldwide. 

Dosman is the founding director of the university’s Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture—a unique-in-Canada centre for research, education and health promotion, with particular focus on the health effects of agricultural exposures on rural populations. The centre includes more than a dozen Canadian universities and worldwide partners.

Founded in 1986, the centre conducts wide-ranging research such as farm injury, rural health, childhood asthma, dementia and chronic back pain studies, and partners with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities through the Agricultural Health and Safety Network to reduce injuries and illness on farms. Housed in the new Health Sciences Building E-Wing, the centre includes the national agricultural industrial hygiene laboratory for studying high-risk exposures and health issues. 

Dosman has held more than $18 million in research grants since 2000 and has authored more than 280 peer-reviewed publications. He is currently president and CEO of Agrivita Canada Inc., a non-profit company he helped form, promoting research, public health and safety in agriculture through the Canadian AgriSafety Applied Research Program.

Dosman has received many honours including an Officer of the Order of Canada, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He has been inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. 

Dosman will be inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Montreal on May 2 2019. Previous U of S laureates include Harold Johns, Sylvia Fedoruk, and Emmett Hall.

Ken Coates, co-author of The Sinking of the Princess Sophia, Taking the North Down With Her, said historical examination of the disaster, the worst in B.C. and West Coast history, offers an interesting insight into the behaviour of a people who were becoming integrated by the northern experience.

“People from Victoria would go up north to work in the Yukon, but also go to work in Alaska,” said Coates, a public policy professor with the at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the U of S and Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation. “People from Alaska would come down in the winter to live in Vancouver or Washington, Oregon or California.

“The sinking of the Princess Sophia and the stories that weave in and around the 350 who died remind us of a time when what they called the North Lands was a very unique, cross-border society,” he said in a recent interview with the Times Colonist.

The SS Princess Sophia sank on Oct. 25, 1918, with estimates of the death toll ranging up to 367. Nobody on board survived, save one pet dog who swam to shore. The ship was one of four coastal liners operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, all named for princesses.

Coates said what is intriguing is how the disaster has slid from memory and has only begun to resurface in the past 20 years. Coates said the death toll alone, about 10 per cent of the non-Indigenous population of the North, should have made it more infamous.

Read more on this story via the Times Colonist.

The $38-million world-class complex of field and science laboratories will officially open next week. Two new research and teaching units are located south of Clavet, Sask., while a third is located southeast of Saskatoon. 

Ringwall, who will begin work at the centre on Nov. 1, is currently director of the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center. He is also an NDSU extension livestock specialist who is passionate about sharing the great story of agriculture and the people who produce food for the world.

“We all have roots in agriculture,” said Ringwall. “The excitement of helping to create, guide and ultimately implement research and education involving livestock and agricultural products of the soil will be a driving force within the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, ultimately impacting future generations.”

Ringwall is committed to listening to producers and researchers, recognizing that working together will result in positive outcomes for everyone – researchers, producers and consumers.

The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is a unique initiative, with the director reporting to the deans of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Ringwall will also work with the centre’s Strategic Advisory Board that includes representatives from the university, the provincial and federal governments, and the livestock and forage sectors.

“Kris is an exceptional match for the LFCE’s broad mission and its large family of partnerships. He has a long and productive career in research, extension and outreach targeting both the livestock and forage industries,” said Dr. Douglas Freeman, dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Through his work as the director of a research and extension centre in the northern prairie region in North Dakota, Kris has gained an international reputation for his innovative research work, his ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, and his skills as a thoughtful and collaborative partner. We’re thrilled to have someone of Kris’ calibre join us at the U of S.” 

Mary Buhr, dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, said Ringwall has a long list of responsibilities as the new centre is in its infancy.

“He will be working to iron out all the wrinkles of two brand-new facilities. He is in charge of pulling the entire centre together when it hasn’t existed before. He’ll be building a team and helping people from the three units work together when they haven’t before,” she said.

“Kris will also be in charge of helping researchers to get their research done. He will be overseeing the building and construction that still needs to happen and he will be overseeing all the management of the land. He will also be out and about, meeting with producers and industry leaders.”

Comprising 27 quarters of land in two locations, the LFCE operates three units:  

• the Beef Cattle Research and Teaching Unit, south of Clavet,which includes a 1,500-head capacity feedlot and intensive environmental monitoring;
• the Forage and Cow-Calf Research and Teaching Unit, also south of Clavet, which includes 300 breeding cows; and 
• the Goodale Research Farm, southeast of Saskatoon near Floral, which includes 165 breeding cows as well as horses, bison and deer for research. The Goodale farm will be upgraded in 2019.

While Ringwall is new to Canada, he is not unknown in Canadian livestock circles. He has spoken at conferences in Canada and he writes a weekly column, BeefTalk, offering advice that’s applicable to producers on both sides of the border. The column has appeared in Canadian Cattlemen magazine and other Glacier FarmMedia publications. 

Ringwall completed his bachelor’s of science in agriculture from NDSU before studying at Oklahoma State University where he earned a master’s degree in animal science and a PhD in animal breeding. He enjoys working in the areas of genetics and reproductive physiology, as well as general management of beef, sheep and goats.

Ringwall and his wife Marian, who have six adult children, will live on an acreage near the Clavet facilities.

Ringwall succeeds Kathy Larson, who has served as the centre’s interim director since February.

“In the end, all six dragons bought in, which was pretty cool,” said Foley, an associate chemistry professor in the College of Arts and Science, whose team has developed an innovative method to extract gold from electronic waste. 

Foley was convinced until almost the very end that their pitch to the Dragons’ Denpanel had been “a train wreck,” especially when panelist Lane Merrifield got up to confer with others.

“I thought that was it. We were getting the boot quickly. Then they came back to say they all wanted in for three per cent each for 18 per cent of the company. It was overwhelming.” 

Dragons’ Den provides opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to the panel of Canadian business moguls who have the money and connections to bring the ideas to fruition.

Foley said he pursued the opportunity as “a lark” and applied online because Excir needed investors. By coincidence, some producers of the show came through Innovation Place the following week, and he pitched his concept successfully to the producers.

But with the support of a Schulich Leader Scholarship, Zielinski thrived in her four years at the University of Saskatchewan, capped off by earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil) with Distinction at Spring Convocation in June.

“It was great to see all of my hard work pay off, and to have something tangible to represent it was really exciting,” said Zielinski, who was awarded an $80,000 Schulich scholarship in 2014 to study engineering. “I truly enjoyed my four years at the U of S and I am glad that I chose to study there. It’s a great university with a beautiful campus. As an engineering student, I spent a lot of time studying there, so having a beautiful campus definitely helped because it made it much more enjoyable to be on campus.”

Zielinski was one of 40 high school students from across the country—including fellow U of S student Tushita Patel—who earned a Schulich scholarship in 2014 (Schulich now gives out 50 scholarships per year), a prestigious award that covered all of her costs for tuition and books, and also provided a significant boost of confidence as she began post-secondary studies after graduating from Marion Graham Collegiate in Saskatoon.

“It relieved a ton of financial pressure, and receiving the scholarship provided a huge relief,” said Zielinski, an accomplished athlete, dancer and musician who also won the Saskatoon Public School Division Proficiency Award for the highest academic average in each of her four years at Marion Graham. “And by taking off that financial pressure, it allowed me to fully focus on my academics, without the distraction of working outside of school in order to support earning my degree.

“The scholarship also definitely increased my confidence in my ability to be a leader. I think that being a leader in your community is a big part of the scholarship. So, it provided a big boost of confidence for me in terms of my ability to lead.”

Being awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships has helped bring them back to campus this fall.

The two first-year U of S students are among 50 from across the country who were selected this year to receive the prestigious Schulich scholarships, awarded annually to graduating high school students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in university.

Lanke, a graduate of Saskatoon’s Aden Bowman Collegiate, has received $80,000 over four years to study science at the U of S.

“This is something that I am very grateful for,” said Lanke, who had an outstanding 97.7 per cent academic average in her final year of high school, earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal, an International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award and the Grade 12 Proficiency Award for highest average. “A university education is something that I always wanted to pursue, but there is a huge financial cost to it and knowing that financial support is there is something that I am very grateful for. But in addition, Schulich also offers internships and support and guidance and opportunities and that is also something that I am very excited to explore.

“And coming to the U of S equally excites me because their combination of programs really interests me and I really like the interdisciplinary nature of the research programs.”

During her time in school, Lanke co-founded Saskatoon’s first Speakers Bureau, a youth group supported by Plan International Canada to create gender equality solutions, and was a regular participant in city and provincial science fairs. It was during a science fair that Lanke met professor Troy Harkness in the College of Medicine and was invited to take part in a U of S student research internship in the summer of 2015. Lanke worked with Harkness and his team on a Canadian Cancer Society-funded research project into multiple drug resistance in breast cancer chemotherapy.

“My experience was wonderful and not only did I get hands-on research experience and worked in the lab for two months, but I also was able to see how the scientific process works,” said Lanke, who turns 18 this month. “Every week we would analyse our results and then discuss where we are going to go from there. And one of the most insightful parts of this experience was I actually got to see cancer cells growing because I would culture them every week and it was fascinating how fast they would grow.

“What really drew me to his lab is also what intrigues me about science and its power to solve problems. If we ask questions, we can figure out not only the answers, but also have a greater understanding of our world. So, the idea of researching big problems is very intriguing to me.”

Like Lanke, Pollak’s positive experience on campus in the summer of 2016 proved to be a key factor in choosing to come back to the U of S, where he took part in the SHAD month-long program to sample science, technology, engineering, arts and math learning opportunities at Canadian universities.

“I wanted to come to the U of S because in 2016 I attended SHAD there, so I got to see the campus and I loved the campus and I loved the people I met and I was just really impressed with all the facilities,” said Pollak, a 19-year-old graduate of Blyth Academy in Waterloo, Ont., who has been awarded $100,000 over four years to study engineering at the U of S. “I walked away really happy from my experience at SHAD at the U of S. And the Schulich scholarship gave me the chance to go back there, so I’m very grateful.”

Pollak said the scholarship will also afford him the opportunity to dabble in courses outside of the College of Engineering curriculum, something he is anxious to take advantage of.

“It gives me the freedom to try courses that I otherwise wouldn’t, so I am able to take biology, for example, and explore other areas outside of engineering that interest me,” said Pollak, an accomplished student who was also a finalist for the Prime Minister’s Youth Council advisory board created by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2016. “So now I am able to take more risks academically, which is one of the great things about the Schulich scholarship.”  

Still, it was not a decision that the university’s first vice-provost, Indigenous engagement could make lightly. As one of the participants in the Sanctum Survivor Challenge, in which a dozen participants take to Saskatoon’s streets from June 1 to 2 as a way to support mothers and individuals in Saskatchewan living with HIV and AIDS, Ottmann knew this was an important cause to a community that she feels a personal connection to.

“Ultimately, this was something that is such an important cause, and I said yes to doing this because I wanted to help pregnant moms with HIV and AIDS,” said Ottmann, who is Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and a member of Saskatchewan’s Fishing Lake First Nation.

Ottmann, who recently returned to the U of S after earning her master’s in education (2002) and her PhD (2005) in the Department of Educational Administration in the College of Education, said participating in the fundraising event was something she knew would come with an emotional impact.

The Sanctum Survivor event is an annual city-wide fundraiser in which Ottmann participated along with other community leaders to gain first-hand understanding of the many challenges faced by people who experience poverty, homelessness and chronic illness in Saskatoon every day. The participants take part in a number of tasks that are framed around their survival, going without money and wearing donated clothing for the duration of the event.

“The day itself included a lot of walking. We walked over 17 kilometres to get from one agency to another, between Saskatoon AIDS to the Friendship Inn to Broadway to do laundry at the Lighthouse, where we asked the staff for garbage bags to protect our food and blankets. We did have our phones,” said Ottmann, noting that one amenity was used to tweet the 36-hour experience of homelessness.

And then there was the rain and cold.

“I wore five layers of shirts and jackets in order to keep warm,” she said. “You can’t prepare or speculate what this experience would be like. You have to be in the midst of the lived experience, which I think provides change in perspective, attitude and belief systems. I realized the weight of it all when I arrived at 6am and started picking out donor clothes to wear for the day and finding that there were very few in my size.”

“We soon realized how significant the Friendship Inn is, how warm, safe and welcoming the space is. But, more importantly, there was a sense of community there,” Ottmann continued.

“People were in conversation with one another, the service workers were kind, and it was a very safe atmosphere.”

After the event, Ottmann said it took her “awhile to process everything that I learned that day, and I think I’m still trying to understand what my role is as an advocate for those experiencing homelessness, and those mothers with HIV and AIDS.”

Ultimately, the fundraising event has left a positive impact. This September will mark the opening of Sanctum 1.5, a 10-bed care home that will support high-risk, HIV-positive, pregnant women in Saskatoon, which organizers said will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Throughout the group’s collective experiences, Ottmann, a former elementary and high school teacher and principal, said there was a lot of learning and sharing that went on throughout the 36 hours, and that this is only a start.

“We learned that there needs to be more counselling for mental health and addiction, and that homelessness, addiction and mental health are all so often connected. There needs to be an integrated approach in caring to support people who experience these challenges.”

Ottmann said that despite the negative aspects that are intrinsic to experiencing homelessness, “a lot of positive learning opportunities came from the experience. There was so much gratitude. Two of us spent the night at the Larson House detox centre. This experience was very deep; the centre became full and so they had to turn people away and there we were with two beds. It was hard to accept.

“At the same time, I feel so grateful for everything that these caregivers do for those in need on a daily basis.”

A week before graduating from the Edwards School of Business, the 23-year-old U of S student was awarded one of seven licences in Saskatoon—and one of only 51 permits granted in the province from 1,502 applications—to establish a retail cannabis store. For Sieben-Chuback, it was the culmination of a whirlwind week of completing her business plan and filing her request for proposal (RFP) before the province’s April 10 deadline, all while studying for her final exams.

“The application was due on April 10 right at the beginning of university finals, so I got the application in right before I was writing my first final two days after that,” said Sieben-Chuback. “I actually drove to Regina the day that the RFP was due, just to get it in on time. I don’t know how I got it all done before finals, but I did.”

Now just one month after celebrating convocation, Sieben-Chuback is preparing to put her commerce degree to use by establishing her first business, getting in on the ground floor of the potentially lucrative recreational cannabis market, once legalization goes into effect on October 17. For Sieben-Chuback, it’s not only business, but personal.

“The fact that I got my name selected, I was obviously extremely excited,” she said. “But I also did feel like this was meant to be, to a certain point. I actually began working on this long before the RFP came out. I knew this was an industry that I wanted to be involved in, due to the fact that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I just saw this as an opportunity to provide me with the best quality of life, and other people as well. So that was my inspiration moving forward in this industry.”

Sieben-Chuback said her Edwards business courses well prepared her for this opportunity, particularly the business plan outline that she studied in associate professor Lee Swanson’s class Commerce 447: Entrepreneurship and Venture Development.

“The business plan that I wrote in that class was originally for a medical marijuana dispensary, but once these RFPs came out, I pivoted my original business plan to suit the needs of the recreational dispensary in the application,” she said. “I actually used the financial template that Lee provided us in that class, and I used that to do my financial projections for the RFP, so that in itself was so helpful. So, taking that course and walking me through the steps of what it takes to open a business, really helped me.”

Swanson said it is satisfying to know that the course curriculum has proven real-world application.

“I am very proud of Cierra, and of the excellent business plan she wrote in our Comm 447 class,” Swanson said. “She is the latest in a long line of past students who have developed, or are developing, businesses based on the work they did in that class. I’m confident she too will use her entrepreneurial skills to benefit our society by creating jobs, providing a valued product, and helping make our community an even better place in which to live.”

Sieben-Chuback is now busy turning her plan into action. She has trademarked her business name, Living Skies Cannabis, drawing on the Saskatchewan licence plate slogan, and is now working on opening her store before the end of the year, backed by her father and local business owner Glenn Chuback.

“There are a number of steps, the same as for any new business, from finding a location to getting suppliers,” she said. “There is new information coming out every day and I am just taking it all in and going from there. Growing up with a dad who is an entrepreneur, I have always been like-minded, so I do feel prepared. But that being said, I don’t think anyone is really truly prepared to start their first business, especially in a brand-new industry where a lot of the things that I am doing have never been done before. But it is so exciting.”

Alana Pancyr, who studied in the College of Arts and Science’s Department of Drama, played the character Ofwyatt in the first episode of the show’s second season. It was originally released on April 25, 2018.

“She has a really rebellious back story,” said Pancyr (BFA’13) of the fictional character. “I don’t want to say too much to spoil anything, but she basically serves as an example of what happens if you rebel.”

The Handsmaid’s Tale is a highly acclaimed show based on the best-selling dystopian novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The plot depicts a totalitarian society of the future that forces the handmaids—fertile women—into servitude. In the episode in which Pancyr appeared, the pregnant handmaid Ofwyatt is imprisoned and shackled.

The Hulu show stars Elisabeth Moss, who received the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series at the 2017 Emmys. In total, The Handmaid’s Tale was nominated for 13 awards and received eight Emmys, including the award for outstanding drama series.

Other stars who have appeared in the show in recurring roles include Joseph Fiennes, Alexis Bledel, Max Minghella and Samira Wiley, with guest appearances from Marisa Tomei, Clea DuVall and Oprah Winfrey, among others.

Pancyr said she was “over the moon” when she found out she would have a role in The Handmaid’s Tale.

“I was pinned by casting and my agent and I were waiting a week to hear back—this was the same week the show won so many Emmys. I wasn’t sure the role was mine until costuming sent me an email to set up a fitting,” she said.

Pickering, a professor in the U of S Department of Geological Sciences and Canada Research Chair in molecular environmental science, has served on the CFI board since 2013 and is the first woman to be appointed as chair. Pickering is also acting vice-dean of research, scholarly and artistic work, in the College of Arts and Science. She will hold the three-year CFI post concurrently with her U of S appointments.

“Ingrid Pickering’s appointment to the prestigious role attests to her fabulous qualities of leadership,” said U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “Given her role as a Canada Research Chair, and her board experience with CFI and international advisory panels, she will provide strong leadership to CFI in delivering on the renewed federal commitment to supporting high quality research facilities across Canada."

CFI has a mandate to ensure researchers in universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research organizations have the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment they need to push scientific boundaries and conduct world-class research.

“I am absolutely honoured by the appointment and for the opportunity to serve Canada,” said Pickering. “I have benefited greatly from being a researcher in Canada at USask and from CFI investments supporting my research. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back by helping shape the future of research in our country.”

In its 2018 budget, the federal government announced a commitment of $763 million over five years for CFI, and proposed it would establish permanent CFI funding of $462 million annually by 2023-24.

“Stable funding gives CFI an opportunity to really design for the future in terms of programs and direction,” said Pickering. “There is tremendous potential to connect people and build research strength in Canada, both across disciplines and between different organizations, by working collaboratively through shared infrastructure.”

Pickering’s research uses and develops synchrotron-based techniques to study the role heavier elements play in biological systems at the molecular level, and the impact these elements have on the environment and human health. 

She came to the U of S in 2003 bringing international experience, with degrees from Cambridge and London in the United Kingdom, and appointments in the United States in industry and at a national laboratory.

Kirsty Duncan, federal Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced Pickering’s appointment Wednesday in Ottawa. 

“By promoting women in science and in leadership, Canada will be better positioned to be a world leader in research and innovation. The Government of Canada believes that diversity is our strength and we all benefit from seeing that diversity reflected on boards and in our institutions,” said Duncan. 

“I am very humbled to be a part of such a distinguished group of professionals,” said Kresta, who stepped into her role at the U of S on January 1, 2018. “Engineering is such an exciting profession, and it provides opportunities to young people to excel and make a change in the world. To be recognized for my contributions by this preeminent national organization is truly an honour.”

The CAE is the national institution through which Canada's most distinguished and experienced engineers provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada. Members of the CAE are nominated and elected by their peers to Fellowships, in view of their distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession. 

Kresta, one of 59 new fellows announced on June 18, is an accomplished researcher in the area of turbulent mixing, who has worked in sectors ranging from drinking water to cosmetics and from hydrometallurgy to oilsands extraction. She is perhaps even more regarded for her teaching excellence, having received the Engineers Canada Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education—the highest engineering education award in Canada—in 2014.

Read more about the CAE fellows here.

Valerie Korinek, a professor in the Department of History in the College of Arts and Science, has written Prairie Fairies: A History of Queer Communities and People in Western Canada, 1930-1985. The book draws on oral, archival and cultural histories to explore the experiences of queer urban and rural people on the Prairies, with a particular focus on the cities of Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary.

Although the book has just been published, it got its start back in 1996, when Korinek first arrived at the U of S from the University of Toronto. It was then that she received a Post-it Note from one of her former colleagues in the history department, the now-retired professor Gary Hanson, which included two names and “the cryptic comment, ‘You should contact these people. You’d find them interesting,’ ” Korinek recalled.

Because Korinek was busy with her new academic post, it wasn’t until April 1997 that she called up U of S librarian Neil Richards, whose name was included on the note. Richards—an activist who posthumously received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in April 2018—had made it his life’s work to preserve, gather and document the heritage of LGBTQ communities. Between 1985 and 2015, Richards entrusted his enormous collection of LGBTQ archives to the U of S library. It was one of the earliest and largest collections of LGBTQ interest to be acquired by a Canadian public archive.

“I met Neil and I was completely blown away by the stuff he had donated to the Saskatchewan Archives Board, to the University Archives. Ten minutes into that maybe hour-long conversation, it was readily apparent to me that nobody had used the materials and this was a huge gift that he had given the province and the university,” Korinek said.

“Basically, he had kept every single piece of paper about gay and lesbian organizing in the Western region since those groups started in the early ’70s, and he had cut out articles from the newspaper from the moment he arrived in the city (from Ontario). Neil had also gone and volunteered at the Lesbian and Gay Archives in Toronto and so, as part of that arrangement, he photocopied a lot of materials that they had and brought them back to Saskatoon.

“So, when I saw how much material was here, (I knew) what a great social and regional and urban history it would be of queer people in the Prairies. I didn’t have very much familiarity with the Prairies before I moved here, and had assumed, stereotypically like everyone does, if you grow up gay or lesbian in the Prairies—which was how people referred to themselves then; queer now—you would just move. You would move to Vancouver, you’d move to Toronto, you’d move to Montreal. So I gradually began to realize as I went about my weekly life well, no, people hadn’t moved, and here was all of this documentation.”

Around the same time that she met with Richards, Korinek had been working on her book Roughing it in the Suburbs: Reading Chatelaine Magazine in the Fifties and Sixties. She was interested in feminism, sexuality and gender in Canada after the Second World War and was already quite familiar with literature in the U.S. about gay urban space. After viewing Richards’ materials, Korinek saw an opportunity to write what she thought of, at the time, as “a little book” about queer people and queer communities on the Prairies.

Korinek got started on the book following a successful Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant application. After she visited LGBTQ archives throughout Western Canada, conducted interviews and spent more than a decade writing the book, the 528-page Prairie Fairies was published by University of Toronto Press.

“It became both an academic and personal labour of love to try and utilize Neil’s archives, the oral interviews I collected myself, the ones I found in Winnipeg and cultural documents to write this history,” she said.

The book’s cover features a 1914 archival photo of U of S alumna Annie Maude (Nan) McKay sharing an embrace and a kiss with a woman named Hope outside of a university residence building. In 1915, McKay—who was born in 1892 at Fort à la Corne, Sask.—became the first Métis and Indigenous woman to graduate from the U of S when she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The book’s timeframe—1930-1985—encapsulates two parts of queer life on the Prairies. The 1930s through to 1969 is what Korinek describes as “pre-gay and lesbian community formation.” The 1970s, however, marked the beginning of what Korinek calls “gay and lesbian liberation,” which included the creation of gay and lesbian membership clubs, newsletters and magazines.

The 1980s brought a new challenge with the dawn of the AIDS epidemic. Korinek decided to end her book in 1985 as a result.

“I ended at ’85 not because political activity ends then, but that’s really the point at which most of these cities turn their resources—limited resources—towards AIDS awareness, AIDS education and AIDS activism and have to turn away from the community centres and the more general kind of membership clubs that they had run up until that point.”

Korinek said there’s several key messages in Prairie Fairies, and the first and most simple is that queer people have always lived on the Prairies—even if they haven’t always been welcomed or acknowledged by others. The new book is a “start at writing a history of a group that hasn’t had much historical attention,” she said.

Another facet of Prairie Fairies is that it looks at the ways in which Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton were interconnected, but also at the ways in which they were similar and different. For example, Saskatoon was very political, Winnipeg was quite invested in education and media production and Edmonton specialized in counselling programs, Korinek said.

“This world is interconnected. So Prairie activists were participants in the national Canadian activist scene. They were travelling to the United States and, in some ways, Prairie activists were leaders in the ’70s and early ’80s—and that is something that is just absolutely not known,” she said.

“There were a series of conferences between 1971 and 1982 or ’83 and, of those 10 conferences, three of them were held in the Prairie region—in Winnipeg, in Saskatoon, in Calgary. That’s really important to know, that Prairie activists were leaders nationally.”

Korinek has reflected on some of the progress that has been made on the Prairies since 1985 and has not ruled out another book examining more recent LGBTQ history. In 2017, for example, the Saskatoon Pride Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary with a record-breaking parade. Korinek said advances have been made as people have gotten to know their LGBTQ counterparts.

“Once they see people living right next door, it makes it a little bit harder to hate and a little bit harder to just have a knee-jerk reaction to difference,” she said.

“And that’s really good—it’s one of the reasons why activists in the ’70s said, ‘Encourage people to come out. Encourage people to tell other people that they are gay and lesbian,’ because they knew that that would break down barriers. It would demystify our world.”

Honoured with the Master Teacher Award at Spring Convocation—the highest teaching honour at the U of S and presented to only two faculty members each year—Garcea is also celebrating 37 years of marriage with his wife Laurie (who holds a master’s in education psychology and special education from the U of S), as well as 31 years of educating and mentoring political studies students at the university, where he has proudly watched his own children Giustino, Michele and Maria excel in their courses.

For Garcea, who has battled health issues for years since being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1991, there is plenty to be thankful for.

 “It puts things into perspective, that’s for sure,” said Garcea, a professor in the College of Arts and Science. “I had two related things, cancer and heart valve replacements, and in both cases leading-edge university research changed my life and I consider myself lucky to be alive because of medical science research. One innovative experimental procedure that kept me alive was used at the University of Alberta, at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and the other was an innovative procedure involving nanospheres and nuclear isotopes used here at Royal University Hospital.”

Garcea said those life-saving procedures are daily reminders of the value of university research in medical science, as well as in other fields.

 “You realize that every day is precious and there are certain things that you can’t put off,” he said. “You realize how important it is to cherish your time with your family, but at the same time you also want to make a contribution to society and to the institution, because that’s all what makes life worth living.”

Natalie Yanko, originally from Ituna, Sask, is graduating with a Master of Nursing. After she graduates, she plans to work as a nurse practitioner in a rural or remote Saskatchewan community. Yanko says she is passionate to strengthen rural health and promote access to care for all individuals and families. Yanko also plans to return to competitive curling with a team out of the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon.

Overall, how was your U of S experience?

I am grateful for my positive experiences in both undergraduate and graduate studies at the U of S. The U of S offered a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for study in a dynamic and positive learning environment. I would highly recommend the Nurse Practitioner Program at the College of Nursing because of the overall excellence of the program, encouraging faculty, and study options dependent on student needs and preferences.

If you had a million dollars to donate to the university, what would you want the money to be used for?

I would donate the money strictly for scholarships and bursaries for deserving students. I am very grateful for the awards I received throughout graduate studies because they enabled me to focus more time to achieve academically. I encourage students to apply for awards offered internally within their college and external to the university.  

What advice do have for new students just starting university?

I encourage students beginning studies at the U of S to connect and collaborate with fellow students and faculty within their college and academic courses. Becoming familiar with the campus environment and academic resources is another important tool as a new student. Knowing what resources are available and how to access them is essential for academic and personal growth.

USURJ is an online, peer-reviewed scholarly journal featuring original work by U of S undergraduate students. Gerber, an English major, became editor-in-chief of the journal alongside PhD student Tara Chambers.

Gerber also had one of her own essays published in volume 4 of USURJ. The essay, “Transgender Bodies in The Little Mermaid and Swim Thru Fire,” was nominated for one of the journal’s best paper prizes.

“Being able to experience the publication process from both sides like that was amazing, especially since I really want to continue studying and working in academia,” she said.

Gerber will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in English (honours) during U of S Spring Convocation on June 5. The evening before she crosses the stage at TCU Place to receive her degree, she will be among the high-achieving students honoured at the annual College of Arts and Science Convocation Dinner and Awards Ceremony. At the college event, Gerber will receive the Copland Prize in Humanities and the Award for Excellence in English Studies.

Gerber said she was “so happy” to find out she would be recognized.

“I love studying literature and work hard to be successful at it, so it’s very gratifying for that to pay off,” she said.

Gerber is currently working as a research assistant for a project led by English professor Joanne Leow, which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. In September, Gerber will begin a master’s degree in the College of Arts and Science in English. She is aiming for a PhD after that.

“My broad research interests include transnational literature, Indigenous literature, speculative fiction and literary animal studies,” she said.

Although Gerber will no longer be an undergraduate student, she is planning to stay on with USURJ as a graduate advisor. She said she has learned a lot about publishing and editing through her time with the journal.

“I love getting articles through to publication. Even if I only played a small part in working with the paper, hearing about the success of the authors that submit to us makes me so happy. It’s definitely one of the reasons that I’m staying on as a graduate advisor for the upcoming year; I know how exciting it is to get undergraduate work out there and I want to keep being a part of that,” she said.

“By giving undergraduate students the opportunity to learn in a positive and constructive environment about the standards of research and the process of publishing in an academic journal, they gain an advantage when it comes to thinking about studying at the graduate level. Even if grad school is not part of their plan, I think it’s important for undergraduate students to have a venue for their work to be seen by more people than just their professor so that they know that their work can have significance in the world beyond the classroom.”

Gerber describes choosing English as her major as “the best decision I ever made.” She has advice for other undergraduate students: don’t compare yourself to others.

“It can be very easy to devalue your own accomplishments because someone else is ‘better than you’ in one way or another, but my advice would be to try your best to only compare yourself against your past self. Allow yourself to be proud of what you’ve achieved, and ignore that part of you that says it doesn’t matter because someone else seems to be higher than you on your scale of expectation. Be nice to yourself.”

This Spring, Zachary Person, 24, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in environmental science. This fall he will begin a master’s degree at the U of S in environment and sustainability, under the supervision of Colin Laroque.

Why did you decide to continue your education and obtain a master’s degree?

After obtaining an Environmental Science Major with my Agriculture Degree, I was very intrigued in pushing my knowledge further, especially regarding sustainability issues locally and globally. These issues are very large and diverse, and trying to solve them involves unique research and advanced problem-solving skills.

Overall, how was your U of S experience?

My experience at the U of S was very educational, fulfilling and well-rounded. I transferred from Lakeland College after receiving a Diploma, hoping to finish my degree and get into the work-force. I ended up running into some great professors at the university that involved me in using some unique scientific tools to conduct research, mainly the Canadian Light Source. This research sparked the need to further my education past a bachelor’s degree.

What’s something you learned at the U of S that didn’t come from a textbook?

I learned a lot of people skills, especially in the later years. There was a certain capstone class, Environment and Sustainability 401: Sustainability in Action, that involved intensive networking, numerous meetings (including one with President Stoicheff) and people-management. These are skills that only come from experience which the professors pushed for, setting up their students for success when they enter the work-force after receiving their degree.

What’s something you learned at the U of S that did come from a textbook, a lecture/lab or research?

I learned a lot about the Canadian Light Source, Canada’s only Synchrotron. I used the synchrotron to do dendrochronologic research, or the study of tree rings through time. I focused, and will continue to focus, on how mining and other human activities effect trees in certain areas due to contamination, and how that could potentially become a vector to humans and animals in that same environment. Mainly, humans growing food in tainted soils, which the trees will show you on a timeline when contamination started and how bad the contamination is.

If you had a million dollars to donate to the university, what would you want the money to be used for?

The money would go in a few different directions. I would give some full-ride scholarships to some who could not afford to pursue a degree but want to. I would also want a large amount of the money to be used for research and innovation in the environmental and sustainability sectors. I would like to see research done on new energy production (clean energy), land reclamation and restoration, and more research on the Canadian Light Source involving plant, soil and water contamination. With money put into these areas, certain departments could grow in my educational interest areas. I think this is very important as most environmental problems are so large and they are not being dealt with due to a lack of research and knowledge.  

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of S?

I learned that hard work and dedication can go to great lengths and result in good marks. I achieved and succeeded in some things that I could have never imagined, including conducting research on the Canadian Light Source and leading a group of 28 people. When you find the areas you care about, it is not hard to dedicate time and effort into studying and finishing schoolwork, and enjoy the things learned from it.

What advice do have for new students just starting university?

To new students, show up to class, take notes, study a bit every day, but do not be afraid to give yourself time off. There is a very particular balance that is needed in university to excel. Also, never be afraid to question everything. Lastly, do not be afraid to change your educational pathway if you are not liking what you are doing, you are not the only one to feel that way.

University can be stressful, how did you look after your mental health while at university?

Spending time going out with or studying with friends is a great way to relax while in university. Taking walks, finding a good show to binge-watch, or taking electives you are passionate about are also some good tips to keep your head above water in school. It also helps to keep an organized schedule and finish work early, so that during midterms and finals your main focus can be the exams.

Join us as we celebrate all those who receive their degrees during Spring Convocation. Share your moments using #UsaskConvo.

This spring, Monika Bzdel, 27, is graduating with a Master of Nursing - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. After graduation, Bzdel plans to work as a nurse practitioner in northern communities in Saskatchewan.

How was your U of S experience?

Overall, I enjoyed my experience. The course I took was considered a “distance” course, meaning that there was an option to attend the lectures online, or in person in the classroom. I appreciated that there was the option available to suit my schedule and learning needs.

What advice do you have for new students just starting university?

Prioritization and time management are very important skills to consolidate. Focus on your goals, and plan your days and study time accordingly. Also, have realistic expectations of yourself—do not get discouraged and always remind yourself why you have chosen to further your education and what your goals are.

University can be stressful, how did you look after your mental health while at university?

Finding out what self-care practices work best with you are important in managing stress. For myself, I found having a daily meditation practice, exercising, eating nutritious food, getting adequate sleep and spending time with people who were important to me was vital. During midterms or final exams, making time for these activities were a priority for me and I believe contributed to my success.

Join us as we celebrate all those who receive their degrees during Spring Convocation. Share your moments using #UsaskConvo.

Lorelei Ford, 39, is graduating with a Master of Environment and Sustainability. After she graduates, she plans to work for the Water Security Agency. Ford is thankful to Dr. Lalita Bharadwaj and Dr. Cheryl Waldner for their support and mentorship. Ford said she “learned much from their strength, passion and perseverance”.  

Overall, how was your U of S experience?

My experience with the University of Saskatchewan was good. The School of Environment and Sustainability provided me the flexibility I needed to continue working while achieving my academic goals.

What’s something you learned at the U of S that didn’t come from a textbook?

I learned a lot about effective teamwork within a research team. My committee provided strong mentorship and good communication which kept me motivated and passionate.

What’s something you learned at the U of S that did come from a textbook, a lecture/lab or research?

I enjoyed all of my courses! It was great to have the opportunity to learn more about statistics (frequentist and probabilistic) and apply it to my research.

If you had a million dollars to donate to the university, what would you want the money to be used for?

I would want the money used for more community-based participatory research, where applicable, especially as it relates to providing support to communities to participate in the research.

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of S?

If it were a perfect world, I would never leave the university. I would literally try to get as many degrees as possible!

What advice do have for new students just starting university?

Create a schedule for your work. Treat it like a job and show up on a regular schedule. Take time off and do your best not to constantly think about what you are not doing. Achieving your degree and good life balance will serve you well in the future.

University can be stressful, how did you look after your mental health while at university?

I prioritized my family and work but made a schedule for schoolwork. Keeping up with my physical health and pacing myself through the tough and stressful times ensured I did not burnout.

Join us as we celebrate all those who receive their degrees during Spring Convocation. Share your moments using #UsaskConvo.

Jaimie Peters, 38, is graduating with a Master of Nursing this spring. After graduation, she plans to spend more time with her daughters and husband, and will continue to work with The Lung Association of Saskatchewan. In Peters’ spare time, she will continue to work on the research project from her final practicum and teach lab and clinical with the College of Nursing.

Overall, how was your U of S experience?

I really enjoyed my experience.  As a mature student, I found school much more meaningful and applicable because of the experiences you can use to relate to content being learned. 

What’s something you learned at the U of S that came from a textbook, a lecture/lab or research? 

One of the most interesting discussions from the program was about challenges and solutions in multigenerational nursing environments. Each generation has strengths and we need to work together to create a patient first health care environment.  

If you had a million dollars to donate to the university, what would you want the money to be used for? 

A million dollars is a lot, but not quite enough!  I would direct these funds to four places: 

1. Respiratory Research Centre of Canada—to support the great respiratory researchers we have.
2. The College of Nursing—to develop a clinical skills lab dedicated specifically for nursing students.
3. The College of Nursing—to enhance all levels of nursing students skills and understanding in the management of respiratory disease and illness.
4. Scholarship—a scholarship to support part-time nursing students who have young children and continue to work.

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of S?

I learned I am very good at time management and that sometimes you have to let certain things go.  For me it was Netflix, laundry and housework!  This would be my advice for new students as well—use your nursing skills and prioritize the important things in life.​

Join us as we celebrate all those who receive their degrees during Spring Convocation. Share your moments using #UsaskConvo.

Growing up a Dene in north central Canada, one of the 600 aboriginal groups of Canada’s First Nations, Scrimshaw, a graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business, knew firsthand the challenges that mark the lives of Indigenous peoples.

“I realized that because Ethan was born First Nations, he’d have to face a potentially challenging life,” said Scrimshaw in a recent interview with The Harvard Gazette. “I also realized that he didn’t have a say in the world he was about to grow up in, and I decided that I was going to do everything I could to make his life better.”

Over the past decade, Scrimshaw has been doing that and more. A Gleitsman Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Scrimshaw is completing a Master in Public Administration. Last year, she earned an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

This article was originally published in The Harvard Gazette.

Wiwcharuk, a Saskatoon nurse, had left her City Park apartment on May 18, 1962, to mail two letters at a nearby drugstore and to go for a walk. She was scheduled to work at City Hospital a few hours later and told her roommates she would return.

Tragically, she never did.

Wiwcharuk’s body was discovered in a shallow grave nearly two weeks later, near the intersection of Spadina Crescent and 33^rdStreet. Police considered a number of suspects in the case, but, more than five decades later, answers continue to elude investigators.

Best-selling Canadian author and University of Saskatchewan alumna Sharon Butala (BEd’62, BA’63, PGD’73, DLitt’04) has had a longtime interest in the unsolved case. Butala went to high school with Wiwcharuk and published a nonfiction work about her killing in 2008. That book, The Girl in Saskatoon: A Meditation on Friendship, Memory and Murder, examined why the brutal slaying of Wiwcharuk continues to intrigue people to this day.

“I’ll try to put it in a nutshell: Because she was the descendant of a hard-working, never wealthy, quintessential Saskatchewan pioneer family, she stood for all of us and the hope our families had when they settled in Saskatchewan,” said Butala. 

“Because she was a beautiful, unspoiled, good-natured, intelligent and ambitious young woman who might have gone far had she lived, she also represented the death of all our dreams. She was youth, beauty and innocence destroyed by wanton evil—that which we all fear. Saskatoon was a small place in the middle of nowhere and this extraordinary girl rose up in it, only to be killed for no reason at all. There is an echo from mythology here.”

Butala said Wiwcharuk was “a decent, intelligent young woman” and her death was “appalling and heartbreaking” for many. Because Butala and Wiwcharuk knew a number of the same people, and because Butala was living in Saskatoon when Wiwcharuk’s body was discovered, Butala naturally became very interested in the case.

“I wanted to write about the Saskatoon I knew, too, from 1953—when its population was about 50,000—to her death in 1962, when it was already 100,000. I wanted to try to figure out why her murder mattered so much to everyone, even 50 years later,” she said.

Now she is heading overseas to explore the culture and countryside, the history and mystery, of the British Isles.

The day after walking across the stage at TCU Place on June 5 to be awarded her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree at University of Saskatchewan Spring Convocation, Mooney will celebrate by boarding a flight to London to begin a three-week tour of England and Ireland, after earning the prestigious U of S Hannon Travel Scholarship.

“I am really looking forward to it,” said Mooney, who earned the $7,000 scholarship based on her academics (85.87 per cent average overall), her character, her involvement in university/community activities and her detailed travel proposal. “My application focused on English and classic literature, medieval courses, all the things that I have been studying. So, I am excited to go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and I am also going to see the Book of Kells, which is a (thousand-year-old) manuscript that I am excited to see in Ireland.”

Mooney’s travels will also allow her to trace the roots of her family tree back to the Irish county of Monaghan, as well as a part of the history of the Saskatchewan town of Southey where she grew up.

“I am quite interested in genealogy and my aunt has sent me all sorts of things that I need to go find in Monaghan where a lot of my ancestors are from, so that will be great,” said Mooney. “And even just being from the town of Southey, it is named after the English poet Robert Southey, so hopefully I can learn a little bit more about him while I am in England.”

Kalra is one of 175 Canadian physicians with this designation and one of 14 who earned it this year.

The CSPL, founded in 1998, is an organization that provides professional development for Canadian physicians through a peer network of support and education. Earning the designation is recognition for physicians who demonstrate exemplary leadership in their fields, particularly those who have demonstrated long-term influence in health care.

Kozun, an 18-year-old agro-business student at the University of Saskatchewan, lost her left leg below the knee in a lawn-mower accident three years ago at age 15. The 2020 Paralympics hopeful — she’s a sitting volleyball player — has become a prosthetic-leg connoisseur, of sorts. 

“I want another one,” said Kozun in a recent interview with The StarPhoenix. “Either the Challenger foot, which has a really big spring thing, or I want one where the foot can extend, for swimming faster. I don’t know which one I want yet.

“You look at all the girls’ legs on my volleyball team, and on the men’s team — you’re looking at their legs, and you kind of pick what you want. My one teammate has a full-out running leg, and it’s pretty cool. I might think about it one day, maybe.”

Kozun’s four prosthetics include a volleyball leg, which she also uses for most day-to-day activities, along with an everyday walking leg, a leg that looks real — “my pretty leg,” she calls it — and a waterproof swimming leg she uses in showers and at the lake.

The volleyball leg gets a workout when she plays traditional standing volleyball. Sitting volleyball is played without prosthetics, and looks the way it sounds: Players sit on the floor, propelling themselves around, setting, bumping, spiking. The court is smaller, and the net is lower.

Now she is a carded national team member, eyeing that Paralympics berth two years from now. Kozun travels to Edmonton once a month and trains with the national squad for a week, then heads home again. She competed in China as a 16-year-old, and has been to Montreal and down into Oklahoma, among other places.

“The first time I tried it, it was almost faster, and harder. I liked that about it. It was more of a challenge.”

Read more at The Saskatoon StarPhoenix. 

Growing up attending Danish schools, she said she and her fellow classmates were never inspired to believe they could achieve. Now, she is one of the very few Inuit professors working in academia, as an assistant professor in education at the University of Saskatchewan.

"It's still a dream world, of being able to make things happen," said Jessen Williamson in a recent interview with CBC Saskatchewan.

Bringing Inuit knowledge to the forefront is part of what she does now, with Jessen Williamson next slated to speak to Arctic sustainability, as one of the focuses of this year's G7 political summit.

Education and her work has personally enabled her to cross cultures and imaginations, Jessen Williamson said. She wants to see education be similarly transformative for northern communities facing a "dire" situation.

"When you know that a knowledge is captured by a language, you can go across the boundaries, and try to explain things from a totally different world," she said.

Read the full article at CBC Saskatchewan. 

“We are at the tipping point, so it is a critical time,” said University of Saskatchewan climate change researcher Yanping Li. “What we are going to do now will have great significance.”

With greenhouse gases causing global temperatures to rise and polar ice caps, mountain glaciers and permafrost to melt, rapid climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events, including increasingly damaging floods and droughts, creating the tinderbox fuel for wildfires. Li is part of the large team of U of S researchers who are studying the effects of climate change on Canada’s water security in the Global Water Futures (GWF) project, the world’s largest university-led water research program.

“Water is life,” said Li, an assistant professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability who is based out of the National Hydrology Research Centre on campus. “Clean freshwater is the most important, irreplaceable resource for the economy and environment. The apparent abundance of water and the water cycle often give the false impression that we have an unlimited source of water. However, the availability of freshwater for a semi-arid region such as the Prairies, in a changing climate, is highly variable and uncertain.”

Li’s latest study—Short-Term Extreme Precipitation in Future Climate—is one of the 21 new GWF research projects that were part of a $10-million funding announcement on Dec. 11.

“We are studying what has happened in the past 15 years and we use climate models to project what is going to happen until the end of the century in 2100 and we compare them to see the differences,” said Li. “We can’t tell you that a specific (weather) event is going to happen, but we can tell you the trend in general and what the possibilities are.”

Li said the data confirms how climate change is altering Prairie precipitation patterns, with storms becoming more severe as they are fueled by a warmer atmosphere that traps more water vapour. While supersized hurricanes and destructive tornados get most of the attention, violent downpours and flash floods are also causing costly damage to crops and infrastructure and threatening water security for farms, cities and communities.

“Recent studies have found that storms are becoming larger, moving slower and lasting longer,” said Li, who received a $298,000 federal grant for her three-year study. “All these factors combined together lead to more water volume (rain) falling to the ground per hour. This significantly increases the possibility of flash flooding affecting creeks and rivers, homes and streets … So, either it is going to rain a lot in a short period of time, or it’s not going to rain for a long time and we will have drought.”

That is already happening more frequently across the Prairies, with damages in the billions from recent flooding, particularly in 2013 in Calgary and across southern Alberta. At the other extreme, drought conditions have helped spark wildfires ranging from the 2016 devastation of the city of Fort McMurray to the 2015 mass evacuations of northern communities like La Ronge. In the south, drought conditions are affecting the agriculture economy, with parts of Saskatchewan classified in 2017 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as facing exceptional drought, which occurs only once every 50 years.

Having worked extensively across the world, including a decade serving as a Canada Research Chair in Watershed Sciences at Western University, Creed joined the campus community in September 2017 as the new executive director of the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS).

While her experience working as director of the Africa Institute at Western helped prepare her for the move to SENS, it was an accumulation of knowledge in environmental issues that ultimately drew her to the province.

“My previous work was already transdisciplinary, but essentially done off the side of my desk,” said Creed, who began her term after taking over from Toddi Steelman, who completed a five-year term as executive director in 2017. “But my current position allows me to place the transdisciplinary work front and centre. That’s what attracted me to the U of S. Many of the people here look at problems in a multi-dimensional way."

“I am passionate about animal welfare,” said Franco, originally from Curitiba, Brazil. “When I had the opportunity to do a PhD I was very interested because it seems like it’s my life goal, to feel like I’m doing something to help the animals to get a better life.”

Currently completing her PhD in animal and poultry science at the U of S, Franco is also a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship, awarded yearly since 2005 by the College of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies (CGPS) to graduate students with outstanding academic records and research potential.

Franco earned her veterinary medicine degree in Brazil. She worked as a veterinarian while completing a master’s degree in veterinary sciences specializing in farm animal welfare. Her husband received a scholarship to complete a portion of his graduate studies in Canada. While visiting him, she met with agriculture professor (and future graduate advisor) Karen Schwean-Lardner. After being accepted for her PhD program, Schwean-Lardner emailed her information about the Dean’s Scholarship.

“There were some requirements about grades and publications,” Franco recalled. “I thought, ‘OK, let’s give it a try.’”

Franco was already in Canada, so she worked with family and friends back in Brazil to arrange the necessary paperwork. Her efforts paid off when she was awarded the scholarship.

“I was so happy when I got it,” she said. “We have our daughter here, so we have to pay for daycare, which is not cheap, and other expenses we have.”

She added that without this funding, “it would be tight for us. So this helped us a lot. I have no words to say how grateful I am.”

Not long after, the college announced another half a million dollars would be committed to the scholarship fund to cover tuition costs of doctoral student recipients.

“This was amazing—another amazing gift for us,” said Franco. “I can concentrate on my studies and I know that at the end of the month I will have the money and what I need to pay for my family’s expenses, so I can be full-time here and focused on my PhD.”

On top of the Dean’s Scholarship, CGPS recently announced two new scholarships aimed at supporting top graduate and post-doctoral researchers.

The Indigenous Graduate Leadership Award is geared towards Indigenous students who have taken on an active role of leadership in their community. In addition to covering tuition costs, master’s and PhD students are eligible to receive $16,000 and $20,000 respectively—making it a unique award.

The Bringing the World to Saskatchewan scholarship is aimed at attracting top academic talent to the province. In total, $110,000 is available to international graduate students and post-doctoral fellows—making this the first U of S-backed funding package available to post-doctoral scholars.

“The college is thrilled to support our talented students and post-doctoral researchers,” said Trever Crowe, interim dean of CGPS. “Funding of this calibre will allow scholars to complete their studies and reach their research goals with minimal financial burden.” 

“I knew I was interested in dealing with environment and human interactions, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it when I was finished,” said Dunn, who graduated five years ago from the U of S.

“Many of the classes I took looked at the perspectives of urban and rural life, along with urban planning. There were ties with community development and Indigenous studies. And I knew this was something I wanted to explore, but wasn’t sure how.”

After working for the City of Saskatoon for several years, Dunn set his sights on becoming the next ambassador for the province. And, much to his own surprise, he was accepted as the newest Saskatchewanderer, a position supported by the Government of Saskatchewan and other partners since 2011, to bring profile to the province.

Now he gets paid to travel and meet people—a natural extension of his studies at the U of S.

Even though McFarland did not come home with the top prize, his team created some delicious and beautiful dishes that demonstrated why he is the first university chef to win the regional competition in order to move onto the national level.

“Overall it was in intense but great competition that we felt good about,” he said. "There were no missteps or mistakes and we really stood behind all of our dishes.”

A decade after coming to Canada as a teenager on a student visa after his family made the lifechanging decision to leave war-torn Iraq, Al-Yassin is now an accomplished graduate student studying and teaching in the College of Medicine as he works towards an MD and a PhD at the University of Saskatchewan.

“I love it in Canada,” said Al-Yassin. “I always wonder about what I would be doing if I was still in Iraq. Back home, most of what you cared about was when the electricity was going to come back on and if you were going to get home safe, so it’s a very different life. Coming here changed my life.”

This year, she was anxious to share that experience with a new crop of budding professionals as the Health Sciences Students’ Association hosted the 2018 competition at the University of Saskatchewan on Jan. 20.

If that name doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because the new year brought a new name.

According to McDougall, the new name better reflects the work of the portfolio, which is made up of 19 units and about 280 staff members. Activities of the portfolio include a range of functions involving teaching, learning and students at all levels of study.

Work of the portfolio includes producing the course catalogue, co-ordinating the Graduation Powwow, marketing to prospective students, providing physical and mental health care to students, shaping innovative teaching practices, preparing international students for university, and supporting off-campus learning.

“When I first started in this role in 2013 what surprised me, in a very positive way, was how strong our staff are when it comes to understanding, identifying and meeting the needs of students across their entire learning and development cycle,” said McDougall. “I already knew how faculty members come together with the shared goal of wanting to do the best for students.

“What I don’t think you necessarily realize as a faculty member, which is where I come from, is how much strength there is in the people who do the day-to-day work to support students.”

McDougall said she is inspired by not only Teaching, Learning and Student Experience staff, but by the staff who do similar work in colleges and schools.

“Any opportunities to engage instructors or staff in colleges is a good opportunity, and for much of what we do, we simply couldn’t pull it off without those partnerships,” she said. “The University of Saskatchewan has a phenomenal workforce. Their passion and engagement fuels my desire to do more myself.”

Before becoming vice-provost, McDougall worked at St. Thomas More College for 14 years, first as a faculty member, then as associate dean for many years and then interim dean for a year. Her research expertise is in social development, including transitions to new academic environments in childhood and adolescence. McDougall said it’s been “helpful to have that lens on things” in her current role.

“My interests lie in how a social environment either makes it easier for you or more challenging,” explained McDougall. “As a scholar in developmental psychology, I can see that the academic and social adjustment

outcomes for our students vary as a consequence of a wide range of individual differences. For example, from a social angle it matters whether students have a social network and feel like they belong.

“Given our size and our role as one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities, I know our community is a very positive social environment and is providing the best quality of student experience. Now we’re working on how we can better showcase that.”

For more information about supporting students and the Teaching, Learning and Student Experience portfolio, visit teaching.usask.ca.

Meghan Sired is a communications co-ordinator with the Vice-Provost Teaching, Learning and Student Experience portfolio.

“You don’t expect it, and then everything happens so fast, and then when you’re going through it, you’re thinking, ‘Oh my god, I hope I can get to her,’” Hesseln told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix earlier this week.

The associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources was walking her dogs Sunday when she heard yelling; the woman had fallen through the ice trying to retrieve her dogs who had chased after Canada Geese.

Hesseln sprang into action quickly, crawling on her stomach on the remaining ice and reaching out to the woman with a tree branch. She ultimately pulled her out, swapped coats with her and ran to nearby Wanuskewin Road to flag down help.

“I’m so grateful I could be there," Hesseln said.

Read more at the StarPhoenix.

The festivities include artistic performances, speakers’ panels and lectures in various locations across campus. 

Each year, there is an awards ceremony to honour Indigenous students and to recognize their academic accomplishments, leadership, research endeavours or community volunteerism.

One of the award winners this year is Jacob Genaille-Dustyhorn — a second-year student in the College of Education — who is receiving an award for his community involvement.

Genaille-Dustyhorn belongs to Cumberland House First Nation and graduated from Bedford Road Collegiate. He is an academically talented student who is a leader in Indian Teacher Education Program and a leader in the College of Education as a peer mentor. In his role he provides insight and support to students in the college as they train to become teachers.

We caught up with Genaille-Dustyhorn to ask him a few questions about what motivates him.

What drew you to the College of Education?
I came to the University of Saskatchewan to get ahead in life. When I was done high school in 2014, I did not do a whole lot, nor did I give any sort of thought for my future. I started working as an intern at CHEP Good Food Inc., along with a group of teachers. During the time I was working. I was told I would be a great teacher, and from then on being a teacher was the path I was to go down. Hearing my co-worker tell me I would be a great teacher sparked a goal that I wanted to achieve. It also gave me something to look forward to and something to work towards.

You received the award for your work in the community. Can you talk about one person in your community who has been a role model to you?
In my community, my GREATEST role model is my mother. My mother, a single mother, raised four boys on her own. My older brothers went down a life without education, and my mother always told me to go to school, so I can be successful on my own. Everything I do, I do to make my mother proud of me, and every time she says, ‘I am proud of you!’ I think of another way to make her say it once again because it is so good to hear it come from her!

You provide insight and support to students in the College of Education. Can you talk about why that work is important to you?
I am a peer mentor in the College of Education. I was offered the role by Jade Ryan. I was hesitant at first because I felt like I was not the man for the job. But after a short thought process, I knew I could do anything I put my mind to. Being a peer mentor has given me the chance to talk about what it is like to be an Indigenous male in a university setting. Also, being a role model to other students makes me feel like I am not just giving them information out of a textbook, like a teacher would do, I am giving them real advice from my personal experiences. An Elder once told me, “Stories and knowledge do not belong to our Elders, nor me, nor you, they belong to our future generations.” Hearing that Elder say that to me has given me strength to not be afraid to tell all people information about anything. I will pass my information to another person, and I will always tell them to do the same.

What advice would you give a young person from Cumberland House thinking of moving to Saskatoon to attend school at the U of S?
I would tell any young person to come to the city of Saskatoon for the beautiful scenery of the campus and the city. There are also a lot more opportunities throughout the university. But, the biggest thing I would tell them is to not be afraid to try something new, because it could lead to something greater! 

What are your plans for the future?
For my future, the first thing is to finish school, while working during the springs and summers. After I am done school, I am hoping to find a job in the city, but if not, there will always be something else available for me. During that time, maybe I will find myself someone to start a family with and become the greatest dad ever! But I believe everything happens for a reason. So, whatever will happen, will happen because it is shaping me into the man I am made to be.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

To learn more about the events that are taking place this week, be sure to check out the Indigenous Achievement Week website.

The festivities include artistic performances, speakers’ panels and lectures in various locations across campus.

Each year, there is an awards ceremony to honour Indigenous students and to recognize their academic accomplishments, leadership, research endeavours or community volunteerism.

One of the award winners this year is T.J. Warren—a student in the College of Education—who is receiving an award for his exemplary leadership.

Warren grew up in Red Mesa, Arizona, and is a proud member of the great Diné Nation. A natural leader and cultural advocate, he is often found volunteering with youth, sharing his gift of song and dance. Warren was instrumental in working with the university to rethink its position on charging international student fees for Native American students from the United States. He is an active participant in the Indian Teacher Education Program community.

We caught up with Warren to ask him a few questions about what motivates him.

When we took your photo, you said it was important for people to see you in your regalia. Why is that important to you?
Because this how I want the world to see me—a proud Diné. There is nothing more beautiful than a person who knows who they are and where they come from, and who they represent. When I walk in the outside world, I carry so much with me, my people have fought to have the right to be here. Education was never meant to be a place for an Indigenous person to be successful and continue to be who they are. I choose to retain a strong traditional foundation and identity in my educational endeavour in lieu of assimilating into the mainstream university culture. Because of every prayer that was said for me, every word of encouragement given, every sacrifice I made, I earned the right to be seen however I want. I will always be Diné first and foremost, and that is how I want to be seen.

You received the award for leadership. Can you talk about one person in your life you think is a good leader and what makes them so?
I can’t think of just one, so I would like to say my mother and father. Growing up, the work ethic and the guidance role modeled by my parents taught me how to be successful with the concept of T’àà hwí’ájítéego: "it is up to you". We were also guided by the moral and behavioural teachings of Hózhó, which is a state of well-being and balance. Every day we we’re encouraged to strive for Hózhó, to be a good leader, to be self-empowered through our thoughts, actions, behaviors, and words. I think a great leader needs all of these teachings and qualities, which I learned through my traditional upbringing as a Diné.

What are your plans for the future?
I will continue to do my part in the resurgence of language, culture and identity. I want to create an environment for all people to be successful. My children will also be a part of this new movement of great Indigenous leaders of the future. Ultimately, I want to create what I want to be available for my children. I will continue to use my traditional teachings as a foundation to my teaching philosophy and approach to education. I also hope to be a part of an Indigenous academy in the future one day that is guided by our elders and own principals and foundations as Indigenous people.

What advice would you give a young Indigenous person from Arizona thinking of moving to Saskatchewan to attend the school at the U of S?
I would say consider the Indian Teachers Education Program at the U of S. Come and be a part of a great program to help you understand the importance of Indigenous knowledge and its ability to change education for the better. ​

This interview has been edited and condensed.

To learn more about the events that are taking place this week, be sure to check out the Indigenous Achievement Week website.

The festivities include artistic performances, speakers’ panels and lectures in various locations across campus.

Each year, there is an awards ceremony to honour Indigenous students and to recognize their academic accomplishments, leadership, research endeavours or community volunteerism.

One of the award winners this year is Kate Elliott—a third-year Métis student in the College of Medicine—who is receiving an award for her exemplary leadership.

Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Public Health and Social Policy specializing in Aboriginal Health. She has shown exceptional leadership mentoring Indigenous youth, working with the Métis Nation strategic governance and programming nationally, and is currently a leader with Indigenous student groups in Medicine. Elliott has a desire to be an urologist and to work with Indigenous families and communities. 

We caught up with Elliott to ask her a few questions about what motivates her. 

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a physician?
My biggest motivation to go to medical school was to further my education, to be able to understand the health-care system as well as being able to help my community and be a better advocate for Aboriginal health in the future. I did a lot of Aboriginal youth advocacy back in B.C. I thought it would be good to work my way up within the medical system and this way I could get a better understanding of how the system works. As well, I’ve always been really passionate about health care and I really enjoy my education through medical school.

You mentor indigenous youth. What have learned from this experience?
I think again, working within health care or working with Indigenous youth, especially within health care we have a really rigid hierarchy and I think that’s not a very Indigenous concept. I like to look at the notion that health care is about reciprocal learning. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing youth over the years and have learnt that I might be a little older, I might have some education and some letters behind my name, but there is still a lot I can learn from them. It’s important to not speak from my voice but help speak from theirs. Being able to take some of our traditional teachings, especially humility, and learning from our patients is something I enjoy.

You received the award for leadership. Can you talk about one person you think is a good leader and what makes them so?
I have been really lucky to have a lot of amazing mentors in my life. I definitely wouldn’t be as far in my educational journey without them. When I look back and think about them I think a good leader has the respect of their community and that’s not reflected in titles or achievements. Respect is something that’s earned.

You are a third-year medical student, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Public Health and Social Policy specializing in Aboriginal Health. How do you make use of this mix of education in your practice?
I am a bit more of a mature medical student coming in and I think I definitely bring a lot of strengths from my previous education. I also worked as a long-term care aide. I’m able to bring that social determinate to health when working with patients and be able to look at the big picture. It’s really nice to tell patients that you have to get blood work once a week, but if there is no person in the community (able to take blood) that’s not something that’s feasible sometimes. So, I think that’s been really beneficial.

What advice would you give to a first-year indigenous student interested in going into med-school?

The best advice I can give is there’s lots of amazing people in pre-med and med-school, finding a mentor is really beneficial. It’s a really long hard road and it’s nice to have someone who’s walked the path before you. If an exam doesn’t go well, they can talk you through it and give you guidance and support. Having people in our lives that have walked that road and have helped pave that path is really inspiring and helps you through those harder days.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

To learn more about the events that are taking place this week, be sure to check out the Indigenous Achievement Week website.

The festivities include artistic performances, speakers’ panels and lectures in various locations across campus.

Each year, there is an awards ceremony to honour Indigenous students and to recognize their academic accomplishments, leadership, research endeavours or community volunteerism.

One of the award winners this year is Leigh Thomas—a third-year Regional and Urban Planning student from Chitek Lake—who is receiving an award for his academic excellence.

Thomas is particularly interested in Indigenous planning in the 21st century through community-led initiatives, traditional Indigenous governance systems and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into planning practices.

We caught up with Thomas to ask him a few questions about what motivates him.

What drew you to the Regional and Urban Planning program?
Fate, I originally set out to complete a Bachelor of Science, in anatomy and cell biology. Life and change happened to me and my family, now I’m taking this amazing program that I love!  

You have an interest in Indigenous planning in the 21st century through community-led initiatives, specifically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into planning practices. What would a city look like if we were to apply Indigenous ways of knowing into planning practices?
I would see the application of this knowledge, especially in Saskatchewan and Canada, as an amazing opportunity for decreasing the effects of racism on people of colour living here. Everything would be changed and better for all future generations. I will also add, we will see once I get there.  

What advice would you give to a first-year indigenous student?
Dance every day, love every day, and be thankful for the opportunity to be a student. It goes by quick, hang in there and keep going.  

What plans do you have for the future?

1. Finish this degree
2. Travel
3. Write books and go further with my education.

Who  in your life inspired you to get to where you are today?
I inspire myself most days, but when I can’t, I call my sister Bern and she makes my day better. She has always been a stable person in my life. She has continuously helped throughout by advising and supporting me in every adventure I have ever experienced. Even through our tough times she has always gone above and beyond to help me. 

This interview has been edited and condensed.

To learn more about the events that are taking place this week, be sure to check out the Indigenous Achievement Week website.

Keller completed his undergraduate and PhD degrees at the U of S, specializing in crop science. He has a storied research career, from post-doctoral work in Germany to decades spent with the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa and Saskatoon. 

Currently, Keller is the president and CEO of Ag-West Bio, Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association and bioeconomy catalyst. Ag-West Bio is a founding partner of Protein Industries Canada, a not-for-profit consortium nvolved in plant protein and plant-based co-products which can potentially inject billions of dollars into the Canadian economy.

Keller is also a recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2015) and an inductee of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame (2017). 

Read more at Bridges.

Aside from serving as chancellor from 2001-2007, Molloy is a negotiator, lawyer, strategic advisor and author. Molloy also received his BA and law degrees from the U of S. 

Molloy is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. He led the team that negotiated the Nisga'a Final Agreement, the first modern-day treaty in British Columbia, and was the chief negotiator for the Government of Canada in negotiations with the Inuit of Nunavut in the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, which led to the creation of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999.

The lieutenant governor is appointed by Governor General Julie Payette, on the recommendation of the prime minister, typically for a period of five years. 

Molloy will replace Vaughn Solomon Schofield, who was named to the role in 2012. 

Read more at CBC Saskatchewan.

Larocque, an advancement professional with more than 25 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, program management and communications—acquired in the postsecondary, non-profit and government sectors—is currently executive director of alumni engagement at York University in Toronto. Prior to that, Larocque held leadership positions at the University of Ottawa, the Canadian Bureau for International Education and the Québec Office in Toronto.

“In his new role at the University of Saskatchewan, Guy will be responsible for intensifying alumni engagement, mobilizing the alumni and university communities in support of student success and institutional advancement, and enhancing the overall presence and involvement of alumni in university life,” said Debra Pozega Osburn, vice-president university relations, who led the search.

“I am extremely excited to be joining one of Canada’s foremost research institutions of higher learning, with a prestigious history and strong entrepreneurial spirit,” said Larocque. “I feel particularly privileged to be given the opportunity to serve as a member of the solid leadership team Vice-President Pozega Osburn has been putting together over the past year.

“These are exciting times for the University of Saskatchewan,” said Larocque, who earned a bachelor’s in political science and history, and a master’s in international political economy, both from York University. “I look forward to working with talented colleagues and exceptional leaders across the community to build on past success and help bring alumni engagement to new heights.”

“To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve started a new job in a new city,” she said with a laugh. “Having to find a new house and all of those things is just a lot all at once.”

With the figurative and literal housekeeping in order, she hit the ground running as the university’s inaugural Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health for a five-year term beginning October 16, 2017.

The position, based in the U of S College of Medicine, was created in 2006 after mining organization Cameco donated $1.5-million for the chair. Those funds are part of a $3-million endowment established for the chair by the Royal University Hospital Foundation through its Royal Care Campaign.

Then again, it’s a journey that Collins readily admits is a surprising one. Her major has changed from law to science, with several turns in-between. After avoiding classes such as biology in high school, Collins said a cognitive neuroscience course taken during her undergrad days ultimately changed the trajectory of her career.

“We got to dissect a sheep’s brain and I was hooked,” she said. “I remember thinking that this was it for me. I wanted to jump headfirst into the medical field.”

Starting in criminal justice with a minor in chemistry and psychology before switching gears, Collins eventually began working on medical research in topics such as concussions and Parkinson’s disease, until a change in supervisors led her to phantom limb pain research. Under Audrey Zucker-Levin, then a professor at UTHSC, Collins had finally found her academic niche.

However, that all changed when Zucker-Levin announced her move to Canada—a situation that could have dealt a major setback to Collins’ own research.

“My whole project revolved around her work,” said Collins, now a health sciences graduate student in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

Rather than face the prospect of another academic upheaval, she jumped at the opportunity to finish her research at the U of S, a location where her work has since flourished. Since arriving in Saskatoon, the American-born Collins has been awarded a Canada 150 International Graduate Student Fellowship, an award that allows her to encourage other students to take advantage of study abroad experiences.

“There are a lot of opportunities that students may not know about, such as conferences or the advantages of experiencing other cultures and campuses,” said Collins.

Since Collins and Zucker-Levin have been reunited at the School of Physical Therapy, they have been working on a number of projects, including her dissertation, which compares the muscle activity used to move a phantom limb to the muscle activity used to control a prosthetic device. Collins believes there is a disconnect that contributes to the rejection of more than 30 per cent of upper-extremity prostheses.

“We think that if the same muscles used to control the phantom limb are targeted to control the prosthesis, there would be a higher acceptance rate,” she said. “We’ve also found that many of those who wear prosthetic limbs say they are heavy and difficult, and call them a burden rather than an asset.”

Zucker-Levin is dedicated to improving function and quality of life in all people affected by amputation, not just those who wear a prosthesis. She and Collins look forward to working with patients, family members and health-care providers to positively impact this population.

“We have been reaching out to health-care providers, patients and the community. Everyone has been receptive and welcoming,” said Zucker-Levin, a faculty member in the School of Physical Therapy.
The two have since established Who Needs Twenty, a website dedicated to those affected by limb amputation. It’s part of a project that Collins said will provide social support and outreach. Rather than being reflective, she said the group aims for positivity by setting up opportunities for travel and social events.


“Many people with amputations that I’ve met have had difficulty adjusting and many of them want to know about getting back out and being active or learning new skills,” said Collins. “They want to live their lives, and they are looking for guidance.”

While it’s been a long road from her undergrad days in the U.S. to amputee research at the U of S, Collins said she looks forward to giving back to the community in Saskatchewan.

“I want to help as many people as possible.”

Banerjee, who is conducting research at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization — International Vaccine Centre on the potentially high impact of emerging viruses on humans, submitted a video tweet showing how VIDO-InterVac facilities with cutting-edge equipment funded by CFI is helping him.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase to a wide audience the great research being done at the U of S,” said Banerjee. “Thank you, CFI.”

During her talk at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on Tuesday, March 26, Bondar discussed her time as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery, when she orbited the Earth 129 times over about eight days in January 1992. She was Canada’s first female astronaut and the first neurologist in space.

“Looking at the Earth from space for me was cementing the reality that we’re on a planet,” she said, according to an article in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. “There’s nobody out there that’s going to help us but ourselves.”

On Feb. 4, 2018, Hayley Hesseln helped to save a woman who had fallen into the icy waters of the South Saskatchewan River.

Her efforts were recognized on Tuesday, March 26 as Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette acknowledged the country’s bravest citizens during a ceremony in Ottawa.

Hesseln was walking her dogs in Saskatoon’s Silverwood dog park when she heard yelling; the woman had fallen through the ice trying to retrieve her dogs who had chased after geese. Hesseln grabbed two five-foot-long fallen branches, laid flat on her stomach and used the branches to pull the woman out of the water.

Paramedics treated the woman for hypothermia. She and her dogs survived.

According to an article on CTV News, Hesseln said they have formed a bond – even spending Christmas together.

“It’s humbling, really,” she said in an interview.

Music written by Heinz Moehn (1902-1992), a German composer and leading editor of musical scores by Mozart and other towering figures in classical music, had been believed lost.

Saskatoon musicians were astonished to discover the German composer’s papers were right here in the city—stored by his grandson in a plastic bag in his basement, alongside his vinyl record collection.

For 30 years, Johannes Dyring, grandson of the German musician and editor, preserved Moehn’s archive hoping that one day his grandfather’s concerto, chamber music and choral works would again be performed.

But it was in Saskatoon—where Dyring moved to in 2015 from Sweden to take up a post at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)—that the right synergy existed between musicians and music scholars to resurrect his grandfather’s work.

The distinguished College of Medicine researcher at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) on May 2 for his contributions to respiratory, agricultural and rural medicine.

Initially, Dosman wanted to specialize in cardiology while attending the cardio-respiratory medicine program at McGill University in Montreal in 1969. He landed his specialty after a good friend and respiratory research fellow encouraged him to make the switch.

“I thought that going into respiratory might present certain opportunities,” Dosman said.

After finishing his studies and research in Montreal, he had a choice of where his career would take him next—from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, to Edmonton or Winnipeg.

But in 1975, he decided to come back to the University of Saskatchewan, where he started the path of medicine. More than 40 years later, he is still leading innovative research initiatives on campus, serving as a Distinguished Research Chair.

“I think (my wife) Sue would say one of my (traits) is loyalty,” Dosman said. “My parents lived here … We certainly had roots.”

The renowned Mi’kmaw scholar, knowledge keeper, and educator from Nova Scotia’s Potlotek First Nation has served as a professor in the College of Education for more than 25 years and is a supporter of the university’s commitment to Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization. While the university has come a long way, Battiste said there is still plenty of work to be done.

“It’s with great pride that I go out and I tell about what kinds of things we are doing here and indeed we are, I would say, leaps and bounds ahead of most universities across Canada and we will continue to be because we have leadership who believe in this and are working very hard toward achieving these outcomes,” said Battiste, a Harvard and Stanford-educated leader in the Department of Educational Foundations at USask. “But I do think it still needs to grow and there is no end to it. And I think we need to build on the Indigenous languages that are a part of this province, because this is the kind of inheritance that this institution can draw upon.”

The commitment to uplift Indigenization is a key foundation of the new seven-year plan to strengthen the fabric of the university through respectful, meaningful, ethical weaving of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledges, lived experiences, worldviews, and stories into teaching, learning, and research across campus.

“Having Indigenous people at the table of developing the policies and the practices and the principles of this university, having them at the table is a very different kind of framework that we are looking at,” said Battiste, who is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and earned the university’s Distinguished Researcher Award in 2005 and a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2008. “If you are going to do Indigenization, it has to be with Indigenous people, it has to be from our perspective, and it has to be within our goals and aspirations for our futures.”

After hosting the first national forum—Building Reconciliation: Universities Answering the TRC’s Calls to Action—in 2015, Battiste said the university needs to continue to work on increasing Indigenous knowledges in courses across campus.

“Indigenous knowledges do not come from within a book and do not come from Euro-centric research. It comes from Indigenous peoples, from their continued living on the land and their continued relationships with each other,” she said. “The maintenance of those relationships is bound through ceremonies and those are the kinds of ways that Indigenous people maintain and keep their culture, language and heritage alive and well. And this institution has a role to play in making that possible for them to continue to build upon and grow.”

Moosewaypayo, a College of Nursing student at the La Ronge campus, has excelled in both her academic and clinical classes. Along with two of her classmates, she produced an original video and song which promotes the lifesaving use of naloxone. It is currently being used by high school staff in northern Saskatchewan.

Moosewaypayo received an award for leadership at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards (ISAA), held on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across the University of Saskatchewan (USask) were honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The ISAA is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities included a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Moosewaypayo a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her. 

Why did you choose nursing?

I have three sons and started my family at a young age. I did not graduate high school, as family was the priority at the time. As my children aged, I debated on going to school, as I was working two jobs to support my family. I started in Adult Basic Education (ABE) 10 at Northlands College. I had a totally different career path in mind. When I entered ABE 12, I got terribly sick. It occurred suddenly and I ended up in the hospital on Christmas day. I was sent from La Ronge to Prince Albert for surgery. During this time, I received care from many nurses. Some were unhappy and not empathetic that I left my family, my youngest was only four months old, on Christmas. During recovery, I continued my classes but got sick again. I was sent back to have surgery yet again. This time I had a terrible experience with surgery. There were a few nurses that cared and actually remembered me. One especially was my motivation for choose nursing. I want to give that feeling to others. She took the time to get me back on my feet. I still need to find her and thank her for her time. I had a difficult time deciding what type of nurse I wanted to be, a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse (RN), but that one nurse that cared for me was an RN and that was the deciding factor.

You and two of your classmates produced a song and video that promotes the lifesaving use of naloxone. How did this project come about?

Our class in La Ronge consisted of three people. We became very close and worked through classes as a team. We had a group assignment in our 422-class that asked us to do research and find an area of improvement in our community. Currently, there has been many cases of opioid overdoses and our project involves engaging minority, marginalized and vulnerable populations in their own healthcare. We looked at how we can educate, motivate and empower drug users and their families and friends to use naloxone. We also attempt to reduce stigma around the need for and use of naloxone. We recognized the need and responded. I have to give the credit to Tina Shaw for having the heart to put so much effort into writing and composing the song.

Is the connection between health care and music something you are interested in exploring? 

This has not crossed my mind, but for this song we aimed for the younger population. We recognized that the younger population are easily inspired by music. Myself, I have a teen son who never takes his earphones off. This was our connection. It was exciting to have such great feedback from this song, and maybe I will explore it further in the future.

What plans do you have for the future?

My plan for the future is to work in an acute setting. I feel that my experiences have guided me to go this career route. I want to give my family the life they deserve. I worked so hard to be where I am and it was all for them. I am interested in beginning my career at the North Battleford hospital, BUH, where my husband and I can purchase a house and be a family again. It is sad to say that nursing school took over my life and my family have been patient.

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

I am thankful for my husband who gave up time with me in order for me to reach my goals. He has been my support and I would never had made it through nursing without him. I am blessed with supporting parents. My mother planted the nursing school seed in my head and I thank her for it. I have learnt a lot about myself within this past few years. Lastly, I would like to thank the team of nurses that have cared for me in my past.

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

As a child, I was terrified of hospitals and needles. As an adult, I was afraid of hospitals, needles, and nursing school. I was terrified the majority of the way through nursing school and grew from challenging these fears. I came to understand that fear is debilitating if you let it take over as it is a strong emotion. If I had one thing to use a powerful voice for it would be to encourage others. In order to grow, you must tackle your fears.

After an exceptional career in the Saskatchewan legal system, the characteristically humble Honourable Gerald M. Morin (JD’87) struggles when asked what he would consider his greatest accomplishment.

“How do you measure accomplishments?” Morin asked. “Being a judge, you have to have integrity. You have to be fair. Every case is important for that person in front of you.”

The larger-than-life character who is affectionately called “Gerry” by his friends and colleagues, grew up in Cumberland House, Sask., and is a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. As a young boy, his father endorsed the importance of education, which influenced Morin’s lifelong passion for knowledge.

“Dad said ‘Go to high school and I’ll always make sure you get home whenever you can.’ The message that education is important was always clear to me,” said Morin.

Morin completed a one-year social work certificate in 1973, from Saskatchewan Polytechnic (then the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences), and went on to work as a probation officer in Northern Saskatchewan. He received his certificate in social work from the University of Regina in 1978 and his bachelor of social work degree in 1979.

Law always fascinated him and it was his goal to apply to law school, but when he became a single father in the late ’70s, he put his dreams on hold to take care of his son.

The dream to become a lawyer was never far behind; his time as a probation officer and becoming a father only strengthened his desire to practice law. His tenacity eventually paid off and Morin enrolled into the University of Saskatchewan (USask) law program in 1984.

“Law school is not easy. I didn’t find it easy. It shaped me in many ways to work hard and try to accomplish [my best],” said Morin.

This year, the fourth-year Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) student came close to perfection in her course Literacy Across the Elementary Curriculum. She received 99 per cent for her overall mark. Her professor, Beverly Brenna, says it’s the first time she’s given such a high mark in her long career. Brenna described Gareau’s academic work as “absolutely stellar.”

Gareau, who comes from Lac La Ronge Indian Band, will be receiving an award for her academic excellence at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards (ISAA) on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The ISAA is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Gareau a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose ITEP?

I must admit that my first year of university was dedicated to my pursuit in the dentistry field. I soon discovered that this was not the field for me, and turned to education. I chose ITEP because of its family oriented system. I spent my childhood playing “teacher”, using my chalkboard, my school books, and my teacher voice; this is where my passion is rooted from. I have always been a caring, generous, honest, and responsible person and I definitely plan on using these values in the classroom. Why did I choose ITEP? Because ITEP was the only program that I could relate to, not only due to my Indigenous heritage, but also because of its caring, generous, honest, and responsible system. I am so thrilled that I chose ITEP to complete my Bachelor of Education. I cannot imagine it any other way, not only because of my culture, but because of the support that I have gained through the completion of this program. ITEP’s staff has always been strong and encouraging, and for me this was the key for my journey of becoming an educator. I appreciate the ITEP family and will always thank and honour them in all of my future endeavours.

What advice would you give to a first-year Indigenous student?

The very first piece of advice I would give to you is to have an open-mind. At many times on your journey, you will meet people with different opinions, different perspectives, and that come from many different cultures with many different traditions. The important thing to keep in mind is that not everyone has to be the same to get along. The great thing about ITEP for me, was that we could all share our own personal opinions without feeling as though we were being judged. That being said, before stating facts, make sure you’ve done your research and that you are not stating these facts to hurt others. This encompasses my second piece of advice: Respect. Having a sense of respect towards not only your classmates, your professors, and those around you; but also towards yourself. This will prove to be useful in any passion you choose.

What plans do you have for the future?

I am currently completing my extended practicum in my hometown. I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to my home to put my passion to the test. I cannot wait to plan my units, my lessons, and all of my activities for my classroom. After this fun and exciting chapter in my life, and after completing two more courses, I plan to teach in my hometown, hopefully with a full-time contract. I want to use a holistic teaching method in my future classroom, so that all of my students can learn and grow in a balanced and healthy environment. I cannot wait to put to work the many resources, activities, methods, tools, and more that have been taught to me by my wonderful professors. Thank you.

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

Throughout my childhood and throughout my university journey, there have been many people who have inspired me on becoming who I am today. There are certainly some that have stuck out to me. Specifically, I would like to honour my parents who have always supported me in my challenges, and my successes. This type of encouragement and support is what has kept me going on this wonderful road to success. No matter how trying the times can get, they have reminded me that “everything will be okay” and everything does always work out. I would not be where I am today without them and I cannot thank them enough for their inspiration.  

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

I know how important it was for me to always have someone there to guide me and to help me through my ITEP journey. I want to honour and thank those who have been there for me, by being there for others. I want to use my voice as encouragement, support, and inspiration for all of those who may need it. 

Hall is following her dreams. Now in her fourth year, Hall is pursuing a double major in political and Indigenous studies. After graduation she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Indigenous governance. Hall is a Dene/Métis woman from the Black Lake First Nation, is located on Treaty 8 Territory.

Hall will receive an award for leadership at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The award ceremony is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW), which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Hall a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose Political and Indigenous Studies?

I am choosing to pursue an education in the disciplines of political and Indigenous studies as a way to better understanding the differing worldviews between Indigenous nations and Canadians. In an effort to best help bring Canadians to understand their position as Settlers and to help find ways to eliminating the barriers imposed on Indigenous peoples as we work to thrive within the Canadian colonial discourse.  

What advice would you give other parent’s pursuing higher education?

To Indigenous parents working on or preparing to pursue their education I would say, never give up. Despite the implications of your past, the limits of your present and the unknowing of tomorrow, never give up. Your potential isn’t given to you; you must find it. It is through each day that we unveil what we are meant to do and who we are meant to be.  

What plans do you have for the future?

In the future, I plan to pursue a Master’s of Indigenous Governance, a Law degree, and possibly a PhD. I hope to work in the area of Sustainable Economic Development and to help strategize with Indigenous communities in an effort to better the lives of Indigenous peoples and their communities through decolonization as a way of life.  

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

My children are my main inspiration. They pay the ultimate sacrifice as their mother pursues her dreams and I am forever grateful to them and my hope is that they too will always work hard to fulfill their dreams. My late friend Lance Cutarm has also played a significant role in helping me to see my full potential, through life and through death he continues to guide me.  

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

Powerful Voices have raised me. Surrounded by strong women with equally as significant knowledge and teachings, I continue to learn and be empowered by the power of women. In this moment, I hope that other young Indigenous mothers continue to learn, grow and pursue their best life. 

Harris grew up in The Pas, Manitoba, but has spent at least half of her life in Saskatoon. She received a dual diploma in Environmental Science from Lakeland College, majoring in both conservation and restoration ecology, and wildlife and fisheries conservation, before transferring to the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This spring, Harris will complete her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Environmental Science and plans to begin her master’s degree in wildlife science this fall.

Harris will receive an award for academic excellence at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across USask will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The award ceremony is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW), which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Harris a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose Environmental Science?

I have always felt a deep connection to the environment, I believe it is our most precious resource and so, wish to dedicate my career to its preservation for the benefit of humans and wildlife alike.

You received a dual diploma in Environmental Science from Lakeland College, majoring in both Conservation and Restoration Ecology and Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation, you will be completing your Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Science and you are planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science. Can you talk about your connection to the environment and where it began?

I cannot remember a time in my life where I did not feel a deep connection to the environment. Since I was young, respect for the environment and everything in it was instilled in me through my parents, who are both outdoor enthusiasts, and the ten years I spent as an active member of Girl Guides of Canada. Throughout my life I have spent as much time as possible exploring nature, going fishing, camping, hiking, boating and other activities that further fueled my respect and love for nature.

What advice would you give to a first-year Indigenous student?

The advice I would give to a first year indigenous student, and any first year student, is to decide what you want out of your education, and then not let anything stand in your way of attaining your ambitions. There is always a way to reach your goals, as impossible as they may seem, as long as you do not stop reaching for them.

What plans do you have for the future?

I plan on starting graduate school in the fall to work towards achieving my master’s degree. Following that, I am yet undecided as to whether I will pursue my PhD or enter the workforce. Career-wise I would like to work in the field of environmental research, focusing on wildlife distribution and population patterns in a fragmented agricultural landscape, and to help agriculture producers manage their land for biodiversity.

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

To be honest, the person who has inspired me to get to the point I am at today is myself. I took time off after high school to decide what I wanted to do with my life, and I haven’t looked back since. Everything I have accomplished throughout the past four and a half years is due to the pressure I put on myself to achieve my goal of making an impact, no matter how big or small, on enhancing the protection and preservation of our environment.

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

If I could use my voice for one thing in this moment in time it would be to call for individual self-reflection. The choices that we as students and members of society make directly impact the sustainability of our earth, and I would like everyone to look at the choices they make on a daily basis and reflect on how those choices are impacting the world around them.

Lonechild believes a healthy life is about taking care of your physical well-being as well as your spiritual well-being. For her spiritual balance she consistently participates in Plains Cree and Dakota ceremonies.

Lonechild is a Cree and Saulteaux woman from the White Bear First Nation. She serves as the female Youth Representative of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nation, as well as the Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. She is currently studying Indigenous Studies with goals of obtaining a law degree and continually advocating for Indigenous peoples.

Lonechild will be receiving an award for leadership at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards (ISAA) on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The ISAA is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Lonechild a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose Indigenous Studies?

When I entered into my first year of my education here at the University of Saskatchewan, I entered into the introductory course of Indigenous Studies out of personal interest and curiosity. Over the course of that year, I developed a deep appreciation for Indigenous Studies, and the importance of it being offered within institutions that historically weren't welcoming spaces for Indigenous peoples. I chose Indigenous Studies as my major because of the encouraging and inspiring professors, the areas of research and potential that Indigenous Studies holds at USask. 

In your biography it says you are passionate about your culture, and physical well-being by consistently participating in Plains Cree and Dakota ceremonies. Can you talk about this passion and how you see the connection between body and spirit?

A major part of healing and leading a balanced life is ensuring that you are connected with your ancestors and land. Holistic approaches to leading a balanced life includes taking care of not only your spirit by praying and going to ceremony, but making sure you look after your body. Finding a healthy way to view your body as an important gift capable of many things is important as well. As Indigenous peoples, we have a history of colonization impacting us in ways that lead us down unhealthy paths. To connect with your ceremonies and be in tune with your body is an act of resistance to hundreds of years of colonization. 

What advice would you give to a first-year Indigenous student?

The advice I would give to a first year student is to go to every class. I say this because starting good habits that follow you throughout your academic career is crucial to success. You will thank yourself. 

What plans do you have for the future?

I have plans of applying to law school and travelling as much as I can. I plan to spend a lot of time with my family, laughing as much as possible and continuing my learning of the world. 

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

My mother has been the biggest inspiration in my life. She gave me life and ensured I felt love and seen the world. Her hard work, generosity and intelligence has given me the inspiration to be the most giving and loving person I can. Anytime I am leaving somewhere her last words to me are “I love you, and show leadership." 

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

In this moment, if I could use my voice for something, I would use it to speak to Indigenous youth, and stress the importance of being an ally and listening ear for friends who are struggling with mental health issues. I understand that a stigma exists within our communities, and that has to change. You can be a part of that change by taking personal responsibility to let your friends know they can talk to you. 

Norris is a member in many communities. He was born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories where his parents live, he attends the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and he is a combat engineer in the Canadian Forces. During his time at USask he credits the leaders and friends in these communities for helping him find a sense of belonging.

The fourth-year Edwards School of Business student is completing a Bachelor of Commerce, with honours research in northern Saskatchewan. Norris works as a JR Research Fellow exploring prospects between Asia and Canadian Indigenous people.     

Norris will be receiving an award for community engagement at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards (ISAA) on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across USask will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The ISAA is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Norris a few questions about his time at USask and what motivates him.

Why did you choose Edwards School of Business?

I chose Edwards because I was unsure what I wanted to do with my future, but I knew that the skills they teach are very practical and could support me with whatever decision I made. Whether you are going to work in the business world, government, non-profit, military or do your own thing, understanding how organizations work and what is required for projects to succeed will help you. As it turns out, I made the right choice because I am still unsure what my future holds but having a commerce degree certainly helped with everything I am involved in and all the jobs I am applying for.

What are you learning about the prospects between Asian and Canadian Indigenous people?

I am learning that it is an exciting time to be Indigenous, especially as a youth. Everything I am reading is showing that there is a high level of interest in building our relations and mutually supporting each other, particularly in business and trade. It’s inspiring to see that despite political differences or news headlines, Indigenous and most other people in these nations would happily cooperate and work hard to ensure we develop together. There is a lot of work to do, the students of today can make a large positive difference for Indigenous nations around the world with an entrepreneurial attitude and a global mindset.

How has your experience as a combat engineer in the Canadian Forces had an impact on your life and your education?

The impact on my life and education is hard to capture because it is so broad. I am a naturally quiet person and struggle being in the spotlight, but I feel my experience in the military allows me to speak up, take initiative, and lead despite that. The military puts you into mentally and physically uncomfortable situations, and it never gets easier, but you develop an ability to continue working and doing the things you’re supposed to do even when you’re uncomfortable. For example, studying even when you don’t want to. Uncertainty is a large and constant factor in university, like not knowing what material to study, what class to prioritize, or what direction to take a project. In the military, you live with uncertainty all the time and are forced to make decisions under uncertainty. This experience helps me not get overwhelmed and make decisions quickly when dealing with the uncertainty of university. The military reserve is designed for university students. Working evenings, weekends, and summers, in addition to tuition reimbursements, helped me financially get through university. They are very understanding, taking time off to focus on school is not looked down on and I would say it’s easier with the military than in any other job I have had. Lastly, the military is a small community. The close social connections that I have developed helped me get through university. My parents moved back up north when I was in Grade 12, I have no family in the city, and I see them very infrequently. Despite this I have never felt alone or unsupported, it is almost like having a second family.

What advice would you give to a first-year Indigenous student?

No matter who you are or what your background is, there is a good chance that you will struggle for the first little bit, or for the whole thing. Over time you will find what works for you, and it will get easier. Experiment with how many classes you can take, how many hours you can work, how much of a social life to have, etc. Try to be involved in at least one new thing each year. It will help you gain skills, experiences and friends that you won’t get in the classroom. Also, the less you feel like taking a break or exercising, the more likely it is you need to.

What plans do you have for the future?

I am planning on working in operations or research roles that support a better future for humanity. I don’t know exactly what path I will take, I am currently working in operations and research roles and enjoy them both. In the meantime, I will continue applying for jobs and master’s programs and will likely take whichever opportunity has the greatest potential for impact.

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

There have been many people. My high school coaches, military leaders, my parents and professors, all showed me that I can be successful and live a good life no matter what my life situation is. Many of these leaders went out of their way to encourage me and give me opportunities, which helped me feel hopeful and set the bar high for myself. I think the biggest inspiration for me is just seeing so many people who continue to do what is right and strive to live a good life and work hard every day, no matter what difficulty or setbacks they have.

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

I would like to reiterate, as the Indigenous Student Council (ISC) says, “You Belong Here”. I still remember the first day I had in school after I moved down south from my home in the Northwest Territories, and the last thing I felt was like I belonged. Ever since then, in school, in sports, in the military and in university, for the first few months every time I moved or started something new, I felt like I didn’t belong. I didn’t think about it much, but the feeling was always there. The president of the ISC recently shared a post on Facebook with the “You Belong Here” message, and I instantly felt like that was such an important message to share. It’s easy to feel alienated in a new environment, and I think that is a common feeling for Indigenous people that isn’t talked about a lot. What helped me get past this feeling, and today I would say I feel like I belong anywhere I go, is the great leaders and friends who I met in all these areas. If you’re willing to put yourself out there and stick it out, you will find that you actually do belong wherever you want to belong. Whether it is university, a new sport, a new job, or anything else, you belong there just as much as anybody else, and you can become a part of that environment if you choose to.