U of S Aboriginal Achievement Week celebrates achievement, traditions, ceremonies and language

The University of Saskatchewan invites media to attend Aboriginal Achievement Week (AAW).

By Jennifer Thoma

March 8 to 15


University of Saskatchewan


Saskatoon


Each year in March the university hosts AAW to celebrate Aboriginal achievements, reflect on traditions and ceremonies, and connect with the community. Media and the public are invited to attend all events during the week. For a complete list of events, including dates, times and locations, visit aboriginal.usask.ca.



Session highlights and photo opportunities include:

Monday

  • Building Bridges - Language and Resilience Sharing Circle
    4:30 - 6:30 pm, Aboriginal Students' Centre, Marquis Hall, Room 110


This sharing circle is a safe space for students to talk about their experiences with maintaining their language and cultural heritage in the face of globalization.

Tuesday

  • Jigging Workshop
    10 am - noon, Education Student Lounge, Education Building


The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) students will host a jigging workshop to showcase traditional Metis jigging. You are welcome to watch the dancers, participate or just come enjoy the live fiddle music.



  • USSU Speaker Series - National Chief Shawn Atleo
    7 - 9 pm, Convocation Hall, Peter MacKinnon Building


This lecture is free of charge, in partnership with St. Thomas More College, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nation, Shawn A-In-Chut Atleo, will present on the importance of post-secondary education for developing prosperity in First Nations communities.

Wednesday

  • Conversation Michif workshop with Norman Fleury
    10 am-noon, ISSAC Training Room, Lower Place Riel


Come and learn Michif, the language of the Métis people. This is an introductory conversational Michif language workshop with Norman Fleury. He is a speaker of seven Aboriginal languages and is a strong advocate for the Michif language. He is also a noted storyteller and knowledge keeper.

Thursday

  • Celebrating Aboriginal Achievements and Opportunities in the Natural Sciences
    1-3 pm Canadian Light Source, 44 Innovation Blvd


The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLS) is opening its doors to celebrate Aboriginal achievements and opportunities in the natural sciences. Check out the research done by our amazing student groups from the Gwich'in and La Loche communities and the Sahtu Settlement region. Learn about the research being done at the CLS on environmental issues and the links to traditional ecological knowledge.

  • Indigenous Student Council (ISC) Awards


3-5 pm, Neatby-Timlin Theatre, Room 241, Arts Building

Remarkable Aboriginal students from departments and programs across the university will be honoured at this awards event. A networking reception will follow the ceremony. Dignitaries planning to attend, include: University of Saskatchewan President Ilene Busch-Vishniac; University of Saskatchewan Chancellor Blaine Favel; Saskatoon Tribal Council, Tribal Chief Felix Thomas; City of Saskatoon Mayor, His Worship Donald J. Atchison; Minister of Advanced Education, Honourable Rob Norris; Member of the Legislative Assembly Jennifer Campeau.

Friday

  • Baking Bannock with Bob and Lisa


2-3 pm, Upper Marquis Hall
Bob Badger and Lisa Langan will teach participants how to prepare and cook bannock. Each participant will be able to make, eat and take home bannock.

  • ITEP fifth Annual Feast and Round Dance


4 pm feast, 7 pm Round Dance, Education Gym, Education Building
This fifth annual Round Dance celebrates the 42nd anniversary of ITEP. People from across the province and surrounding communities will be in attendance.

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 For more information, contact:

Meghan Sired

Communication coordinator

Student and Enrolment Services Division
306-966-6068

meghan.sired@usask.ca