U of S Graduation Powwow: Welcoming a new team leader to ensure Aboriginal student success

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Time: Throughout the day (see detailed schedule below)

The Bowl

University of Saskatchewan

Approximately 350 U of S students graduating this June and 100 who graduated last October self-declared as Aboriginal. Approximately 325 Aboriginal high-school graduates will be honoured at this year's powwow.

More than 2,000 school children from across the province are expected to attend the powwow as guests, and drummers and dancers from across North America will participate.

Graeme Joseph, the new U of S team leader for First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success, will be available throughout the day to talk about his role at the U of S. This is a new position that was created in response to the university's commitment to Aboriginal engagement and success.

Joseph is Gitxsan from northwestern British Columbia. He is a member of the House of Guxsan, which is part of the Fireweed Clan or Gisgaast. He has worked in higher education for almost fourteen years at the University of British Columbia's Vancouver Campus (UBC).

Joseph is tasked with ensuring the diverse needs of Aboriginal students are considered and that barriers to access and support are examined and addressed. He will lead the Aboriginal Students' Centre, and, once construction is complete, the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre, and will work to strengthen the services and supports available for Aboriginal students.

Schedule:

-30-

For more information, contact:

Meghan Sired

Communications Co-ordinator

Student and Enrolment Services Division

University of Saskatchewan

306-966-6068