U of S to celebrate Aboriginal Achievement Week
SASKATOON - Members of the media are invited to take in University of Saskatchewan (U of S) celebrations during Aboriginal Achievement Week.
More than 20 events honouring Aboriginal scholarship and artistic expression will take place on campus from Feb. 8 to 12. For a full list of Aboriginal Achievement Week events at the U of S, visit the event website.
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
MONDAY, FEB. 8
Motivational Talk by Marcel Petit
1:30-2:30 pm | Neatby Timlin Theatre, Room 241, Arts Building
Marcel Petit is a Métis filmmaker who has worked on several short dramatic pieces and feature documentaries. His work includes Hookers. A Documentary (2008), The PISIM Project (2010) and The Jim Brady Story (2011), which he co-directed. He is also a community activist and a strong believer in hope and change.
TUESDAY, FEB. 9
First Peoples - First Person Networking event
10:30 am-noon | Office Space 303, Third Floor, St. Andrew's College
Are you interested in Indigenous health research? You can network with researchers in the related area and write Prime Minister Trudeau a valentine in the support of the well-being of Indigenous children and the social inequalities they face. This is in conjunction with "Have a Heart Day," a campaign led by the First Nations Child and Family Caring, a dynamic non-profit organization led by Cindy Blackstock which advocates for the rights of First Nations children.
Student Success Stories and Innovative Programming
Noon-1 pm | Room 1E80, College of Agriculture and Bioresources Building, 51 Campus Drive
An overview of the new Kanawayihetaytan Askiy certificate, as well as two new potential diploma streams will be provided. In addition, past student experiences will be provided by a past graduate of the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program and a student currently enrolled in the Renewable Resource Management Program.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10
St. Mary's Elementary School Dance Troupe with the Dallas and Phil Boyer Band
11 am-noon | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
St. Mary's has over 20 dancers and drummers in their dance troupe from kindergarten to Grade 8. The dance troupe began in the spring of 1989 as an extracurricular activity run by St. Mary's staff. Elders, parents, community members and staff teach students the values and traditions of Aboriginal culture and dance.
Aboriginal Arts Festival
6:30-10 pm | Louis' Loft
The festival will include musical and poetic performances by U of S students, in addition to a physical art showcase and a space for students to sell their artwork. Free appetizers provided. Presented by the Indigenous Students' Council.
THURSDAY, FEB. 11
Traditional Medicine and Health, Valerie Bradfield and Jim Waldram
10-11 am | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
Valerie Bradfield (RN, BScN) and Jim Waldram (PhD) will present their perspectives on Aboriginal health and healing. They will each touch on the traditional and contemporary aspects of health from their unique backgrounds and training in this important area that intersects our everyday lives.
Achieving Indigenous Success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
1-2 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
This event will feature a panel presentation and World Café discussion on achieving Indigenous success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Panelists will offer perspectives on the benefits and challenges of being a STEM university student and discuss the path to becoming a scientist or professional engineer. The World Café will provide an opportunity for everyone to share their ideas on how STEM can help Indigenous communities solve practical needs, such as providing access to safe drinking water.
Creative Native
1-3 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
This special Creative Native will feature two options: bead work and sash weaving. Elder Maria Linklater will be sharing her teachings and skills with beadwork. Scott Duffee will share the Métis tradition and history of the sash so that you can begin weaving your own.
Aboriginal Achievement Week Student Awards Ceremony
3-4:30 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
The Aboriginal Students' Centre is hosting the Students Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is dedicated to recognizing Aboriginal student achievement at the university. Students who have been selected for an award have excelled in their studies, conducted unique and compelling research, shown exemplary leadership, or made significant contributions to the community. Each college will recognize their outstanding Aboriginal students. Hors d'oeuvres will be served after the ceremony.
For more information, contact:
Meghan Sired
Communications Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-6068 (office) 306-381-7992 (cell)
meghan.sired@usask.ca
James Shewaga
Media Relations
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851 (office)
james.shewaga@usask.ca
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
MONDAY, FEB. 8
Motivational Talk by Marcel Petit
1:30-2:30 pm | Neatby Timlin Theatre, Room 241, Arts Building
Marcel Petit is a Métis filmmaker who has worked on several short dramatic pieces and feature documentaries. His work includes Hookers. A Documentary (2008), The PISIM Project (2010) and The Jim Brady Story (2011), which he co-directed. He is also a community activist and a strong believer in hope and change.
TUESDAY, FEB. 9
First Peoples - First Person Networking event
10:30 am-noon | Office Space 303, Third Floor, St. Andrew's College
Are you interested in Indigenous health research? You can network with researchers in the related area and write Prime Minister Trudeau a valentine in the support of the well-being of Indigenous children and the social inequalities they face. This is in conjunction with "Have a Heart Day," a campaign led by the First Nations Child and Family Caring, a dynamic non-profit organization led by Cindy Blackstock which advocates for the rights of First Nations children.
Student Success Stories and Innovative Programming
Noon-1 pm | Room 1E80, College of Agriculture and Bioresources Building, 51 Campus Drive
An overview of the new Kanawayihetaytan Askiy certificate, as well as two new potential diploma streams will be provided. In addition, past student experiences will be provided by a past graduate of the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program and a student currently enrolled in the Renewable Resource Management Program.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10
St. Mary's Elementary School Dance Troupe with the Dallas and Phil Boyer Band
11 am-noon | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
St. Mary's has over 20 dancers and drummers in their dance troupe from kindergarten to Grade 8. The dance troupe began in the spring of 1989 as an extracurricular activity run by St. Mary's staff. Elders, parents, community members and staff teach students the values and traditions of Aboriginal culture and dance.
Aboriginal Arts Festival
6:30-10 pm | Louis' Loft
The festival will include musical and poetic performances by U of S students, in addition to a physical art showcase and a space for students to sell their artwork. Free appetizers provided. Presented by the Indigenous Students' Council.
THURSDAY, FEB. 11
Traditional Medicine and Health, Valerie Bradfield and Jim Waldram
10-11 am | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
Valerie Bradfield (RN, BScN) and Jim Waldram (PhD) will present their perspectives on Aboriginal health and healing. They will each touch on the traditional and contemporary aspects of health from their unique backgrounds and training in this important area that intersects our everyday lives.
Achieving Indigenous Success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
1-2 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
This event will feature a panel presentation and World Café discussion on achieving Indigenous success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Panelists will offer perspectives on the benefits and challenges of being a STEM university student and discuss the path to becoming a scientist or professional engineer. The World Café will provide an opportunity for everyone to share their ideas on how STEM can help Indigenous communities solve practical needs, such as providing access to safe drinking water.
Creative Native
1-3 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
This special Creative Native will feature two options: bead work and sash weaving. Elder Maria Linklater will be sharing her teachings and skills with beadwork. Scott Duffee will share the Métis tradition and history of the sash so that you can begin weaving your own.
Aboriginal Achievement Week Student Awards Ceremony
3-4:30 pm | Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
The Aboriginal Students' Centre is hosting the Students Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is dedicated to recognizing Aboriginal student achievement at the university. Students who have been selected for an award have excelled in their studies, conducted unique and compelling research, shown exemplary leadership, or made significant contributions to the community. Each college will recognize their outstanding Aboriginal students. Hors d'oeuvres will be served after the ceremony.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Meghan Sired
Communications Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-6068 (office) 306-381-7992 (cell)
meghan.sired@usask.ca
James Shewaga
Media Relations
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851 (office)
james.shewaga@usask.ca