USask celebrates students and community in Indigenous Achievement Week

Soup and Bannock, beading, and film nights: all activities to expect during the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) annual Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) from March 5-8.

"Indigenous Achievement Week celebrates each student’s academic excellence, community engagement, and contributions to research,” said Dr. Angela Jamie (PhD), vice-provost of Indigenous Engagement. “This week reminds us of the vital role Indigenous voices play in shaping the future. By uplifting Indigenous students on their achievements, we uplift Indigenous ways of knowing and being. I would like to personally congratulate each student on their contributions to USask and the future of this university’s excellence.”

Events are hosted throughout the week by USask units and colleges, and all are welcome to attend. One of the highlights of the week is the Awards Ceremony, taking place this year in Marquis Hall on March 6. Students receive an award in one of five categories: resiliency, community engagement, academic excellence, leadership, or athletics.

“For award winners, the ceremony not only honours their accomplishments but also creates a moment for them to bask in the spotlight alongside their families,” said Lori Delorme, acting director of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre at USask. “It’s a cherished opportunity for our university community to come together, embracing the milestones our students have reached. By hosting this ceremony, we affirm our unwavering support for their journey, offer encouragement every step of the way, and express our immense pride in their success.”

According to the award’s criteria, IAW award winners are not only successful academically, but also care for others and about giving back to their communities.

Community is a persistent theme in many award winners’ stories.

“I love my community, I want my community and its members to be successful,” said Leona-Grace Cook, a student in the Edwards School of Business, and one of the 43 recipients of this year’s Indigenous Achievement Awards.

Cook is a proud member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), and commutes to Saskatoon every week so her children can stay in their community. Once she graduates, Cook plans to put her  Bachelor of Commerce degree to use as a human resources officer in her band’s human resources department.

“Being a single Indigenous woman with three kids, I never thought going back to university full time would have been an option for me,” said Cook, who will be awarded the IAW resiliency award. “I’m proud that I was able to overcome the many obstacles I have faced ... I have a huge support system; I reach out when things get tough. I couldn’t have done it alone.”

Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Airini (PhD), says prioritizing time to learn more about and celebrate the many achievements of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty at USask is not only informative, but also helps to strengthen the university’s commitment to advancing Indigenization and transformative decolonization leading to reconciliation.

“The Indigenous strategy ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan gifted to USask calls on us to ‘fly up together’ in this journey to be an outstanding institution of research, learning, knowledge-keeping, reconciliation, and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities,” said Airini. “Thank you to the organizers of Indigenous Achievement Week for giving us this opportunity to learn and grow, and to celebrate success.”

You can find more information and a complete list of IAW events at USask’s Indigenous Achievement Week spotlight: https://spotlight.usask.ca/indigenous-achievement-week/index.php#top