Photo: USask

The staff and students at the University of Saskatchewan are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre.

In 2016, the Centre was established to provide a culturally safe space for Indigenous students, some of which traveled great distances away from family to be on campus.

Five years ago, Tianna Sangwais was one of those new students. She says the Student Centre was the determining factor in choosing to attend USask.

“I could have easily went to the University of Regina or a different university, but the space where I felt would really represent me and celebrate me as an Indigenous woman was ultimately Gordon Oakes here at the University of Saskatchewan.”

Flash forward five years later, Saigwais is now coordinating those events and programs she once attended, such as health support, food security programs, tutoring, grounding circles, and cultural workshops.

“We offer (services for) all aspects of health, whether that be mentally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually…We have food security programs. We have breakfast for them. We have snacks in the back for them, as well. We have a weekly community builders’ soup and bannock. That’s for all students, staff, and faculty across campus.”

Not to mention the cultural workshops, tutoring services, and soon, a family activity centre, with extended hours, where students with dependents can go to study without having to worry about finding care.

Sangwais says it’s rewarding to know she is providing these opportunities to students who might not have otherwise had them, which further underscores the importance of the Centre.

“Our office doors are always open. That’s been something that’s evolved over time. We have more of that familial connection to our students. They see us as equals, and it’s not necessarily a top-down approach.”

Sangwais says above all, she’s grateful for the students, staff, and knowledge keepers that continue to make the Centre feel like a community.