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The Aboriginal Students' Centre (ASC) is an inclusive gathering space for students to come before, after and between classes to study, use a computer, connect with other students or access services, such as:

• academic skills workshops
• cultural ceremonies (e.g. pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges, etc.)
• information sessions on campus services
• soup and bannock (twice a month)
• traditional teachings

Aboriginal students new to campus are encouraged to stop by the ASC and enjoy a free cup of coffee and meet the staff. Students can access transition supports as well as learn about opportunities to get involved in campus life, develop their leadership skills or become a mentor to other Aboriginal students.

The U of S has unveiled plans for the new Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre, which will celebrate Aboriginal culture and history.

Designed by well-known architect Douglas Cardinal, who is of Métis and Blackfoot heritage, the new centre will house both the Aboriginal Students' Centre and the Indigenous Students' Council, with additional space for learning and ceremonies.

The Indigenous Students’ Council (ISC) is a U of S student group that aims to unify and engage Aboriginal students on campus through cultural, academic and leisure activities. The council, which is comprised of eight students, plans and implements programs to fulfill its mission.

One ISC initiative is the Role Model Program, which is designed to connect Aboriginal students at the U of S with Aboriginal students in high school. The goal of the program is to raise awareness about the post-secondary opportunities available to young students. For more information about the Role Model Program and the ISC, email i.s.c.@usask.ca.

The College of Arts and Science's Aboriginal Student Achievement Program (ASAP) helps first-year Aboriginal students develop a community on campus, improve their academic skills, and set academic and career goals. In the ASAP Learning Communities, a small group of Aboriginal first-year students register in a common set of three classes, including courses such as psychology, English and biology.

In addition to sharing a common classroom experience, the students gather as a smaller community in a weekly LC hour guided by two successful senior students, where they learn about career options, study together, participate in cultural activities and get involved in the larger community. Extra tutorials to work on essential academic skills are also provided.

The Rawlco Resource Centre at the Edwards School of Business is one of the few dedicated spaces for Aboriginal students in business schools across Canada. Business students can use the centre for studying, group project work, research, meeting classmates and lounging.

The Native Access Program to Nursing (NAPN) recruits and supports Aboriginal students interested in or enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Aboriginal nursing advisors in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert work with students to build community through gatherings and peer networks, provide academic and personal advisement and facilitate tutoring, mentorship and referrals to culturally appropriate supports as requested. NAPN advisors are also available to provide information and referrals for childcare, housing, funding and other concerns.

In its 40th year, the Program of Legal Studies for Native People (PLSNP) is an eight-week summer course in property law that prepares Aboriginal students for admission to, and success in, law studies at universities across Canada. The goal of the PLSNP is to increase the number of Aboriginal lawyers in Canada’s legal profession.

Students who want to gain exposure to the health-care field may participate in the Aboriginal Student Mentorship Program. The College of Medicine will arrange for students to spend a half or full day with a physician, giving students the opportunity to meet medical students, doctors and other health-care workers.

The college’s Aboriginal programming and initiatives also include equity seats, scholarships, summer employment, the sharing of Indigenous knowledge, curriculum development and a warm and welcoming environment for community members, students and families.