Desiree Dreaver spoke about her experience at Sask Poly in P.A. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Sask Polytechnic honours Indigenous students

Mar 8, 2019 | 5:45 PM

Indigenous students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Prince Albert campus were honoured Friday.

In the school’s gym, they along with their families sat and listened to speeches from a number of administrators and some fellow students as part of the Indigenous Strategy Program.

Terry Fleury, the program head of correctional studies and community safety programs, was the MC.

Speaking to paNOW, Fleury said it was an important event.

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“Saskatchewan Polytechnic supports the Indigenous people in Saskatchewan, we always recognize we are on Treaty 6 territory and homeland of the Métis,” he said.

According to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, 19 per cent of the student body identifies as Indigenous. Besides the campus in Prince Albert, the school’s campuses in Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw will also host ceremonies this month.

Students and family were at the ceremony in the school’s gym (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

One student, Desiree Dreaver, spoke about her experiences in her addictions counselling program.

“During high school I was that student who was quiet, withdrawn, no parents or support to help me with school,” she said. “I had some friends, not many, was in an unhealthy relationship, left class whenever I wanted and did the bare minimum to pass.”

During this time Dreaver, who hails from Mistawasis First Nation, said no teachers at her high school reached out to her and she felt she was set up to fail.

“My family and many others assumed I would get pregnant and drop out. I did not and graduated in 2008,” she said.

Dreaver attended the Saskatchewan Polytechnic summer transition program, where she met a number of people from the school who were able to help her set up so she could succeed.

“I got over that fear of coming back to school. I met some amazing people in similar situations and felt comfort knowing I would see them in the halls,” she said.

Dreaver, who is a single mother to two sons, also talked about the challenge of being in school full-time. She credited the institution with providing an environment where proper supports are provided.

“I feel like I have a whole team of people behind me, who want me to succeed,” she said.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn