Students' Centre

The Aboriginal Students' Centre recognizes that students may be overwhlemed within the university setting and prides itself on creating a community within the centre and supporting students in as many ways as possible. This is done by providing a variety of programs and services centred around developing healthy lifestyles, coping with loneliness and relationships, and tracking their successes.. This includes:

Transition Support

• "Show and Tell" Information Sessions (University services come to the ASC and inform students about what they do.)
• Academic Skills Workships
• Referrals to Services on- and off- Campus
• 1-on-1 Advising
• Academic Help and Late Night Study

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Building Community

• Cooking Classes (CHEP Good Food Inc. & Student Health Services partnered to host cooking classes for students.)
• Good Food Markets (Students can buy low cost fruits and vegetables.)
• Monthly Birthday Cakes
• Ambassador Program
• Cultural Programming

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Holiday Events

• Halloween Party (In 2012, we had a pumpkin carving contest and a costume parade hosted by the ISC.)
• Christmas Gathering (We hold a communal lunch and gift exchange.)
• Valentines Day  (We host a matchmaker and valentines day jeopardy.)
• St. Patrick's Day (We have a St. Patrick's Day jeopardy.)

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Celebrating Achievement

• Year End Celebrations (End of term gathering.)
• Aboriginal Achievement Week
• Graduation Powwow

Staff

Kathleen Makela

ASC Manager

A descendent of Old Man Beaulieu from the Northwest Territories, Kathleen Makela received a Bachelor of Arts interdisciplinary honors degree with first class distinction in human rights and international law from Saint Thomas University in Fredericton, NB. Following she received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick. Kathleen has been the Manager of the Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC) at the University of Saskatchewan for 13 years.

(306) 966-7287
Kathleen.makela@usask.ca
Currently on medical leave.

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Lori Delorme

First-year Transition Coordinator

Lori is a Metis woman from Cochin, Saskatchewan. She works as the First-Year Transition Coordinator at the Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC). She has been working for the Aboriginal Students’ Centre for the past 15 years.

(306) 966-1604
Lori.delorme@usask.ca
Currently the acting manager of the Aboriginal Students’ Centre.

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Ellmere Duquette

Clerical Assistant

Ellmere Duquette is a Cree woman from Mistawasis First Nation, Saskatchewan. She has been working as the Clerical Assistant for the Aboriginal Students’ Centre since December 2012. In the past she has done work with VANOC (Vancouver 2010 Olympics), and the Canadian Census 2011. She has also held a variety of positions with her reserve including: Research Assistant, Camp Coordinator, and Youth Worker. She has also been a member of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation since 2011.

(306) 966-5790
Ellmere.duquette@usask.ca

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Annie Battiste

Mentorship Coordinator

Annie Battiste is a Mi’kmaw woman from Potlo’tek First Nations of Cape Breton (Unama’kik) Nova Scotia. She is currently the Mentorship Coordinator at the Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC) and a graduate student in Educational Foundations in the College of Education. Annie has been working at the ASC full time for 3 years and part time as an Ambassador since 2005.

(306) 966-2871
Annie.battiste@usask.ca

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Bob Badger

Cultural Coordinator

Bob Badger is the Cultural Coordinator for the University of Saskatchewan. In his role, Bob works with both students and University leadership to assist the campus in becoming a more culturally vibrant and responsive environment. Bob is a member of the Kawacatoose First Nation and brings a great deal of depth and experience to the role.

(306) 966-5701
Robert.badger@usask.ca

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Justin Wiebe

(306) 966-7287
Justin.wiebe@usask.ca

Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassador Program

The Student Ambassador program recognizes that students themselves know what they need, and are best suited to help each other out. Student ambassadors work to ensure that students succeed in their academic studies and enjoy their time at the University.

The program:

• Provides meaningful part-time employment for Aboriginal students
• Opportunities to take initiative, show leadership, and when necessary, be an advocate for the University and students
• Allows student ambassadors to serve as a bridge between the student population, the Aboriginal Students' Centre, and the larger U of S community
• Allows student ambassadors to develop and maintain parternships and programs that serve

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Ambassadors

Shane Henry

Shane Henry is a Masters student at the University of Saskatchewan. He is currently studying Educational Foundations, with an emphasis on philosophy and learning theory. He has a degree in Education, with a focus on Physics and History. Shane has worked with the Ministry of Education on several projects including school reviews and program evaluations. He currently is an avid martial artist, with competitive experience in Muay Thai kickboxing. With a host of experience working in the field of education, writing, training martial arts, and an advocate for Aboriginal issues such as Homelessness, Racism, and Food Security; Shane brings a fresh element to his work as an ambassador armed with a confluence of experience and knowledge.

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Alexandra Thomson

Alexandra Thomson is from the Carry The Kettle First Nation, and was raised in Regina Saskatchewan. In high school her talent in chemistry and math grew with help from good teachers, and was accepted into the U of S College of Engineering. Now in her third year, Alexandra continues to expand her education with hopes of bettering her community and the world with a Chemical Engineering degree. Outside of school, Alexandra is a singer who writes her own music, and is learning piano. She plays in an acoustic duo, East of Eden, with her best friend on lead guitar.

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Lisa Langan

Hello, my name is Lisa Langan. I was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan and grew up on Cote First Nation and in Regina. I am currently a second year student in the SUNTEP Program here at the U of S. My choice to become a future educator was influenced by experiences as a student in our education system. I saw a lack of Aboriginal teachers and support staff in the schools I attended and in hindsight felt that an Aboriginal teacher would have been a positive role model. I have become involved at the Aboriginal Students' Centre as part of my efforts to support and assist Aboriginal students in achieving their academic goals.

 

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Tanis Worme

My name is Tanis Worme. I was born and raised in Saskatoon and graduated from Aden Bowman, the same high school as my two sisters before me. I am an Arts and Science student majoring in Biology. I came to the University of Saskatchewan out of convenience, but I am glad I did. This University offers Aboriginal specific support that many post-secondary institutions lack. I am currently the Vice-President of Finance and Operations for the Indigenous Students’ Council (ISC), and my participation with the ISC also includes involvement on the council’s sub-committees: culture, social and financial. Outside of school I keep myself active with dance, long distance running, and playing music. The University of Saskatchewan can appear daunting, but there are opportunities for every prospective student to become involved in something they feel passionate about.

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Xavier Fisher

I am Xavier Fisher. I am a Michif person from Duck Lake and am entering my 3rd year of a 4 year degree in Political Studies. My culture, and the teachings that stem from it, play a pivotal role in the decisions I make regarding my academic career. Being the father of 2 sons keeps me grounded and makes me continuously aware of the importance of life and loving what the Creator put me upon Mother Earth for, to help others.