Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
The Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre is dedicated to supporting the personal, social, cultural, and academic success of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students.
To speak with someone: Drop by the centre during office hours, call or email.
- Address
- 5 Campus Drive
- Saskatoon, SK
- S7N 5A4
- Hours
- Monday to Friday
- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed for lunch 12-1pm)
- (closed all statutory holidays)
Cultural Programming
Grounding Circle
(previously Smudge & Share)
Join us Mondays at 10:00 AM for a weekly Grounding Circle with Elders Roland Duquette and Linda Sanderson. These circles are intended to be a confidential space for students, staff and elders to connect. It is a shared safe space focused on respect, kindness, compassion and maintaining good relationships with one another.
Elders and Knowledge Keeper Service
Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available during select programming and also for student use when requested. We recognize the uniqueness of different Indigenous peoples, and makes a conscious effort to bring in Elders from different communities across Saskatchewan.
Ceremony
(on hold until further notice)
We host both Pipe Ceremonies and Sweat Lodge Ceremonies during the regular school term as well as during special events. Please watch our newsletter for updates and additional information.
For any questions about our cultural programming please contact:
Rachel Fiddler
Community and Cultural Resource Manager
Academic and Social Programming
Workshop and Tutors
Research and writing workshops, as well as English, Math/Stats and Chemistry tutoring, are offered throughout the week. English is in partnership with the Learning Hub.
Support and Referrals
We work partnership with colleges and services across campus to support Indigenous students. By providing student support with advising and referrals when necessary. Virtual drop-ins will be available weekly. This is an opportunity for students who may:
- have questions or concerns regarding university life
- in need of some guidance
- in need of other support services
- discuss how things are going
If you are feeling overwhelmed, have any questions or need to chat, please email Sheldon Bear for available appointments.
First Year Monthly Check-in
Monthly check-ins create a greater sense of community among first-year students and provide them with a support system during their freshman year at USask.
For any questions about our Academic & Social programming please contact:
Sheldon Bear
Indigenous Student Development Coordinator
Student Development Programming
Health and Wellness
We offer a wide spectrum of supports and activities to help Indigenous students maintain a healthy lifestyle and create a sense of community. Some of these activities can include paint nights, sports teams, wellness presentations, therapy dogs, and fitness programs such as Run Club and Fitness 4U. For more information, please contact lori.delorme@usask.ca
Fitness 4U
This program in partnership with USask Rec allows students to work with personal trainers and nutritionist to create and maintain a healthier lifestyle. You will learn proper training techniques, goal setting, and nutrition. Sign up today and earn incentives while you get active! For more information, please contact lori.delorme@usask.ca
Community Builder: Soup and Bannock
Sharing meals is an important part of Indigenous Peoples’ cultures. To honour these traditions, we co-host Soup and Bannock with other university programs or student service every Wednesday during the fall and winter terms at 12:00 PM. Everyone welcome. One home. One community.
Parent Circle
(on hold until further notice)
Every month, parents on campus come together to share knowledge. Families are welcome, activities are provided for children.
Building Bridges
Our award winning program provides a safe space to learn about culture and identity, dispel myths, ask questions, promote commonalities and respectfully understand differences. For information on current events, please our webpage or the Building Bridges Facebook page.
For any questions about our Student Development Programming please contact:
The Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
Events
Indigenous Achievement Week
Each year the University of Saskatchewan hosts Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) to celebrate Métis, First Nations and Inuit student achievement, reflect on traditions and ceremonies and connect with the community.
March 6 - 10, 2023
New Student Welcome
New Métis, First Nations and Inuit students are encouraged to join our New Indigenous Student Welcome. It’s a great way to get familiar with campus and meet new people before classes start in September and January.
Thank you to our lead sponsor Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel for helping us make the New Student Welcome and the first-year check-ins a yearly success.
Métis New Year's Partii
This is a family-friendly event dedicated to bringing Métis students, staff, faculty, and community members together to celebrate the Métis New Year.
Welcome Back Powwow and Métis Dance Celebration
In 2023, a powwow and Métis celebration took place in September as part of fall welcome activities. Information on future events will be available later in 2024.
The Building
Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
The Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre is an inclusive, intercultural gathering place where students can connect with other students, access supports, and utilize space. The centre is the home to the Indigenous student services and provides space to Indigenous student leadership groups.
Key features of the student centre:
- Bright open student study spaces
- Student lounge with kitchenette
- Gender neutral restrooms
- Quiet study areas
- Computer lab and printer
- Private Elders room for smudging
- Two (2) bookable meeting rooms
- Direct in-person support
