The first year

Above: Kendal Netmaker speaks to youth from Saskatchewan schools on reaching goals at the launch event

Right, top to bottom: Partnership leaders gather for planning; the first cohort of miyoskamin grads from The Innovation Collective celebrate; Elders discuss concepts at a focus group; Mastercard Foundation CEO Reeta Roy visits with Elders and youth; students at Gordon Oaks Red Bear Centre during photoshoot.

On August 3, 2021, a new collaboration was launched between the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and the Mastercard Foundation,. [AR1] This five-year partnership was established to support Indigenous youth on their paths toward positive futures.

Named the oẏateki Partnership, the initiative represented a unique effort to transform Saskatchewan’s education and employment systems to better serve Indigenous young people. The partnership aimed to strengthen self-determination through increased engagement in post-secondary education, improved educational attainment, and enhanced labour market outcomes.

The goal was to contribute to individual success and the holistic health, well-being, and socio-economic prosperity of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. The Partnership supported building strong foundations for youth to confidently navigate challenges and opportunities.

The project work built on the success of the three institutions while staying true to their shared values. Support was offered at multiple stages of a youth’s journey, including preparing for post-secondary education and training, providing in-school support, fostering community at the graduate level, and assisting with transitions to careers.

The oẏateki Partnership would not have been possible without the support of the Mastercard Foundation through its EleV Initiative. The EleV Program partners with Indigenous organisations, youth, and communities to transform education and employment systems. By uplifting Indigenous-led solutions and innovations, EleV supports pathways for youth.

As the five-year initiative draws to a close, the oẏateki Partnership extends its sincere thanks to all who supported the projects and initiatives. oẏateki wishes the best to all the Indigenous youth we’ve had the privilege to support on their journeys toward miyo pimâtisiwin (a good life).

Below, clockwise from top left: Indigenous grads and business community members converge at Indigenous Futures Event, oẏateki teams and leads gather to share and collaborate, a BIRM classroom is filmed for an oẏateki video, partner teams gather to learn and share, oẏateki team members group photo at Wanuskewin.