Reserved and soft-spoken, Roy* made a distinct impression during when we first met. At first glance, one might assume he was reluctant to be there, but the truth was quite the opposite. When asked to share about his journey back to education, Roy was open and willing. His readiness to speak with people he’d never met revealed just how far he’s come in the past year.

This spring, Roy is finishing his ABE 10 (Adult Basic Education) program at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). The program has two levels, ABE 10 and ABE 12, and completion opens doors to post-secondary education or meaningful employment.

He’s just wrapping up his final assignments and is grateful for the team that’s supported him along the way.

This supportive environment is a vast contrast to what Roy experienced before enrolling last fall. Growing up, Roy was surrounded by negative influences, including poor role models and systemic barriers. These circumstances led him down a darker path; he was incarcerated at just 16 years old. After his release, he struggled with what he describes as “a bad addiction”.

Something shifted in the summer of 2024, when Roy joined the White Buffalo Youth Lodge’s “Urban Youth Paspiwin Program.” The program, designed for Indigenous youth aged 16–24, offered three weeks of life skills training, transition planning, and exposure to post-secondary options. Participants toured campuses of oyateki’s three partner institutions: Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), and the University of Saskatchewan and were provided with transportation, daily nutrition, and incentives to reduce barriers to access.

For Roy, this experience became a turning point.

The staff at White Buffalo were encouraging and helped Roy consider going back to school as a step toward a better future.

“I wanted to make a change from where I was in my life”, he reflected.

He remembered what he had learned during the SIIT campus tour and was drawn to the supportive and culturally grounded environment. As one oyateki team member described, institutions like SIIT create a space where Indigenous students can see themselves reflected in the staff, the teachings, and the culture. That familiarity builds trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Roy agreed.

“It made me feel good,” he said. During the campus tour, led by Angus Sanderson, he could picture himself as a student.

Angus is the Campus Supports Manager at SIIT. In addition to managing the provision of wellness supports such as food security, housing and childcare, from time to time he also gives presentations and leads tours.

“To speak to other people (for encouragement), I’m going to take every opportunity to do my best when it comes to delivering a message.”

He says that providing hope to youth is so important, to encourage youth and empower adults to change their course toward a good life – to see that it is possible and that there is support. Angus remembers the tour that Roy attended.

In any presentation, the greatest challenge is to engage the group. “That’s the number one thing.” Angus explains. “As a presenter, it’s very important to capture the group as best you can. Then you start noticing who’s engaged, and that’s why I remember that day – because he was engaged. Other people were looking on their phones or just hoping this thing would end, but there are few that pay attention.”

Roy did stand out that day to Angus, and he remembered.

“He shook my hand after and said thank you.” Angus added.

That spark of inspiration was enough to take the next step. Roy applied and was accepted into the ABE 10 program for fall 2024.

Throughout the school year, Roy received weekly tutoring through SIIT’s Student Wellness Supports. The tutoring helped him keep up with coursework and build confidence in his learning.

“In the beginning it was kind of hard,” Roy admitted, “but then I got used to it, and I just kept doing it.”

When challenges came up, Roy stayed committed. Staff like Sonja Pete, Campus Coordinator and Carmeleta Gauthier, his instructor, were always available with encouragement and support, ensuring he didn’t fall behind.

“In other schools I’d just be in the background,” he shared. But at SIIT, he felt seen.

As the year comes to a close, Roy reflects on how far he’s come. When asked if he sees a difference in himself, he responded without hesitation:

“Yes.”

And how would he describe that change? “Positive,” he said, smiling.

“At the beginning of the year, I doubted myself that I would finish school. But I proved myself wrong.”

Angus Sanderson concurs in Roy’s abilities. “I specifically remember that presentation and his reactions, then and his steps moving forward and his growth here at SIIT.

And it’s nothing to do with me. All I could do is I give words the best I can. But man, he took it all. He took the application. He filled it out. He followed through with the advisors. He came to school and persevered. That’s on him. And what an excellent story.“

Roy discovered that he’s more capable than he realized and he now believes in his ability to succeed.

If he could give advice to his past self?

“It’s not going to be easy! [But] keep working hard and don’t give up.”

Looking ahead, Roy plans to complete his grade 12, and he’s considering a future in the army. He’s also thought about earning a Mental Health and Wellness certificate and getting his driver’s license.

When asked how he defines success, his answer was simple and heartfelt:

“Helping people.”

Then he added,

“And I just want to make my Dad happy and show I can actually do something different from the life I had. Being the person I used to be. I just want to make a change for myself, and then going to help people.”

Behind Roy’s quiet demeanor is a strong and determined young man. It took courage to go back to school and change his life. Last September, Roy celebrated two years of being addiction-free, a powerful testament to his commitment and resilience.

Roy’s story shows what’s possible when Indigenous youth are met with understanding, cultural safety, and consistent support. It’s a story of transformation, empowerment, hope and a reminder that with community by your side, anything is possible.

*To protect their privacy, the name of the individual has been changed.

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