The Oyateki Partnership brings together 3 distinct institutions committed to a shared vision. They have identified these key priority activities in working toward positive outcomes for Indigenous youth and meeting Oyateki’s overall objectives. The education, training and development programs will be reflective of and responsive to the needs of Indigenous youth.
Current Projects
pawâcikêwikamik – the Innovation Collective
SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGIES
SIIT’s Pawâcikêwikamik (‘a lodge supporting those who dream’) is dedicated to empowering grassroots Indigenous entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan. With a focus on supporting, educating, and mentoring Indigenous peoples, Pawâcikêwikamik provides access to cutting-edge technologies and training to support the creation of successful start-ups in a space that emphasizes culture, language, kinship, and connection. The goals are to strengthen the support systems for Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators in Saskatchewan by increasing equitable access to capital, mentorship and networks, and technological infrastructure investments to support their innovation.
Building Intercultural Resilience Mentorship (BIRM)
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
The BIRM program connects post-secondary students with Indigenous high school students in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS). BIRM builds a community of care through mentorship. The program develops and supports students’ growth of skills related to intercultural competency, systems navigation, leadership, and academic skills. With this program, students can demonstrate greater confidence and safety in transitioning to post-secondary.
Indigenous Apprenticeship
GABRIEL DUMONT INSTITUTE
GDITE Apprenticeship engages Indigenous youth in apprenticeship programs, pairing youth with employers. Students work in a career trade of their choice, become indentured, attend technical training, and work toward achieving journeyperson status. They build trade time hours, have continual employment while improving technical and workplace skills, and learn their career options.
JobConnections
SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGIES
JobConnections is a mobile service delivery initiative providing outreach employment services to primarily Indigenous communities through an oversized, fit-up RV. Expansion of the program’s delivery now includes grades 10 to 12 students, in helping them identify the best pathways for their personal situation and career choice. Students are connected to ongoing support as they transition to post-secondary education, other skill development activities or employment.
The JobConnections mobile service offers:
- Employment services such as resume development, mock interview, employer meet and greets, and behavioural assessments that identify matches to industry and career mapping into post-secondary programming of choice.
- Virtual Reality (VR) tours; exclusive to the three campuses and programming of SIIT, GDI and U of S
The services would provide awareness of post-secondary programming and personalized pathways for each personal situation and career choice.
Indigenous Graduate Student and Professional Transition
USask College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) and the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) co-created a program to provide mentorship and professional development for Indigenous students transitioning from post-secondary to professionals. With input from Indigenous graduates, Elders and Knowledge keepers, the aim is to provide programming, events and support that creates a pathway to continued studies in CPGS. The model is inclusive to graduates of all three Oyateki partners.
Read more on the College of Graduate and Postdoctural Studies
Kahkisiw Supports Model
TRI-INSTITUTE INITIATIVE
The Partnership is working collaboratively on creating a framework to provide wraparound supports to youth based on best practices. The framework will allow supports to be customized and unique to the individual learner, from the application process to employment and serving the whole student life cycle.
The potential impacts of this support are significant, as it can lead to increased student success in education, employment, personal development, and mental health awareness. By providing wholistic support, the Partnership is not only focusing on academic success but also on the overall well-being of the students.
The Partnership aims to create a learning community and reciprocity. Collaboration and cooperation are key to achieving meaningful transformation and system change. By working together, the Partnership can create a sustainable framework that can benefit the youth in the long term.
Past Projects
Go Where Eagles Dare – International Work/Study Program
SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGIES Students from diverse academic areas can prepare for and engage in short-term international work and study opportunities through Go Where Eagles Dare. The program includes multi-institutional social innovation projects and design thinking workshops, student entrepreneurship, and alumni mentorship via travel club and Elder involvement. See where the 2023 Go Where […]
Inspiring Indigenous Leadership (taught abroad)
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN The development of a culturally informed and comprehensive study abroad support program offers Indigenous students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and increased intercultural competencies. The skills gained in study abroad experiences have been found to positively influence career path and success. It is fundamental for Indigenous post-secondary students to expand these […]
Connectivity
The Gabriel Dumont Institute has offered programs in the La Ronge area for the past 4 years. Connectivity has always been an issue in Northern Saskatchewan which has impacted students as a barrier to accessing resources, particularly through the pandemic. A stable broadband internet connection will allow better access to online libraries and seamless communication […]