Learn about Aboriginal Communities, Culture and History!

Community Service-Learning (CSL) in the University Learning Centre (ULC), in partnership with the Aboriginal Students Centre (ASC), is offering a new FREE program to enhance knowledge of Aboriginal communities, culture and history. This community service-learning (CSL) program will be offered for the second time in winter and is called 'All Nations Learning', named by Walter and Maria Linklater, our elders on campus. The program will be open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal undergraduate & graduate students on a first to register basis. This involves a commitment on the part of students to attend an introductory session and 6 program dates throughout term 2. We also welcome interested faculty and staff to join us for one of these days by contacting one of the coordinators (contact information below). Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate outlining the program and their commitment to the community.

 Participants will:

• Participate in projects/activities with community organizations and schools
• Engage in discussion with Aboriginal Elders to learn about Aboriginal spirituality, protocols for ceremonies, roles in society and more
• Have an opportunity to participate in ceremonies
• Partake in tours, workshops and group reflection
• Enhance mentorship skills

Program dates

All Nations Learning will run every Tuesday in term 2, at various times (8:30 to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.). Participants are required to attend an introductory session and at least 6 program dates, although participants are welcome to join us for additional program dates. Each program date will be four hours in length. You will have an opportunity to sign up for the program dates during the introductory meeting. There will also be an optional sweat lodge.  

Mon, Jan 9th - Pipe Ceremony with Maria and Walter Linklater - 10:00 a.m. - Rugby Chapel

Tues, Jan 10th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Introductory session @ the Aboriginal Students' Centre

Wed, Jan 11th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Introductory session (for those who could not make it to the first introductory session) @ the Aboriginal Students' Centre

Tues, Jan 17th - 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

Tues, Jan 24th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Tues, Jan 31st - 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

Thurs, Feb 2nd - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Tues, Feb 7th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Tues, Feb 14th - 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

Tues, Feb 21st - February break 

Tues, Feb 28th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Tues, March 6th - 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

Tues, March 13th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Tues, March 20th - 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

Tues, March 27th - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Tues, April 3rd - FINAL GATHERING - 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Date TBD - Sweatlodge

Program requirements

Students are not required to have any previous knowledge of Aboriginal communities, culture or history. This program is meant to engage both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Protocol for ceremonies will be discussed, however, participants are not required to participate in Aboriginal ceremonies unless they choose to. With that exception only, participants are required to complete all components of the program dates they sign up for.

Here are examples of some of our Community and university partners for All Nations Learning:

AIDS Saskatoon

Child Hunger and Education Program (CHEP)

Derek Rope 

Dr.Alex Wilson - Department of Educational Foundations, College of Education

Annie Battiste - Aboriginal Mentorship Coordinator, Aboriginal Students Centre (ASC)

Dr. Karla Williamson - Educational Foundations, College of Education

Maria Linklater - Elder, Aboriginal Students Centre

Dr.Marie Battiste, The Fourth R

Mike Maurice - Elder, White Buffalo Youth Lodge & the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, Senator for Metis Nation

Dr.Nancy Van Styvendale - Department of English

Phaedra Hitchings - Community Service-Learning (CSL) Coordinator, University Learning Centre (ULC)

Robin Bendig - Community Service-Learning Program Coordinator, University Learning Centre

Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition

Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Inc. (SCYAP)

Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre

Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre (SIMFC)

Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC)

St.Mary's Community School

Walter Linklater - Elder, Aboriginal Students Centre

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

White Buffalo Youth Lodge (WBYL)

REGISTRATION

Registration is now closed. Please check our CSL page for other events

Need more information

For more details about this program, please contact Robin Bendig at robin.bendig@usask.ca or by telephone at (306)966-5899 or Annie Battiste at annie.battiste@usask.ca or by telephone at (306)966-5790.