Indigenous Student Support Centre

Located on the main floor of the Senator Burns Building, Natoysopoyiis is a place for Indigenous learners at SAIT to:

  • find career, program and academic support
  • get assistance with financial aid and housing
  • meet with Elders for cultural and spiritual advising
  • participate in events, network and more.

Visit the centre

pr-academic-upgrading-indigenous-600x400.jpg
Two Indigenous SAIT students walk outside Heritage Hall chatting.

Indigenous Pathways Program

This three-semester, 12-month program begins at the Grade 9 level and ends with your completion of Grade 11 and 12 courses.

Program details
indigenous meeting

Indigenous Orientation

SAIT honors the diverse cultures and recognizes the unique needs of Indigenous learners and has organized an Indigenous student orientation led by Natoysopoyiis (nah-toy so-po yees) – our on campus Indigenous student supports centre.
Learn more
An Indigenous woman walks up the stairs by the SAIT Parking Garage.

Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

Get help accessing financial support from the government, and private and community organizations.

Financial aid
A group of Indigenous students have a meeting in Chinook Lodge.

Funding options for Indigenous students

As an Indigenous learner you have access to a number of funding options to help you during your time at SAIT!
See applicable funding options
The Begin Tower as seen from the entrance, looking up.

Supports for Indigenous students

If you're an indigenous student, you get access to plenty of support, both mentally and spiritually. If you're feeling down or school is really taking a toll, there are supports in place for you.
Support for indigenous students
indigenous student graduating

Indigenous Graduation

SAIT’s Indigenous graduation celebration recognizes Indigenous students' academic achievements.
Learn more
indigenous student

Indigenous Youth

Our programs offer youth authentic, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences.

“Being able to sit and talk and engage with other Indigenous people helped me reconnect with something that I knew was missing in my life,” he says. “For me, going into the Lodge reminded me of [being at] my Kokum’s; my grandmother's — the smell of sage and sweet grass — this is a place of gatherings and a place of peace.”

Keith Driver

Who is an Indigenous Learner?

Indigenous identity refers to whether the person reported identifying with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. This includes those who reported being an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuit and/or those who reported Registered or Treaty status, that is registered under the Indian Act of Canada, and/or those who reported membership in a First Nation band. Indigenous peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as including the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

What's happening with Natoysopoyiis

SAIT logo in beads

SAIT’s Indigenous resource centre receives new name and Knowledge Keeper

Changes honour the rich tapestry of Indigenous heritage and support Truth and Reconciliation on campus.

Read this story

Upcoming events

More events

Contact us

Natoysopoyiis

NN 108, Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus

403.210.4028
403.210.4524 (fax)
natoysopoyiis@sait.ca

Monday - Thursday | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (4 pm on Fridays)

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre