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Mandatory requirements
To apply for this program, you must self-identify as an Indigenous Person (Status/Non-Status First Nation, Métis or Inuit.)
Overview
Our Indigenous Foundations Program will help you grow your confidence in math, English and digital/financial literacy skills, with a focus on Indigenous literature and readings.
The program covers:
- Math from grade 5 to grade 8
- English literacy from grade 6 to grade 9
- Basic digital tools such as emailing and Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
- Life skills components
Upon successful completion of this program (70% or higher), you will:
- Gain acceptance into the Indigenous Pathways Program for Fall 2025
- Gain skills and confidence in numeracy and literacy, and competency in digital and financial skills
Supports and services
A dedicated student advisor will act as your personal coach. They will be available to support you throughout this program with any challenges you may experience. They will also connect you with services supporting your success.
You will receive mentorship and insight from Elders and knowledge-keepers. You will engage in cultural activities with those in your program.
Finally, you will have access to all the services SAIT has to offer, including our recreation facilities, learning support services, employment centre sessions and counselling.
Courses
This program runs from May 5 to Aug. 21, 2025 (15 weeks).
You must be able to commit to and attend 22 hours of classes each week.
Cultural mentorship courses
Every semester, you'll also take life skills courses by participating in Indigenous coaching, advising and mentorship to support the application of learning strategies and personal skills, as well as Indigenous cultural practices (45 hours per semester).
Admission requirements
You are eligible for this program if you:
• self-identify as an Indigenous Person (Status/Non-Status First Nation, Métis or Inuit)
• attend an Information Session
• achieve a grade below 60% on an English and math placement test
• complete a program questionnaire (available during Information Sessions)
You will gain direct entry into the Indigenous Pathways program with final grades of 70% or higher. Applications close for Indigenous Foundations on March 24, 2025.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).
If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.
Available intakes
Applications are now open for the 2025/26 academic year (beginning May 2025).
Costs
This program is eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance program funding.
We will help you apply for tuition and living allowance coverage for this program. Eligibility criteria will be provided during the information sessions.
Your books and supplies will be provided to you. Laptops are available for students in need of one.
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Admission process
Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 intake
To apply for this program, you must follow these steps:
- Complete the expression of interest form.
- Attend an information session. Sessions are available here. If there are no information sessions listed for Indigenous Pathways or Indigenous Foundations programs, please email natoysopoyiis@sait.ca.
- Complete the Math and English placement tests.
- Complete the program application questionnaire available in Natoysopoyiis.
If accepted to the program, support will be provided to assist you with applying for funding.
Placement tests
To demonstrate academic readiness for the courses that form part of the Indigenous Foundations Program, you must complete an English placement test and a math placement test.
Placement testing takes place in Natoysopoyiis on Fridays. Please register for a testing time by emailing natoysopoyiis@sait.ca.
English test
The English placement test consists of multiple-choice questions on English comprehension, grammar and a written paragraph on a topic indicated in the test.
If your mark is below 60%, you are a great candidate for the Indigenous Foundations program. This program will provide you with the academic foundation for Indigenous Pathways.
You'll have up to 120 minutes to complete the English test.
The level for this test is approximately Grade 9.
You get one attempt to take this test.
Math test
The mathematics test consists of 20 to 25 multiple-choice questions, which must be done without a calculator.
If your mark is below 60%, you are a great candidate for the Indigenous Foundations program. This program will provide you with the academic foundation for Indigenous Pathways.
You'll have up to 60 minutes to complete the mathematics test.
The level for this test is at approximately Grade 8.
You get one attempt to take this test.
Study guides
We recommend downloading and using the study guides below before attempting the placement tests.
| Course | Educational equivalent | Placement Test Guide | Formula Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH-100 | Math 9 | MATH-100 | N/A |
| COMN-180 | ELA 10-1 | COMN-180 | N/A |
If you do not meet the 60% pass requirements, you can complete the 15 week Indigenous Foundations Program.
Information sessions
Indigenous Pathways Program and Indigenous Foundations Program applicants must attend an information session as part of the admission process.
Prepare for a strong start in this program and get the details to decide your future path.
Our expert staff are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Funding options
Contact us
Natoysopoyiis
Room NN108, Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus
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Phone - 403.210.4028
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Email - natoysopoyiis@sait.ca
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Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4:30 pm (4 pm on Fridays)
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.