Our mission
Natoysopoyiis provides a nurturing, safe and secure space for all Indigenous students. Our all-Indigenous team will assist you from orientation through to graduation.
Natoysopoyiis is committed to enhancing the Indigenous student experience by offering the tools they need for a successful post-secondary journey at SAIT. See the options in the dropdown menu to learn more about programs and services.
Our origin story
On September 22, 2001, during the fall equinox, Natoysopoyiis, formerly known as Chinook Lodge, opened its doors, creating the first Indigenous Student Centre at a post-secondary in Calgary.
The architectural design represents a tipi (lodge) with natural wood elements and floor-to-ceiling windows to welcome the sunlight.
The installed ventilation system created the ability to smudge and host ceremonies throughout the entire space. For thousands of Indigenous students this has been their “home away from home” while attending SAIT and will continue to be so for future generations to come.
Our name - Natoysopoyiis
During the winter, and sometimes in the summer, a quick wet snowstorm comes to our region, covering the ground and freezing everything around. This storm sometimes referred to as siksopoo (covering wind storm), blankets the ground and melts slowly, bringing moisture to the seeds under the soil. Elders call this a “holy wind”. This wind teaches us to prepare for unexpected weather change. Like in life and unforeseen circumstances. Similar to the experience of many Indigenous students on their post-secondary journey.
Wind and Southern Alberta are connected through many different ways. Lethbridge is known as Alberta’s windy city, and the warm winds that come from the beautiful Kananaskis area are well known to offer respite during the cold and harsh winter months.
Natoysopoyiis is a lodge, a gathering space for Indigenous students where community building happens, and resources can be found. Think of it as a break from the storm of academia.
How to connect with us as an Indigenous learner
Students who self-identify as Indigenous when applying to SAIT will automatically be added to the Indigenous mailing list and receive the Indigenous student newsletter. Self-identifying will also make you eligible for several scholarships and awards.
It will also help us recruit for Indigenous-specific opportunities, including internships and studying abroad. Self-identifying will ensure you get invited to Indigenous orientation and graduation.
If you did not self-identify during the application process and want to update your student account, please send an email to natoysopoyiis@sait.ca If you choose not to self-identify, you can still contact Natoysopoyiis directly to participate in programing including orientation and graduation.
Indigenous students can smudge, access study space, use computer workstations, and grab a coffee, tea or water anytime during our operating hours. Students have access to a fridge to store their lunch and a microwave to heat it up. Printing, scanning and fax assistance is also available free of charge.
Who we support
At Natoysopoyiis, we work with the Indigenous peoples of Canada specifically, working to help our Indigenous learners succeed.
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.Our supporting partners
Various organizations and companies support tNatoysopoyiis's efforts to serve SAIT Indigenous students.
These public and private sector partnerships allow us to provide services, offer scholarships and bursaries, facilitate Indigenous student employment, and organize special events and activities.
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors and partners. A thank you to our founding corporate sponsor, TC Energy.
Natoysopoyiis is affiliated with a growing number of internal and external organizations:
- Aboriginal Futures
- Blackstar Industry Trade Training
- Blood Tribe
- Ermineskin
- First Nation Employment and Training
- Indian Resource Council
- Inukshuk Consulting Group
- Lakeland Human Resource Centre
- Little Red River Cree First Nation
- Louis Bull Band
- Maskwachees Cultural College
- Métis Nation Zone II
- Métis Nation Zone III
- Montana Band
- Oteenow Employment and Training Society
- Peigan Nation
- Samson Cree Nation
- Siksika Nation
- Stony First Nation
- Sunchild First Nation
- Tsuut’ina Nation
- BP
- CN
- Coca-Cola
- Enbridge
- Finning Canada, a Division of Finning International Inc.
- Nexen
- RBC Royal Bank
- Repsol
- Suncor
- TC Energy
- Finning (Canada)
- Shell
- Sodexho
- Suncor Energy Foundation
- TD Insurance
- Xerox
Upcoming events
Contact us
Natoysopoyiis
NN 108, Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus
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Phone - 403.210.4028
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Phone - 403.210.4524 (fax)
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Email - natoysopoyiis@sait.ca
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Monday - Thursday | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (4 pm on Fridays)
Student Services
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.