Indigenous student advising
At SAIT, we offer holistic support and recognize the unique needs of our Indigenous students. Whether your question is about course registration, accessing counselling or simply exploring off-campus housing, we are here to connect you to the campus community and share resources within Treaty 7.
Our advising goes beyond the classroom as we recognize the diverse realities of our students; we all come from different backgrounds and need different support.
Contact an Indigenous student advisor:
- Visit us in person at NN 108, Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus
- Email natoysopoyiis@sait.ca
Cultural and spiritual advising
Natoysopoyiis is proud to facilitate smudging and ceremonies throughout our entire space; Indigenous students seeking cultural and spiritual advice can meet with our in-house Knowledge Keeper, Thomas Snow, or connect with visiting Elders and community members.
You'll also have access to traditional medicines harvested by our team and a prayer room, which you are invited to join in weekly cultural and knowledge-building workshops based on First Nation, Mètis and Inuit teachings.
We respect the diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples, and by acknowledging the land on which we reside, our ceremonies are led by Treaty 7 Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Connect with Thomas Snow (Wathu Wida)
Indigenous mental health resources
Natoysopoyiis promotes the well-being and success of all Indigenous students by encouraging access to mental health resources on and off campus.
You have access to counsellors and Elders in Natoysopoyiis four times per week, and students can drop in for one-on-one sessions or participate in sharing circles with other Indigenous peers. No registration is required, and lunch is provided during group sessions.
We make space for Indigenous men to gather over conversation while building a cultural craft or learning a traditional skill. A weekly circle held by a male Elder or Knowledge Keeper offers a supportive environment for dialogue that promotes mental wellness.
Schedule:
- Monday - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
If you need access to counselling outside of these hours, please contact Student Development and Counselling.
Each session begins wit a smudge and introduction, followed by supportive conversations in a sharing circle led by an Elder in a judgement-free space for Indigenous women.
Schedule:
- Wednesday - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
If you need access to counselling outside of these hours, please contact Student Development and Counselling.
SAIT’s Student Development Counselors, Alisha Datoo and Julie Edgers, offer one-on-one sessions in the Natoysopoyiis to help you during your time at SAIT.
Schedule:
- Tuesday - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Thursday - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Student success
Indigenous students are invited to attend weekly workshops that build skills in academic readiness, time management, career preparation and personal growth.
Student service professionals, who are experts in their field, from across campus are invited into Natoysopoyiis to lead workshops during the lunch hour. Not only that, attendees will be treated to a meal shared with their peers.
Tutoring
Natoysopoyiis also offers English, math, biology and chemistry at the upgrading level.
Through the support of a donor, you get access to funds for tutoring support, and all you have to do is contact your Indigenous student advisor.
You will also have tutors available in the LAMB Learning Success Centre.
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.