$1M dream to support Métis students comes true at SAIT
In 2019, the Métis Education Foundation, through the Rupertsland Institute (RLI), approached SAIT with a goal to raise $950,000 in 10 years and create an endowment fund in support of Métis student success. Thanks to the incredible generosity of SAIT’s philanthropic family, this dream was achieved in less than five years.
“It’s been a very meaningful joint fundraising effort, with Rupertsland, to support SAIT Métis students and a remarkable achievement to witness,” says Anthony Salekin, Associate Director of Development at SAIT.
“To reach a goal like this, which will provide significant student award funding in perpetuity, on time, would be reason to celebrate as it is. To do it with six years to spare is incredible and indicative of its importance.”
A shared dream for Métis students
The establishment of the Métis Education Foundation Endowment Fund reflects a shared dream between the Rupertsland Institute and SAIT — to remove financial obstacles and improve the quality of life for Métis students and their families.
“Awards such as the Métis scholar Awards can have transformational impact in the lives of Métis students here at SAIT. They can provide the financial support, motivation and encouragement to achieve great things in their studies and their communities,” says Jennifer Russell, Director, Indigenous Engagement and member of the Métis Nation Region 3.
Accelerated impact
Because funds for the Métis Scholar Award were received far ahead of schedule, students have already felt the transformational impact of this generosity. This award is available to Métis students enrolled in any certificate, diploma, applied degree, or degree program at SAIT who demonstrate a commitment to and involvement in the Métis community.
“SAIT has provided me with a way to find my real truth and connect with my Indigenous community. With your help, I am moving forward with my dreams. I am meeting peers, teachers, and Elders at SAIT, and I look forward to embracing all the opportunities, such as the mentor program, campus volunteering, the Chinook Lodge community, and much more.” — 2020 Métis Scholar Award recipient
Commitment to the future
Thanks to the contributions from the Rupertsland Institute and SAIT’s extended community, the impact of the Métis Scholar Award will be felt far into the future as recipients achieve their educational goals and help support a vibrant and strong Métis Nation.
Learn more about how SAIT’s donors make an impact and find out how you can get involved to support Métis students at SAIT.
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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.