Batoche National Historic Site
IIC Day Trip
The Indigenous Initiatives Committee at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition would like to thank everyone that joined us.
We spent the day on a guided tour filled with history and culture, beginning with a knowledge-rich journey to Dumont Lodge in Batoche and the Batoche National Historic Site. Along the way, we visited the memorial of the fallen soldiers, the grave site of the lost, and the historic church that still stands today. The tour also included a stop at the East Village, where Louis Riel’s home is located and the provisional government of Saskatchewan was once headquartered.
Midday, we gathered at Dumont Lodge to enjoy a traditional Indigenous and Métis lunch prepared by Marie’s Catering. The menu featured hearty bison stew and bannock, served with garden greens and a Saskatoon berry balsamic dressing.
The tour included with a carriage ride to see the bison, where we learned about the animal’s deep cultural significance to the land.
The experience was enriched by the stunning prairie landscape, with wildflowers and trembling aspen forests framing the journey. Parks Canada interpreters, dressed in authentic costume, brought figures from the past to life with stories of 19th-century Métis settler life along the South Saskatchewan River. We stood together on the final battlefield of the Northwest Resistance of 1885—Batoche, the site of Louis Riel’s last stand and a lasting symbol of Métis resilience and cultural renewal.
Wildfire Evacuees - Donation Drive
College Community Comes Together to Support Wildfire Evacuees
Indigenous Student Experience Day
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's event!
Engaging youth in Type 2 diabetes prevention
A community-led initiative with Cowessess First Nation. The Public Health Agency of Canada in partnership with Impact Canada awards $600,000 to Dr. Hassan Vatanparast
Public Health Agency of Canada in partnership with Impact Canada awards $600,000 to Dr. Hassan Vatanparast and his team for their project, titled “Engaging youth in Type 2 diabetes prevention: a community-led initiative with Cowessess First Nation"
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Although there will be no classes that day, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to take time on September 30th to participate in activities and to reflect upon the meaning of this day.
CoPN IIC tour of Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
June 12th
The Indigenous Initiatives Committee took a tour of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre followed by a Grounding Circle.
We extend a warm and inclusive invitation to all members of our college community to join our vibrant committee. We value diversity and believe that every individual has something unique to contribute. By becoming a part of our committee, you will have the opportunity to actively engage in shaping the college experience for yourself and your fellow students. Your ideas, perspectives, and talents are highly valued and will help us foster a thriving community that supports and uplifts one another.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st
National Indigenous Peoples Day is commemorated every year on June 21, to recognize and celebrate the history and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. The CoPN IIC team took a trip to Wanuskewin to reflect.
Celebrated on the summer solstice — the date with the most daylight of the year and holding great spiritual significance for Indigenous Peoples — it is the perfect time to shine light on the achievements and accomplishments, as well as the considerable challenges faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis throughout the country’s history.
Congratulations to Marissa Pirlot
August 3rd 2023
Congratulations to Marissa Pirlot, who has successfully defended her MSc thesis: Two Spirit Peoples’ Experiences Accessing and Receiving Care in Community Pharmacies.
Marissa began her MSc program under the supervision of Dr. Jaris Swidrovich in September 2020 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree with Distinction at the University of Saskatchewan.
During her graduate studies, Marissa was the recipient of a Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research Trainee Fellowship in 2020-2021 and CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s in 2021-2022. Posted on behalf of the Research and Graduate Affairs Office.
Book Club winter 2025
The Pharmacy & Nutrition Indigenous Initiatives Committee would like to extend an invitation to join the Book Club
Indigenous Student Experience Day
May 11th 2023
Indigenous Student Experience Day is an event for Métis, First Nations, and Inuit students in high school and their supporters to get to know the University of Saskatchewan campus and community. Volunteering for College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, was Ryan Chan and Ashley Burghall, both 3rd year Pharmacy students.
The afternoon was the information fair, campus tours, and Medicines and smudge bag workshop. There were over 244 students, parents, and counselors in attendance.
IIC CoPN Responsibilities
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Identify Indigenous initiatives that could be undertaken by undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty
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Liaise with Indigenous activities at the U of S to support the implementation of strategic initiatives
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Ensure the College strategic plan aligns with the University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Strategy 'ohpahotân I oohpaahotaan' and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
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Make decisions on awards from the Indigenous Activities Fund
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Establish working groups as needed to support the Indigenous Initiatives Committee
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Develop and review policies and procedures for the Indigenous Initiatives Committee