Mitakye Owasin Award 2024
Congratulations to Calista Fendelet citizen of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan
Calista Fendelet is a second Year Pharmacy student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, and a citizen of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan. Before entering this program, Calista received her Bachelor in Science majoring in Physiology and Pharmacology with a minor in Psychology at the UofS.
"I think empowering and supporting Indigenous students to pursue careers in healthcare is essential to integrate our unique perspectives into improving the quality of patient-care while eliminating barriers in the healthcare system, creating a positive impact for everyone. That’s why I’m grateful and appreciative for scholarship opportunities like this." Calista stated.
"As of right now my goal is to pursue a career in hospital pharmacy. After working at Royal University Hospital last summer I was inspired by the hospital pharmacists I worked with, witnessing the display of their knowledge and compassion in such a fast-paced environment. Although, I like to stay open-minded as I learn and experience the many different areas of pharmacy practice."
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30th 2023
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.
We are asking all members of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition to contribute to our discussion board: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Discussion Board What activity did you participate in? What did you learn? What reflections would you like to share? We have events happening in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition: Read More: https://pharmacy-nutrition.usask.ca/events/2023/09/orange-shirt-day.php
Revitalizing the Circle: Welcome Back Powwow and Métis Dance Celebration
Sept. 12th 2023
Sponsored by OUTSaskatoon and Affinity Credit Union, Revitalizing the Circle: Welcome Back Powwow and Métis Dance Celebration will begin the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) 2023/24 school year in a culturally meaningful way.
On Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Revitalizing the Circle is expected to attract more than 2,500 participants throughout the day in the Bowl and surrounding buildings and will need more than 150 volunteers to pull it off.
Dr. Angela Jaime, interim vice-provost Indigenous Engagement, emphasized Revitalizing the Circle is open to everyone.
Meet the artist behind the artwork featured on the 2023 orange shirts
Sept 30th 2023
Meet the artist behind the artwork featured on 2023 orange shirts now on sale at USask. For Vanessa Hyggen (BA'17), it’s been a slow and steady path rooted in persistence and collaboration.
To help raise awareness and acknowledge the truth behind the Canadian residential school system, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Space & Visual Symbols in the Health Sciences Committee has partnered once again with Shop USask to provide orange shirts to help acknowledge Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
CoPN IIC tour of Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre
June 12th 2023
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.
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.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st 2023
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.
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.
Book Club fall 2023
Oct 4th 2023 
The Pharmacy & Nutrition Indigenous Initiatives Committee would like to extend an invitation to join the Book Club from 2-3pm in HLTH1A03
Book Title: Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
The author hopes her book 'Five Little Indians' will help move readers to participate in reconciliation and learn about Residential Schools in Canada. Contact Jessica Knoop: jessica.knoop@usask.ca for more information about joining the book club.
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