The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is partnering with Vancouver Island University (VIU) to offer Indigenous graduates access to an Indigenous Student Success Program, similar to the university's Indigenous Intern Leadership Program. Through a partnership agreement, SAIT is creating future pathways to success for Indigenous students - and in turn, Indigenous communities in Alberta.
The program will provide qualifying post-secondary Indigenous graduates with an opportunity to apply for two-year positions at companies in Alberta. As the program is being developed, SAIT is prioritizing outreach to businesses with a demonstrated commitment to an Indigenous talent pipeline. By providing a direct route for recent graduates to receive hands-on experience, graduates will build on workplace skills and knowledge, and strengthen professional networks.
"Achieving post-secondary success holds a deep significance for Indigenous students at SAIT, as well as the communities they call home," says Dr. Janet Welch, SAIT Vice President, Academic. "Through this program we hope to expand on that success by connecting students to industry and employers committed to supporting Indigenous graduates as they build foundational skills for their future careers."
Following the program's success with BC post-secondary institutions, VIU is expanding its offering into Alberta, with SAIT signing on as an early adopter in the province. A number of Alberta polytechnics, universities and colleges expressed significant interest in the program to SAIT's Office of Indigenous Engagement, and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between SAIT and VIU.
"The Indigenous Intern Leadership Program is playing a critical role in British Columbia to ensure the transition to meaningful work for Indigenous graduates," says Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. "The program also provides Indigenous graduates with opportunities for leadership development, networking and alumni activities. We look forward to working with SAIT officials to share our lessons with them as they establish a similar program in Alberta."
Training beyond the classroom will offer students the opportunity to build a strong foundation for meaningful employment and future success. As SAIT works towards the delivery of a student success program, the process of hiring an Indigenous Student Success Navigator is underway.
SAIT is committed to closing the gap from education to employment within Indigenous communities and creating opportunities for graduates to become future community leaders. From internal growth to education opportunities and increasing Indigenous visibility on campus, SAIT continues decolonization efforts and working to remove systemic barriers to Indigenous success.
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, and is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.
