Sask. Polytechnic celebrates decade of showcasing Indigenous role models

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has reached a milestone by sharing 120 Indigenous success stories over the past decade.

Anita Cameron, manager of Indigenous strategic relations at the school, said 12 Indigenous students and alumni are selected each year to showcase their achievements in an annual calendar. About 25,000 of the calendars are then printed and distributed throughout the province.

Cameron said the project is intended to expose Indigenous students to a wide range of successful role models.

“It is a wonderful milestone,” she said.

“Representation of Indigenous role models is important to the success of Indigenous students.”

When selecting candidates every year, high academic performance isn’t the only factor, Cameron explained. She said the goal is to shine a light on stories of perseverance, resilience and positive attitudes.

One of this year’s models is Trinity Prettyshield, who said she is a proud member of Pasqua First Nation. Prettyshield said she applied to Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2021 and completed her office administration certificate the following spring. She currently works with Pro Metal Industries, an organization owned by her band.

“It makes me feel proud that what I’m trying to do with my life is being recognized in a positive way,” she said.

Throughout her educational journey, Prettyshield said she opened up to advisors about some of the struggles she’s faced, such as raising her two sisters after the loss of their mother.

“I think they just really admired my strength and my want to strive for better in life, and not stay in the position that I was,” she said about being selected as a role model.

“They knew my background and they knew the challenges that I faced as a First Nations female.”

Prettyshield said she now has a daughter and another one on the way. She said the reason she went to school was to teach her own children the importance of education.

Her advice to other Indigenous students was simple.

“Know that you’re worth more than what statistics say about us,” Prettyshield said.

She said it’s important to ignore negative comments and always strive to improve both yourself and the community.