Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is Saskatchewan鈥檚 only First Nations-governed and accredited post-secondary institution. Established in 1976, it is overseen by a Board of Governors composed of First Nation appointees from all Tribal Councils and Independent First Nations in Saskatchewan, as well as, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and its Senate.
SIIT delivers programs and services at 3 campuses, 8 career centres and at various communities.
SIIT capitalizes on partnerships in industry, government, education, and communities to ensure economic inclusion for Indigenous peoples.
These include diverse, established relationships with a variety of stakeholders interested in supported engagement of Indigenous learners, through educational pathways, work integrated learning, and employment opportunities.
Community-university partnership-in-action
SIIT Board Chairman Chief Darcy Bear (centre), Whitecap Dakota First Nation, signs an MOU with the City of Saskatoon, alongside Mayor Charlie Clarke (right) and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron (left) towards increasing Indigenous employment and skill opportunities within all areas of the city's workforce.
SIIT staff and students participate as a 'walking float' in the Saskatoon Pride Parade each year. In addition, SIIT opened it's Pride Centre in 2017, allowing for further cooperation with community-based LGBTQ programs and services, such as with OUTSaskatoon.
Grade 8 students and their teachers at the Westmount Community School in Saskatoon were treated with a day-trip at SIIT. First, they spent the morning at our downtown Campus, and then travelled in the afternoon to visit our Trades Training Centre and Aviation Learning Centre facilities.
Participants and sponsors
Tavia Laliberte
Vice President, Academics
In Tavia's current role, she is responsible for strategic leadership, direction and vision for programs that promote academic success and create a student centered-atmosphere. Tavia has served as a Board member with the national body - Colleges & Institutes Canada representing Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut. She is a current Director with CICan 鈥� Social Financing and Innovation - that manages the Government of Canada鈥檚 first pilot project in 鈥楽ocial Impact Bonds鈥�. The development and fostering of Indigenous education and diversity across sectors has been a focus throughout her academic career.
Lorian Kennedy
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Lorian started her career in adult education designing and delivering skills training responsive to the needs of individuals, communities and the labour market. In January of 2017, Lorian joined the team at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies as an analyst within academics. At present, she is Director of Strategic Initiatives, working collaboratively on curriculum renewal in all academic areas, marketing, communications, and stakeholder relations. She is passionate about initiatives that create opportunity for the SIIT family.
James Ouellette
Director, Career Centres
James' career in the field of human services spans over 28 years in the areas of addictions, child welfare, justice and employment. He has extensive experience working with indigenous organizations developing programming and processes that support clients from an indigenous lens. His work prior to his employment with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies was with the Saskatchewan Tribal Council where he focused on partnership development between industry, First Nation communities and their employment agencies.