$1 million donation for Aboriginal space

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Aboriginal students attending the University of Saskatchewan have a reason to celebrate. Nova Corporation recently donated $1 million that will go towards a designated space on campus for Aboriginal students.

"This space will serve to unite Aboriginal students on campus," said Roy Saddleback, member of Indigenous Students' Council. "It will be for our spiritual and cultural needs as Aboriginal students. It will also provide peer support."

He said the details won't be decided until the fall, but because Elders play such an important role in the lives of Aboriginal youth, there is a strong possibility of inviting Elders to the space to provide spiritual counselling.

Officials at the university are very pleased a prominent business is contributing to Aboriginal youth education.

"The University of Saskatchewan is absolutely delighted with Nova's gift dedicated to Aboriginal student space and services on campus. We share a mutual interest in responding to Aboriginal needs, and Nova's generosity helps us to realize an Aboriginal student priority for a space where Aboriginal students can feel comfortable to carry on their traditional practices, and draw on essential services and community support," said University President George Ivany.

A recent report, commissioned by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, projects that the Aboriginal population of Saskatchewan will increase dramatically between 1995 and 2045 from 13 to 32 per cent of the total provincial population. The university is acting to take a leadership role to address the educational and space needs related to the increase in the Aboriginal population in this province.

"We, at Nova, think supporting Aboriginal education is very important for the quality of life on the prairies. A much larger proportion of the Aboriginal population must succeed in post secondary education so that they can be models and mentors to their friends and fellow citizens," said Ted Newall, Nova Corporation CEO. "The only way to get past high levels of Aboriginal unemployment is to find ways to keep them in high school and get them through university. This is one of the most important social objectives on the prairies."

There are approximately 1,500 Aboriginal students currently enrolled at the university, said Saddleback, almost double the number in 1991.

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