Ground broken for new Aboriginal centre at U of S

Irene Oakes and family with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde at a ground breaking ceremony for construction of the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre.

Construction began June 24 on the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The centre, designed by world-renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, will be an inclusive space housing the Aboriginal Students’ Centre, Indigenous Students’ Council, as well as provide spaces for ceremony and learning. Its location between the Arts Building and the Murray Building make it central to campus. More than 1,700 students at the U of S have voluntarily self-declared as Aboriginal. The ground breaking on June 21 included a sweatlodge and tobacco ceremony. “My late father, Gordon Oakes, lived and believed in the power and strength of ceremony and prayer. Our Cree ceremonies have guided and supported the vision of this symbolic project. Today is a very important milestone for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students on campus as this building is meant for everyone,” said Irene Oakes.