SASKATOON – A century ago, the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) had its first female aboriginal graduate. Annie Maude (Nan) McKay is credited with paving the way for indigenous students.
While studying, she served as staff for The Sheaf, was a member of the Students Representative Council and was secretary of the campus YWCA. McKay graduated with a bachelor of arts in 1915 and was selected as one of the university’s “100 alumni of influence” in 2007.
On Wednesday, the university held its annual graduation powwow on campus in Saskatoon honouring the graduates of 2015. Over 360 U of S aboriginal students were honoured along with 304 high school students.
READ MORE: Aboriginal graduates at University of Saskatchewan increasing
Dancers, drummers and singers of all ages from across North America took part in the festivities.
“This culture is so very important, it’s the foundation of our strength as First Nations and Métis and Inuit people, bringing this onto campus is a way in which we represent ourselves,” said Graeme Joseph, U of S team leader of aboriginal student success.
“When think about the population of the university being 10 per cent aboriginal it’s important that we’re reflective of our community.”
In the last five years, the number of indigenous students on campus has risen 29 per cent.
The retention rate among those students is at 66 per cent with university officials saying they hope to increase it by 10 per cent to match that of non-aboriginal students.
Meaghan Craig contributed to this story
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