On Sept. 22, 2001, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) opened Calgary's first post-secondary student support centre dedicated to Indigenous learners. Twenty-five years later, SAIT's foundational commitment to Indigenous student success remains a core institutional value.
Natoysopoyiis, originally named Chinook Lodge, was created as a welcoming safe space to build community and foster connections through honouring Indigenous traditions and cultural practices. Designed to represent elements of a tipi, the centre was outfitted with a unique ventilation system to accommodate traditional and ceremonial practices, like smudging, on campus.
For a quarter century, it has been a home away from home to thousands of Indigenous students.
"Well before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada delivered 94 Calls to Action, SAIT's reconciliation journey was underway," says Heather Magotiaux, Vice President, Student Affairs and External Relations, SAIT. "Today, Natoysopoyiis continues to uphold our commitment to supporting intergenerational Indigenous success. The cultures and traditions shared within those walls further enrich SAIT's diverse campus and community."
Angelina Orlando is one of the more than 2,600 self-identified Indigenous alumni who began her studies in SAIT's Academic Upgrading Indigenous Program and went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration.
"Natoysopoyiis became much more than a space on campus for me it was a place where I felt supported, welcomed and encouraged throughout my time at SAIT," says Orlando. "The staff believed in me, they helped me build confidence in myself and my education, and they gave me a sense of belonging that made a real difference in my journey. I will always be grateful for the support and community I found there."
With a primary focus on student services, Natoysopoyiis offers academic advising, student success workshops and resources for navigating a post-secondary education. SAIT's greater campus community also benefits from opportunities to engage with the traditional teachings of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and cultures.
"Our programs and areas of support are developed and evolve to best serve Indigenous students at SAIT, but the priority has always been to offer a gathering space on campus where unique identities, spirituality and traditions can be shared and celebrated," says Lucas Hale, Natoysopoyiis Manager, SAIT.
In 2023, Elder Miiksika'am (Clarence Wolf Leg) of Siksika Nation presented the space with a new name during a traditional Blackfoot pipe ceremony. Natoysopoyiis, meaning "Holy Wind Lodge" in Blackfoot, was given to pay tribute and re-align the centre with Treaty 7 peoples and languages.
To commemorate this significant milestone, SAIT has established an Indigenous Community brand to recognize the historical and ongoing commitment to Indigenous education. The logo draws inspiration from meteorites known as "grandfather stones" and elements of a tipi to symbolize gathering space, with seven sections to represent Treaty 7.
SAIT's truth and reconciliation efforts continue to evolve and provide opportunities to connect and participate in meaningful conversations. As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30, we honour 25 years of supporting Indigenous student success and uplifting intergenerational knowledge.
