Home away from home: 10 years at USask’s Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre – University of Saskatchewan
Feb 3, 2026
Over the past decade, the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre has been dedicated to being a place for Indigenous students to build community and connection. For many Indigenous students, the centre makes the difference between simply attending university, and truly feeling at home within it.
As the centre celebrates its 10-year anniversary at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Saskatoon campus, students share just how impactful the space is.
For Tianna Sangwais, leaving her home community was a big step, so she did her research when she was considering USask.
“I saw what they were creating for Indigenous students, and it made me so excited to come to Gordon Oakes and USask,” said Sangwais. “It was important to know that I could show up as myself, as an Indigenous person, and have that celebrated.”
