Learning Together: Str8Up, Oskayak High School, and the University of Saskatchewan

Research Start-up Summary and Abstract:
This project builds on the recently completed pilot project “Inside Out on the Outside,” an educational initiative which brought together former gang members from Str8Up, “non-traditional” learners from Oskayak High School, and students from the University of Saskatchewan. The result was a student-centered, university-style class in Indigenous Studies, Law, and Literature, which united participants from the above groups, challenged the exclusionary tendencies of the university, and developed a learning experience that bridged historical and cultural divides. The current project continues this work, offering the course again and researching its effects on all participants—students, community partners and instructors. Results will be disseminated through a student-created art installation, as well as a conference presentation and co-written article. This research will allow us to advance recommendations (e.g. for providing university credit to participating Str8Up and Oskayak students) that will change university practice and have direct bearing on Aboriginal peoples’ relationship with the university.

The UAKN is pleased to announce this project has published a journal article with the Annual Review of Interdisciplinary Justice Research journal: 

Journal Article PDF: http://cijs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IJR-4-12-Buhler_Settee_Van-Styvendale.pdf

• Saskatoon’s Urban Aboriginal Identity Population (2011, NHS)

  9.3% (23,895) of Saskatoon’s population identifies as Aboriginal, 9.8% (25,350) report having Aboriginal ancestry.
• 49.2% are First Nation, 48.2% are Metis, less than 1% are Inuit and 2.2% report having multiple or other Aboriginal identities.