SAGE UT (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement, University of Toronto)

SAGE UT (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement, University of Toronto) is a graduate student led group operating out of First Nations House – Indigenous Student Services at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus. SAGE UT plans workshops, presentations, social outings and other events that focus on promoting the academic and personal development of Indigenous graduate students.

SAGE nests exist across Canada at several universities, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. SAGE was developed from the Māori and Indigenous Program (MAI) in Aotearoa, or New Zealand to some, which has been successful in increasing the number of Indigenous graduates.

SAGE UT works toward the recruitment, retention, and completion of specifically First Nations (status/non-status), Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous scholars at U of T. This is carried out by ensuring safe spaces for graduate students to share knowledge and ideas and support one another throughout the graduate student experience. SAGE UT events promote discussion on a wide range of topics relevant to Indigenous research and related discourses.

SAGE UT consistently works with First Nations House staff, as well as the Centre for Indigenous Studies and programs and initiatives at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), organizing relevant learning opportunities, and helping to facilitate access to knowledge holders such as Elders, faculty and community members.

Objectives:

  • Provide safe, culturally relevant spaces for Indigenous students to share and discuss ideas, resources, challenges and experiences.
  • Connect graduate students and faculty across diverse academic programs for social and academic support.
  • Initiate learning opportunities that are valuable to Indigenous students.
  • Promote graduate academic work and achievements.
  • Facilitate guidance and networking for students, and access to appropriate supports, services and programming.
  • Remain connected to Indigenous students at all levels of education – prospective and undergraduate students as well as alumni are welcome at SAGE events.