SAGE UT (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement, University of Toronto) is a graduate student led group operating out of the Centre for Aboriginal Initiatives (CAI) at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus. SAGE UT plans workshops, presentations, meetings and other events that focus on promoting the academic and personal development of Indigenous graduate students.

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 – Indigenous Student Services, 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.