Post-Secondary Education & Career Planning

Whether you're dreaming of university, college, trades training, or entering the workforce, Miscigwâcagâsihk Education Authority is here to support your journey. Post-secondary education opens doors to careers, opportunities, and personal growth - and as a member of Cumberland House Cree Nation, you have access to funding and supports to help you succeed.

Your education. Your future. Your choice.

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Post-Secondary Coordinator Services

Post-Secondary Pathways

Considering a role in the trades?

Career & Employment Programs

Funding (Band Support & Loans)

Scholarships, Bursaries, & Awards

Adult Education

Important Dates

University

Universities offer bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs in a wide range of academic and professional fields.

Saskatchewan Universities:

University of Saskatchewan

• Website: https://www.usask.ca
• Location: Saskatoon, SK
• Programs: Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Business, Health Sciences, Law, and more
• Indigenous Student Centre: https://students.usask.ca/indigenous
• Admissions: https://admissions.usask.ca

University of Regina

• Website: https://www.uregina.ca
• Location: Regina, SK
• Programs: Arts, Science, Engineering, Education, Business, Social Work, Nursing, Kinesiology, and more
• First Nations University of Canada (federated): https://www.fnuniv.ca
• Admissions: https://www.uregina.ca/student/registrar/admission

First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv)

• Website: https://www.fnuniv.ca
• Locations: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert
• Indigenous-focused programs: Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education, Indigenous Social Work, Indigenous Business, Indigenous Languages, and more
• Why FNUniv? Smaller class sizes, Indigenous faculty, culturally relevant curriculum, supportive community
• Admissions: https://www.fnuniv.ca/admissions

Other Canadian Universities with Accredited First Nations Programs:

University of Alberta - https://www.ualberta.ca

• Indigenous Student Services: https://www.ualberta.ca/indigenous

University of Manitoba - https://umanitoba.ca

• Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing: https://umanitoba.ca/ongomiizwin

University of British Columbia - https://www.ubc.ca

• Indigenous Programs: https://indigenous.ubc.ca

Trent University (Ontario)

• Website: https://www.trentu.ca
• Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies: https://www.trentu.ca/indigenous

Not everyone needs to go to university or college right away. There are many pathways to meaningful careers.

Skills Training & Employment Programs:

Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group (SITAG)

• Website: https://www.sitag.ca
• Skills training for employment
• Job readiness programs
• Career counselling

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program

• Delivered through local tribal councils and organizations
• Skills training, work experience, employment supports
• Contact: Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority or local employment services

Work Experience & Mentorship at NAMS:

• Co-op placements
• Work experience programs
• Mentorship with community members
• Career exploration activities

Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program provides funding for First Nations students to attend post-secondary education.

Who is Eligible?

• Registered member of Cumberland House Cree Nation (or eligible band)
• Accepted into an eligible post-secondary program
• Maintain full-time student status (minimum course load)

What Does PSSSP Cover?

• Tuition and mandatory fees
• Books and supplies
• Living allowance (varies by program and location)
• Travel costs (for students studying away from home)
• Dependent care costs (if applicable)

How to Apply:

1. Apply to your chosen post-secondary program
2. Get your acceptance letter
3. Contact our Post-Secondary Coordinator
4. Complete PSSSP application with required documents
5. Submit by deadline (March 31 for September start)

Important:

• PSSSP funding is subject to availability
• Applications are reviewed and prioritized
• Apply early!
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing to continue receiving funding

Federal PSSSP Information:

• Website: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033682/1531933580211
• General Information: 1-800-567-9604

Contact Our Post-Secondary Coordinator for Application Support

Student Loans & Financial Aid

Canada Student Loans Program

• Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid.html
• Federal student loans and grants
• Needs-based assistance
• Apply online: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans.html

Saskatchewan Student Loans

• Website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/student-loans
• Provincial student aid
• Often bundled with federal aid in one application

Canada Student Grants

• Non-repayable grants based on financial need
• For low and middle-income students
• Automatic consideration when you apply for student loans

Repayment Assistance Plan

• Help repaying student loans after graduation
• Based on income
• Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/repay/assistance-plan.html

Explore Your Career Options

Career Interest Assessments:

Career Cruising

• May be available through your school
• Ask your teacher or Post-Secondary Coordinator

MyBlueprint

• Career and education planning tool
• Check if available through school app or with your post-sec coordinator.

Government of Canada Job Bank - Career Planning

• Website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/career-planning
• Explore careers, salaries, job outlooks
• Skills assessments and tools

Saskatchewan Career Exploration

• Website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/choosing-a-career
• Career planning resources
• Labour market information

Indigenous Career Paths:

Careers in Indigenous Communities

• Education, health care, social services, governance, resource management, business, trades, technology, arts and culture

Growing Fields:

• Health care and wellness
• Environmental sciences and conservation
• Technology and IT
• Skilled trades
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Social work and counselling
• Education and language revitalization
• Legal services and advocacy

Visit Campuses & Programs

Campus Tours are also a great way to get introduced to a place your interested in!

• Most institutions offer campus tours
• Virtual tours available online
• Open house events (usually fall and winter)
• Contact admissions offices to arrange visits

Our Post-Secondary Coordinator can help arrange campus visits!

Career & Employment Programs

Not everyone needs to go to university or college right away. There are many pathways to meaningful careers.

Skills Training & Employment Programs:

Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group (SITAG)

• Website: https://www.sitag.ca
• Skills training for employment
• Job readiness programs
• Career counselling

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program

• Delivered through local tribal councils and organizations
• Skills training, work experience, employment supports
• Contact: Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority or local employment services