Big news came to all four Saskatchewan Polytechnic Campuses across the Prairies this week as they announced the start of a new Indigenous Student Success strategy.

Along with celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, they presented 12 items developed by collecting input from 763 people.

This isn't the first strategy they have developed, as in 2009 they had an original outline of 21 plans of action. After nine years of the plan, they saw it was time to refresh and review some of the progress they've made and maybe reorganize their priorities.

"We've just increased our Indigenous graduation rate to 57%t where it sat at 51 and 52 and sort of fluctuated between those for about five years," said Jason Seright, Director of Indigenous Strategy for the four campuses. "I think it's our staff right from our leadership from our presidents and vice-presidents, to our instructors and program heads, our advisers. I really feel like they've embraced our Indigenous strategy."

Of the 21 original plans of action, they'll be maintaining more than half and will focus on a shorter list, hoping to create more success.

Some of the 12 items include creating relationships with reserves and setting up an alert system for when students begin to struggle academically.

They will also increase Indigenous content in all of their programs and teachings. Something they've heard from leaders, students, and instructors is that they need to do a better job of informing the population about Indigenous peoples.

You can check out and download Sask Polytechnic's Indigenous Student Success plan online.