Jana Sasakamoose, Alumna of the First Nations University of Canada, is the recipient of a 2024 Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) Award

Jana Sasakamoose, an alumna of the First Nations University of Canada, has been honoured with the prestigious Recognition Award of the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan for 2024. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional project, Soaring Prairies, and her research at her home community, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Jana was awarded this award by RCE Saskatchewan and His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in Yorkton, SK., on May 15, 2024.

Jana’s Soaring Prairies project, a significant contribution to the Cultural, Faith, Non-profit, and Community-based Organizations projects, was among the many outstanding initiatives recognized.

Here’s the synopsis of her project courtesy of the Imagination Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program

Soaring Prairies | ImaGENation Project

Soaring Prairies aims to create an energy-efficient year-round greenhouse to promote food and energy sovereignty in the community and at the school within Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. The vision for the project is to reclaim ancestral knowledge by offering traditional teachings through gardening, hide tanning, medicines, Elders’ circles, and Ceremonies. Soaring Prairies will incorporate hydroponics and additional clean energy and energy efficiency options will be looked at to help grow healthy foods and medicines. The Soaring Prairies project will offer a sustainability curriculum, work experience, and quality nutrition to Indigenous students of all grades. Jana will be working alongside an elder who has space and has been offering teachings at the school, with plans to provide lunch for students such as traditional soups and other foods for students to take home.

Continuing her academic journey, Jana is currently pursuing her Master of Science program under the guidance of Dr. Arzu Sardarli, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her field of study and community.

More information is available on RCE Saskatchewan website: https://saskrce.ca/2024-rcesk-awards/