FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I'm not Aboriginal. Can I still join SAGE?
A. Yes. SAGE is committed to the development of indigenous communities and this goal requires allies doing good work alongside us. Non-Aboriginal graduate students doing work with or in an indigenous community are welcome to join SAGE.

Q. I'm an undergrad. Can I join SAGE?
A. If you are an upper-level undergraduate student considering graduate education you are welcome to join SAGE. The circles can provide a sense of the joys and challenges of engaging in research at the graduate level. You will also see the networks of support that SAGE can offer you to ensure you fulfill your goals and responsibilities.

Q. I'd like to start a SAGE nest at my school. How can I go about it?
A. Contact the SAGE coordinator. Start talking to the faculty in your school who are Aboriginal or work with Aboriginal communities. Tell them about SAGE Ontario. Bring together the students working in Aboriginal contexts for discussions, circles and sharing of research resources. The nests and networks will arise from doing. For 2008-09, SAGE Ontario may be able to provide some limited funding to help nests get started.

Q. Is there a fee for membership in SAGE?
A. There is no fee.

Q. What happens at a SAGE meeting?
A. Typically, there is a circle held, facilitated by an Elder or faculty member. The point of the circle is to check in with students and where they are in their research. After the circle there is usually time for informal socializing and discussion, and food is provided.
In 2007-08, the first year of SAGE Ontario, circles were facilitated by Jean-Paul Restoule, Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Grafton Antone, Daniel Justice and Deb McGregor.