ta-tawâw Student Centre

The ta-tawâw Student Centre has a resident kokum (grandmother) and Knowledge Keeper whose roles include providing: cultural insights, traditional teachings, ceremonial guidance, and personal consultation to students. The Centre also engages with community Knowledge Keepers and elders (kêhtê-ayak) from various Indigenous backgrounds to provide students with ceremonial and traditional teachings. We encourage students to visit the Centre and engage in the teachings that we offer.

Preston Littletent

Preston Littletent is immersed in the lifestyle and travel of Powwow. He has been everywhere across Canada and the United States. Preston has participated in a lot of ceremonies over the last 30 plus years including sweat lodge, round dance, pipe ceremony, and feasts, not to mention, Powwow.

Although born and raised in Regina, he spent a lot of time in the countryside as a member by way of his father of Kawacatoose (Cree) First Nation and Preston has relations from his mother’s family with Muscowpetung (Saulteaux) First Nation. Both nations are located in Treaty 4 Territory.

Since the 1980s, Preston and his family have participated in Powwow and Spiritual Institutes. From his parents, he learned the value of staying a humble, pitiful person by way of following the Ancestors and the old ways of the land which are natural to him and are highlighted throughout the many seasons he explores through participating in Powwow. His knowledge was gathered by growing up in the Cree way of life talking, praying, and singing which helped him to respect and balance his own path.

Preston has built his reputation as a strong leader with his talent, energy and ability to connect to others through his desire to observe and understand. He has a clear belief Powwow is embodied by four components: praying, singing, dancing and having fun.

Preston understands Powwow is key in Indigenous communities as it brings everyone together to celebrate life and to heal. When he was 14 years old, he was awarded a Powwow title of FSIN Warrior as Youth representative, and he is still recognized as a lifetime warrior. At Powwow events, when he is not dancing, Preston acts as emcee for the third generation of Eagle Claw Dance Troupe performers.

Preston speaks to Youth as a Knowledge Keeper for Regina Catholic School Division. He also serves on three different Elder Boards including RCSD, University of Regina and RT/SIS The Gathering Place.

Knowledge Keeper for the ta-tawâw Student Centre.

In partnership with the U of R Registrar's and Admissions Offices, the ta-tawâw Student Centre is providing all Indigenous students the opportunity to declare their Indigenous status which will benefit you and the University in the following ways:

• Support your fellow Indigenous students by self-declaring so the ta-tawâw Student Centre and the U of R can help determine service needs based on accurate information on the number of Indigenous students enrolled.
• Support the ta-tawâw Student Centre goals in providing culturally appropriate support, a service facility and a gathering place for Indigenous students.
• Eligible to access a wide range of supports and services offered by the ta-tawâw Student Centre , including scholarships and bursaries available not only at the University, but within the community.

Students who would like to declare their Indigenous status are encouraged to do so by:

1. Log into UR Self Service then following the directions to enter your 9-digit student number and password.
2. Clicking on the Personal Information Menu, then Update Canadian Indigenous/Aboriginal Status.
3. Updating status by choosing Status Indian, Metis, Inuit or Non-status Indian.
4. Logging out of UR Self Service.

Whether you are new to campus, to Regina, or have been here for a while, the ta-tawâw Student Centre is a great place to connect with other students, faculty and staff, and community members! Everyone is welcome in the centre, and we look forward to getting to know you!

There are also many other service organizations and clubs, on campus and in the larger community that are here to support you. Here are a number of useful links to help you get connected!

• FNUSA- First Nations University of Canada Student Association

• URSU - Universtiy of Regina Student Union

• 211 Saskatchewan - supported through United Way, a comprehensive database of service organizations in Regina and surrounding area