For Rylan Iron and Winona Maclean, high school wasn’t just about passing classes — it was about finding their footing in a system that could often feel overwhelming. Thanks to the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Pathways to Education program, both students graduated on time this year, gaining not only academic support but also confidence, cultural connection, and a stronger sense of identity.
Rylan, a recent graduate of Holy Cross High School, remembers feeling unsure of himself in his early years. “High school was new to me,” he said. “I really felt like a little person in a big world.”
He first discovered Pathways in Grade 9 when he walked into a room offering free pizza and met the program coordinator. What started as a curious visit turned into a transformative part of his school life. Rylan became a regular at the program, attending several times a week for tutoring in subjects like science and math.
But it was more than just academics. Rylan says the program helped him build meaningful friendships and gave him a sense of belonging. “It was honestly like going to a family house,” he said. “They gave us food, tutoring, cultural teachings — it really helped with stress. When you smudge or just talk with your friends, it brings your stress down. It motivates you.”
Pathways to Education is a national charitable organization with programs across Canada, but Saskatoon’s model is distinct: it’s delivered in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous students.
Participants and their families also benefit from access to STC’s full range of wraparound services, from Employment and Training supports like résumé writing to Wellness services focused on mental and physical health.
For Rylan, cultural programming was a cornerstone. From smudging and crafting to making beadwork, the activities helped him stay grounded. “Coming from an urban setting, as much as education is important, you also have to hold on to that cultural sense of being Indigenous,” he said.
Now, with his diploma in hand, Rylan is preparing to study Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan and plans to continue on to law school. “Pathways really inspired me,” he said. “Seeing all these Indigenous individuals doing great things made me think about representation. I feel like I’m giving back to my community.”
Winona Mclean wants to pursue a dream of competing in archery at the Olympics now that she has completed high school.
Winona’s journey with Pathways began even earlier, just after she completed Grade 8. Encouraged by her mother to join, she became deeply involved while attending Bedford Road Collegiate.
“They give you a bus pass, school supplies, free tutoring and food,” she said. “You come every day after school, except Fridays, and just do homework and hang out.”
Like Rylan, she struggled with math and science. But with steady support from Pathways tutors, Winona not only kept up — she excelled, ultimately serving as a valedictorian at the Pathways graduation ceremony. “Without them, I don’t think I’d even be graduating this year,” she said. “They really helped me, because they actually understand the culture and how you think.”
Beyond school, the program supported Winona’s goals in athletics. A competitive archer and two-time provincial champion, she now trains with a high-performance team and dreams of one day competing in the Olympics. Balancing school and sport hasn’t been easy, but support from her family and the Pathways team helped her stay on track.
“Without it, I don’t think I’d be as successful as I’ve been,” she said. “They give you everything you need — even help with things like resumés and life skills.”
In the end, both Rylan and Winona show what’s possible when young people are supported not just as students, but as whole people. The STC Pathways program gave them more than academic success; it gave them belief in themselves and a stronger connection to who they are.
