Tsatsiye Catholique

Lutselke, Northwest Territories
Indigenous Environmental Studies

For new Indigenous Environmental Studies graduate, Tsatsiye Catholique, Trent’s small and intimate atmosphere coupled with the reputation of a groundbreaking Indigenous Studies program was too good a match to pass up. This and the great aspect of being surround by wildlife and biodiversity made Trent the obvious choice for Tsatsiye.

“Something so different, that really fits my ideals and my lifestyle, that's why I chose Trent,” explains Tsatsiye on his decisions to attend Trent. “I am fond of being able to learn with a diverse number of people and indigenous people from all over the world.”

Originally from the Northwest Territories, coming to Trent provided Tsatsiye with an opportunity to engage with new people, new cultures, and a new climate. “At first I felt like a tourist,” says Tsatsiye. “I didn't even know when it comes to the weather, what was going to happen or how things were going to progress over time.”

As time went on, Tsatsiye quickly found his place and learned how to become accustomed to life at Trent. The close-knit community was the positive experience that helped him to adjust, grow and succeed. He even became involved in groups such as the Trent University Native Association (TUNA) and became a firekeeper for the tipi. “It's a great honour for me,” says Tsatsiye. “It's a different culture allowing me to be a part of their traditions. It's about keeping the fire going.”

For Tsatsiye, an important aspect of Indigenous Studies is the preservation of the culture. On describing how the program at Trent is important to Indigenous people, he explains: “To allow western based knowledge to be incorporated into our lives so both worlds can be better. Being at Trent allows us to bounce our ideas around and to showcase our culture, ideas, and traditional knowledge to other people.”

On the horizon for Tsatsiye, now that he has successfully become one of the first graduates of the Indigenous Environmental Studies degree program, is to travel back to his hometown in the Northwest Territories and work in the environmental sector.