SK auditor provides recommendations to SaskPolytech regarding Indigenous enrolment, verification policy

Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor Tara Clemett has made recommendations to Saskatchewan Polytechnic regarding its Indigenous student enrolment and identity verification practices. Global News reports that SaskPolytech’s Indigenous student enrolment decreased by almost 30% between 2019 and 2021. Clemett noted that SaskPolytech did not complete the necessary investigations when enrolment numbers fluctuated. She issued recommendations that included expanding performance measure targets and conducting ongoing Indigenous community engagement and consultation. The auditor general also advised that the polytechnic should work to proactively protect itself from Indigenous identity fraud. SaskPolytech President Dr Larry Rosia said the school is working on a verification process and will build policies and a plan to implement the auditor’s recommendations.