August 20, 2015 – Today the presidents of the First Nations University of Canada and Parkland College signed a partnership for delivery of a four-year Bachelor of Indigenous Education program at Parkland College’s Yorkton Campus. This delivery is based on the successful partnership started in 2012 at Parkland College’s Fort Qu’Appelle Campus.
“We are delighted to partner once again with Parkland College so that we can help learners pursue their academic dreams without requiring major upheaval from their home community. Delivering our program in Yorkton and Fort Qu’Appelle along with our other community- based programs means that our students can concentrate on thriving in their studies and not surviving in a new city,” stated Dr. Mark Dockstator, President, First Nations University of Canada. “We are grateful for the support of our federated partner, the University of Regina, and in particular, the Faculty of Education to render this opportunity a reality.”
“This expansion brings more access to a complete post-secondary education right here in the Parkland region,” said Parkland College President Dwayne Reeve. “We are happy to build on our partnership with First Nations University of Canada and to make a difference in the lives of learners in the Yorkton area.”
The Bachelor of Indigenous Education program goal is to produce teachers who can promote First Nations control of First Nations education by developing and implementing First Nations’ content. Graduates are prepared to work within the framework of the Saskatchewan Core Curriculum. While the emphasis of the program is on Language Arts, specializations may be pursued in:
- Indigenous Languages
- First Nations Language Instructors’ Certificate
- Indian Arts
- Indigenous Studies
Highlights about the Partnership:
- There are 28 students registered for this fall’s program.
- Yorkton is a convenient location for members of numerous First Nations communities in East Central Saskatchewan to attend.
- The program is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
About FNUniv:
The First Nations University of Canada is a unique Canadian institution that specializes in Indigenous knowledge, providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike within a culturally supportive environment. Since 1976 it has been providing a unique opportunity to study in an environment that supports First Nations cultures, languages, and values.
About Parkland College:
Since its inception in 1973, Parkland College has worked to expand the philosophy of life-long learning in East Central Saskatchewan. Among the seven basic principles upon which the community college system was founded is the idea that programs are to be developed in response to the needs of the community. Today, Parkland College offers a broad spectrum of educational services from trades training and high school upgrading to the province’s most diverse off-campus university offerings.
Media Contacts:
Racelle Kooy, Director of Communications
First Nations University of Canada
Mobile: (306) 551-2965
Email: rkooy@fnuniv.ca
Brendan Wagner, Communications Officer
Parkland College
Office: (306) 728-6595
Mobile: (306) 621-8104
Email: b.wagner@parklandcollege.sk.ca
