First Nations University of Canada

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

First Nations University of Canada
Established:	2003
Type:	University
President:	Charles Pratt
Location:	Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Campus:	Regina Campus (Regina) Saskatoon Campus (Saskatoon) North Campus (Prince Albert)
Affiliations:	UACC
Website:	http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca www.firstnationsuniversity.ca

The First Nations University of Canada (formerly Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) is a university in Saskatchewan, Canada with campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. The Regina campus building was designed by architect Douglas Cardinal.

Contents 1 History 2 Partnerships 3 Aboriginal 4 Controversy 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] History

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex opened the university in 2003. It was host to another royal visitor when Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, made it her first engagement during the centennial celebrations of Saskatchewan and Alberta in 2005.

“	This stone was taken from the grounds of Balmoral Castle in the Highlands of Scotland – a place dear to my great great grandmother, Queen Victoria. It symbolises the foundation of the rights of First Nations peoples reflected in treaties signed with the Crown during her reign. Bearing the cipher of Queen Victoria as well as my own, this stone is presented to the First Nations University of Canada in the hope that it will serve as a reminder of the special relationship between the Sovereign and all First Nations peoples.[1]	”
	— Elizabeth II at the First Nations University of Canada, 2005

Star Blanket Cree Nation is supporting a plan to declare the institution's property an Urban Indian reserve under a Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement involving Star Blanket, the provincial and federal governments. Band members of the Star Blanket Nation unanimously voted in favour of this plan during a 2008 referendum.^[2]

[edit] Partnerships

The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College was affiliated with the University of Regina. It was founded in 1976 by an agreement between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the University of Regina, with the stated intent of serving "the academic, cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations' students".^[3]

[edit] Aboriginal

First Nations University of Canada designed special programs in partnership with Aboriginal communities to meet the human resource needs of Aboriginal communities in areas such as health, education and the environment, for example its National School of Dental Therapy, Nursing and Health Studies programs. The First Nations University of Canada provides special first-year bridging programs for Aboriginal students. Aboriginal Elders are present on campus at First Nations University to provide social supports. First Nations University offers a comprehensive career services program to assist with the transition to a fulfilling career. ^[4]

[edit] Controversy

In May 2007, the university was put on probation by the AUCC, following a controversy in February 2005, in which the university fired a number of staff members. The association demanded the university establish full independence from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations within a year.^[5] The university complied with the AUCC directives, and was reinstated in April of 2008.^[6]

[edit] See also

• Monarchy in Saskatchewan
• First Nations University Students' Association

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official site
• Significance of Treaties Reaffirmed Through Historic Royal Visit (2001)
• Award Winner Receives Royal Treatment (2003)
• First Nations University of Canada

v • d • e Universities in Saskatchewan Public Universities First Nations University of Canada · University of Regina · Saskatchewan Private Universities Luther College (Saskatchewan) · St. Thomas More College  · Campion College