REGINA – First Nations University of Canada has announced a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation that will enable leadership and advancement in Indigenous education for generations to come, according to a FNU press release.
Indigenous post-secondary institutions like First Nations University of Canada play a crucial role in delivering better learning outcomes for Indigenous students, says the FNU.
Through the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, First Nations University of Canada will become fully autonomous – academically, legally, and financially. This will position the university to expand delivery of community-led programming across Saskatchewan and Canada. Fulll Indigenous control and independence at the university is demonstrating a new approach to post-secondary education, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and accountable to First Nations communities, says FNU.
“This historic agreement is an example of educational and economic reconciliation and responsibility in action,” says First Nations University of Canada President, Mizowaykomiguk paypomwayotung, Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann.
“It is reflective of the strong and respectful relationship that First Nations University of Canada and the Mastercard Foundation have developed while building this partnership, which is focused on systemic, deep-seated change that supports Indigenous students and communities.”
The partnership will focus on four key areas: transforming post-secondary education across Canada, achieving full autonomy for the university, leading economic reconciliation efforts and developing new Indigenous programs in priority fields like Indigenous journalism and communication arts, mental health and wellness, paralegal studies, and Indigenous languages revitalization.
“First Nations University of Canada is deeply committed to the transformative and healing impact of Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing, accomplished through post-secondary education,” says Dr. Ottman.
“I truly appreciate and value the relationship with the Mastercard Foundation and look forward to the contributions we will make together.”
Over the next five years, more than 1000 students will complete new programs and another 6,000 will benefit from increased enrollment and enhanced access to internships, mentorships, and career opportunities.
