First Nations University of Canada facts for kids
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Other names
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Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (1976–2003) |
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| Type | Federated college |
| Established | May 1976 |
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Academic affiliation
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University of Regina |
| President | Jacqueline Ottmann |
| Location |
Saskatchewan
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50°25′10″N 104°34′56″W / 50.41944°N 104.58222°W |
| Campus | Regina campus Saskatoon campus Prince Albert campus |
| Affiliations | AUCC |
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The First Nations University of Canada (abbreviated as FNUniv) is a post-secondary institution and federated college of the University of Regina, based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. FNUniv operates three campuses within the province, in Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon. The university offers academic programs in business, the humanities, social sciences, and sciences; including a number of programs focused around aboriginal practices.
The institution originates from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC), a federated college established in May 1976 through an agreement between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the University of Regina. In June 2003, the institution was renamed the FNUniv, with its new Regina campus opened later that year.
History
FNUniv originated from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College was affiliated with the University of Regina upon its foundation in 1976. SIFC was established through an agreement between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the University of Regina formalized in May 1976, with the stated intent of serving "the academic, cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations' students".
On 23 June 2003, under the leadership of university president Eber Hampton, the institution was renamed the FNUniv. The Earl of Wessex opened the university's Regina campus in 2003. 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.
— Elizabeth II at the First Nations University of Canada, 2005
Star Blanket Cree Nation has proposed 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.
Campuses
There are three campuses,
- Regina Campus: 1 First Nations Way, Regina (on the campus of the University of Regina)
- Saskatoon Campus: Asimakaniseekan Askiy Urban Reserve 230 – 103B Packham Avenue
- Northern Campus: 1301 Central Ave, Prince Albert
The top two and a half floors of its Regina campus building were formerly leased as office space to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) until 2014. The Regina campus building was designed by the architect Douglas Cardinal.
Each FNUniv campus features a library, with strengths relating to the subjects and disciplines taught at each campus (Indigenous Studies, Indian Fine Arts, Education, and Business at Regina campus; Indigenous Social Work at Saskatoon campus; and Indigenous Health Studies and Education at Prince Albert campus). The FNUniv libraries have, since 1976, been affiliated with the University of Regina library. FNUniv students and faculty may utilize the FNUniv libraries, as well as the University of Regina library and its other affiliated college libraries (Campion and Luther).
Academics
Although it is called the FNUniv and is recognized as a university by the Saskatchewan Government, the institution is actually a federated college of the University of Regina, and degrees earned at the institution are conferred by the University of Regina. The enabling legislation is The University of Regina Act. FNUniv is open to students of all cultures and nationalities and is not restricted to those of First Nations descent.
Aboriginal programs
The university 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 – examples include its National School of Dental Therapy, Nursing and Health Studies programs. A special first-year bridging programs for Aboriginal students is provided, with Aboriginal Elders present on campus to provide social supports. FNUniv offers a comprehensive career services program to meet the vocational problems of Aboriginal students.
Student life
FNUniv students at the Regina campus pay regular U. of R. related and University of Regina Student Union fees. Like the other federated colleges of Luther and Campion, FNUniv students may utilize all of the U. of R. facilities (libraries, book stores, clubs, parking, labs, etc.) and services (meal plans, residences, online services, career counselling, etc.). The FNUniv degree programs are correlated with the rest of the U. of R. curriculum.
Financial support
The Government of Canada sponsors an Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool that lists over 680 scholarships, bursaries, and other incentives offered by governments, universities, and industry to support Aboriginal post-secondary participation. FNUniv scholarships for Aboriginal, First Nations and Métis students include:
- Adam Dreamhealer Prize;
- Albert Bellegarde Memorial Scholarship;
- Ayahkamimakan Pimatisiwin (Life Continues) Bursary;
- Bobby Bird Memorial Scholarship;
- Dr. Oliver Brass Graduate Studies Award;
- Dr. Suzanne Marcia Nilson Scholarship in Biology.
- Grain Services Union Bursary;
- Hudson's Bay Company Student Achievement Award for Excellence;
- Information Systems Management (ISM) Scholarship;
- Jean Shoebridge Memorial Book Prize;
- Many Nations/Maritime Life Assurance Award;
- Margaret and Clare Sherrard Friendship Scholarship;
- Mary Ahenakew Memorial Scholarship Award;
- Meyers Norris Penny LLP Scholarship;
- Molson Entrance Scholarship;
- Paul J. Dudgeon Memorial Scholarship;
- SGI Stan Hamilton Scholarship;
- Solomon Mosquito Scholarship in English;
- Wendy Swenson Memorial Scholarship.
See also
- Alfred Young Man, former department head of Indian Fine Arts
- Higher education in Saskatchewan
- Blue Quills University
- List of tribal colleges and universities
