A signing ceremony officially launched a four-year Bachelor of Indigenous Education program, slated to begin in Fall 2012 at Parkland College’s campus in Fort Qu’Appelle. The initiative is a new partnership between Parkland College and First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

FNUniv’s Indigenous Education program aims to develop teachers who are skilled and knowledgeable within the framework of the Saskatchewan Core Curriculum, while placing special emphasis on the development of First Nations content in all subject areas. Students are introduced to the unique needs of First Nations pupils and the issues of First Nations education. Cultural components are also integrated throughout the program.

“Parkland College is proud to be a partner in this ground-breaking project, and we look forward to welcoming new students to our halls,” said Gwen Machnee, University Program Coordinator. “This is a program which I am confident will yield many benefits for every community in our area.”

The Indigenous Education program is open to both First Nations and non-First Nations students. About 60 students have expressed interest. Most of the students are from the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) in the Treaty Four territory. FHQTC includes the following bands: Carry The Kettle, Little Black Bear, Muscowpetung, Nekaneet, Okanese, Pasqua, Peepeekisis, Piapot, Standing Buffalo, Starblanket, and Wood Mountain.

“A major focus for FNUniv is to make post-secondary education as accessible as possible to our First Nations communities,” said Dr. Angelina Weenie, Department Head of Professional Programs. “This partnership is another important step in extending the reach of our programs.”

About Parkland College: Parkland College offers an array of educational services to adult learners in East Central Saskatchewan. Students can choose from trades training programs from SIAST and other institutes, the province’s most diverse off-campus university offerings, as well as Industry programs, Adult Basic Education, Literacy, English as an Additional Language, and Career and Student Services.