New agreement means more opportunities for First Nations business students to attend U of R

By Dale Johnson Posted: November 16, 2015 2:00 p.m.

First Nations University of Canada President Dr. Mark Dockstator (l-r), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies President Riel Bellegarde and University of Regina Associate Vice-President (Academic and Research) Dr. Dena McMartin sign an agreement so diploma business graduates can transfer credits to the U of R. Photo courtesy of Rae Graham - U of R Photography.

A new agreement means enhanced opportunities for Aboriginal students who want to earn business degrees at the University of Regina.

The agreement allows students from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to transfer credits from their business diploma to the First Nations University of Canada and earn a University of Regina degree in two years.

The signing ceremony was held at the First Nations University of Canada, and on hand were First Nations University President Dr. Mark Dockstator, SIIT President Riel Bellegarde, and U of R Associate Vice-President (Academic and Research) Dr. Dena McMartin.

“The University of Regina is very excited to be expanding our partnerships in the province, and working with SIIT. We hold student success as paramount, and this includes opportunities to migrate from institutes and polytechnics toward university degrees,” said McMartin.

“The University’s strategic plan – peyak aski kikawinaw – means ‘together we are stronger.’  This agreement is another way that demonstrates how we can work more closely together. This agreement means increases accessibility to university education,” she added.
 
The agreement was developed with the approval of the Faculty of Business Administration at the U of R. As a federated college, FNUniv has its programs accredited by the U of R, so students who pursue the educational option offered by this new agreement will graduate with a degree from the U of R.

FNUniv President Dr. Mark Dockstator said this agreement is a model for how co-operation among Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions can help to support the aspirations of First Nations people to gain higher credentials and take up leadership roles in the province.

“Providing access to post-secondary programming that leads to successful employment for First Nations graduates is part of FNUniv’s strategic mandate.  When we work in collaboration with other institutional partners in the province, we can offer more educational opportunities that benefit Indigenous students,” he said.

SIIT President Riel Bellegarde also sees significant benefits for First Nations students as a result of this new agreement.

“It’s been predicted that by 2032 First Nations people will make up 30 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population. These young First Nations men and women will have a dramatic impact on the economy as participants, consumers and leaders in every sector,” Bellegarde said. “Business education provides a solid grounding to take on these leadership roles. This agreement opens another door for our graduates to take their education to the next level.”