Renewed partnership between University of Regina and Nunavut Arctic College

News Release Release Date: October 18, 2012 4:10 p.m.

Today, a signing ceremony for the continuation of a partnership agreement between the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP), Nunavut Arctic College and the Faculty of Education, University of Regina took place. 

The initial partnership was formed in 2007 and as NTEP’s academic sponsor for the past five years, the Faculty of Education has engaged in the creation, support and recognition of a distinctive NTEP Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education which prepares bilingual (Inuktitut/English) teachers for Nunavut schools. 

“The Faculty of Education at the University of Regina has worked closely and respectfully with First Nations and Métis partners for the past 40 years,” said James McNinch, dean of the Faculty of Education. “Our first five years working with Inuit partners in Nunavut have been beneficial for everyone involved. We look forward to our continuing partnership and progress in the critical field of Indigenous Teacher Education.”

Expanding on the program offering, a Middle Years Concentration has been developed and began implementation in fall 2012 with full implementation planned for fall 2015.

Student exchange has been and will continue to be an important aspect of this partnership.  For the past two years, 3rd-year pre-interns from NTEP have attended classes on the University of Regina campus for one week in spring term. Through these visits, they have had the opportunity to connect with other teacher education students and faculty from the Faculty of Education, the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program and from the First Nations University of Canada. 

“Nunavut Arctic College is pleased to continue our collaboration with the University of Regina,” said Brian Manning, director of Education Programs of Nunavut Arctic College. “This partnership will enhance educational opportunities and address the needs of the students entrusted to our care. The renewal is reflective of a positive relationship with U of R that is grounded in open communication and high standards.”

The Faculty of Education will also establish a process whereby NTEP faculty members can become adjunct members of the academic staff and opportunities will be developed for NTEP members to become visiting scholars as well as University faculty with Nunavut Arctic College.