University welcomes 18 Indigenous students from Mexico to campus for summer program

Posted: August 8, 2014 4:42 p.m.

Indigenous students from Mexico are in Regina for a month-long program.
Indigenous students from Mexico are in Regina for a month-long program. Arturo Segura, UR International

Eighteen Indigenous students from the Mexican states of Mexico and Tabasco have arrived on campus to take intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) customized summer programming.

“The University of Regina is pleased to welcome these learners from Mexico. This visit extends the relationships we have been building with universities in that country”, explained Dr. Shauneen Pete, U of R Executive Lead on Indigenization.

“Indigenous students from the University of Regina will travel to Mexico for an intercultural exchange later this month to have an experience like these students,” Pete added.

The students are taking part in a four-week certificate program hosted by the ESL Department and UR International, with a focus upon second language acquisition and First Nations’ knowledge. Classes include academic instruction in English language speaking, listening, and the development of reading and writing skills.

“We are delighted to have these students with us to join students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Panama and Korea in our August 2014 program,” says Loanne Myrah, Manager of Customized Programs in the ESL Department.

“The students will have a chance to improve their English language skills and to experience Canadian culture but will also have a chance to meet other international students while they are at the University of Regina”, says Myrah.  

In addition to English language development, Pete delivers academic seminars on history, culture and traditions of First Nations people in Canada. This summer is the second year that Pete is leading the Indigenous studies portion of the ESL program. To supplement her instruction, the program includes field-trips to the Standing Buffalo First Nation and the village of Lebret, both in Treaty 4 territory. Pete’s hope is the students “will learn about the histories and diversities of First Nations and Métis people while they are in Saskatchewan”.