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 (FNUniv) is a special school for higher education in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is connected to the University of Regina. FNUniv has three campuses in the province: Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon.
This university offers many different programs. You can study business, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It also has many programs that focus on Aboriginal cultures and practices.
FNUniv started as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) in May 1976. This college was created through an agreement between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the University of Regina. In June 2003, the school changed its name to FNUniv. A new campus in Regina opened later that same year.
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History of FNUniv
The First Nations University of Canada began as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC). It became part of the University of Regina in 1976. SIFC was created to help meet the academic, cultural, and spiritual needs of First Nations students.
On June 23, 2003, the college was renamed the First Nations University of Canada. This happened under the leadership of university president Eber Hampton. The Earl of Wessex opened the university's Regina campus in 2003.
In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Canada, visited the university. This was her first event during Saskatchewan and Alberta's 100th birthday celebrations. She gave a special stone from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to the university. The stone showed the strong connection between the Queen and First Nations peoples.
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
The Star Blanket Cree Nation has suggested a plan for the university's land. They want it to become an Urban Indian reserve. This plan was supported by members of the Star Blanket Nation in 2008.
FNUniv Campuses
FNUniv has three main locations:
- Regina Campus: Located at 1 First Nations Way, Regina. It is on the same grounds as the University of Regina.
- Saskatoon Campus: Found at Asimakaniseekan Askiy Urban Reserve 230 – 103B Packham Avenue.
- Northern Campus: Located at 1301 Central Ave, Prince Albert.
The Regina campus building was designed by the famous architect Douglas Cardinal. Part of this building was rented out for offices until 2014.
Each FNUniv campus has its own library. These libraries have books and resources that match the subjects taught at each campus. For example, the Regina campus library focuses on Indigenous Studies and Fine Arts. The Saskatoon campus library focuses on Indigenous Social Work. The Prince Albert campus library focuses on Indigenous Health Studies.
Since 1976, the FNUniv libraries have worked with the University of Regina library. This means students and teachers at FNUniv can use all the libraries. This includes the University of Regina library and other college libraries like Campion and Luther.
Academics at FNUniv
Even though it is called the First Nations University of Canada, it is a special college of the University of Regina. This means that the degrees you earn at FNUniv are given by the University of Regina. The school is open to students from all cultures and backgrounds. You do not have to be of First Nations descent to attend.
Special Programs for Aboriginal Students
The university works with Aboriginal communities to create special programs. These programs help meet the needs of Aboriginal communities in areas like health, education, and the environment. Examples include programs for dental therapy, nursing, and health studies.
There are also special first-year programs to help Aboriginal students adjust to university life. Aboriginal Elders are present on campus to offer support and guidance. FNUniv also provides career services to help Aboriginal students find jobs after graduation.
Student Life at FNUniv
Students at the Regina campus pay fees similar to those at the University of Regina. Like students at other colleges connected to the University of Regina, FNUniv students can use all of the University of Regina's facilities. This includes libraries, bookstores, clubs, and labs. They can also use services like meal plans and student housing. The degree programs at FNUniv are connected to the rest of the University of Regina's courses.
Help with Money for School
The Government of Canada has a tool to help students find money for school. It lists over 680 scholarships and other help for Aboriginal students. FNUniv also offers its own scholarships for Aboriginal, First Nations, and Métis students. Some examples of these scholarships 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
See also
- Alfred Young Man, a former department head of Indian Fine Arts
- Higher education in Saskatchewan
- Blue Quills University
- List of tribal colleges and universities
