Blue Quills University facts for kids
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University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills
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Blue Quills First Nations College logo
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Former names
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Blue Quills Education Centre, Blue Quills First Nations College |
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| Type | First Nations-controlled university |
| Established | 1971 |
| President | Sherri Chisan |
| Location |
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Alberta
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Canada
54°00′03″N 111°22′12″W / 54.0007°N 111.3699°W |
| Affiliations | ACCC, CCAA, AACTI, NAIIHL, FNAHLC |
University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills is a very special university in Canada. It's the first university in the country that is owned and run by First Nations people. It used to be called Blue Quills Education Centre and Blue Quills First Nations College.
Seven different First Nations groups share ownership of this university. These groups are Beaver Lake, Cold Lake, Frog Lake, Whitefish Lake, Heart Lake, Kehewin, and Saddle Lake.
This university is unique because it's not set up by the province like other universities in Alberta. Instead, it was created by a special federal law. It started as a school in the 1930s. In 1970, people protested peacefully and took control of the school. Then, in 1971, it was officially given to Indigenous control. On September 1, 2015, it became a university.
Blue Quills is part of groups that help Indigenous schools. These groups work to make sure First Nations people have good education options. The university also holds a fun cultural camp every May.
Contents
The Story of Blue Quills University
From School to First Nations Control
The Blue Quills First Nations College was the first higher education school in Canada controlled by Indigenous people. The main building was built in 1931. It was first known as the Blue Quills Indian Residential School. This school operated until 1970.
In July 1970, community members took over the school through a peaceful protest. They talked with the Minister of Indian Affairs, Jean Chrétien. An agreement was signed on July 31, 1970. This agreement gave control of Blue Quills to the Native Education Council.
The Blue Quills First Nation College (also called Blue Quills Education Centre) opened in September 1971. In November 2000, the college was approved by the First Nations Accreditation Board. This means its programs meet high standards.
In September 2015, the college became a university. Its new name, University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills, includes words from both the Dene and Cree language for the school.
Help for Students
Scholarships and Bursaries
University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills offers scholarships. These are special funds to help Aboriginal and First Nations students pay for their education. One example is the Theodore R. Campbell Scholarship.
See also
