U of R and FNUniv chart a new course towards Reconciliation with Memorandum of Understanding

The University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen relationships and collaboration between the two institutions and set the stage for the U of R and FNUniv to continue to walk the path of Reconciliation together over the next five years.

Back in 1976, the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) was established as a federated college of the University of Regina. Since that time, a unique post-secondary educational partnership has grown and flourished. In 2003, the SIFC became the First Nations University of Canada.

The truly great thing about this MOU is that it is emphasizing the commitment between these two schools – providing them with an opportunity to say what they mean and then act on it.  —Taylor Soderberg, recent U of R/FNUniv graduate (Bachelor of Human Justice)

On June 20, the eve of Indigenous Peoples Day, faculty, staff, and students from the U of R and FNUniv, as well as community members, gathered on Treaty 4 territory in the FNUniv atrium. Cadmus Delorme (BAdmin'13, MPA'16), recently named U of R Board Chair, emceed the MOU signing event, which celebrated a renewal of the partnership between the two institutions.

 “There is something very special about all of us coming from different places to meet together on this sacred land in this sacred place of learning, growth, Reconciliation, and positive change,” said Delorme.

First Nations University of Canada President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann spoke about the importance of both institutions working together towards a common goal of reconciliation over the next five years, and beyond.

“The principles of reconciliation that are outlined in the MOU commits our institutions to a high standard of relationship and collaborative activities, and an annual renewal event to reset and remind us of what we promised each other through the signing of this agreement,” said Dr. Ottmann. “It is a monumental day.”

This MOU reinforces the University of Regina’s commitment to Reconciliation through our teaching, research, learning, and service efforts across our campuses and throughout the province. University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen spoke to the U of R’s commitment to working with our Indigenous partners to honour the past and build a stronger, more inclusive future, together.

“We exist during an incredible time of opportunity to make things right, to walk together in a good way,” said Dr. Keshen. “To have a document to guide us, created in tandem and with deep respect, is an amazing gift not only to the leadership of our two institutions, but also to the faculty, staff, students, and the many community partners we serve.”

Read the full Memorandum of Understanding (PDF).

This unique partnership will help to ensure the very best experience, supports, and education for students attending both the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada. Governance models and research, as well as shared programs, curriculum, and courses that intersect with Indigenous peoples will benefit from the increased collaboration laid out in the MOU.

Taylor Soderberg is a Student Research Assistant with the Office of Indigenous Engagement and recent Bachelor of Human Justice degree graduate. She spoke about her experience as both a University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada student.

“The truly great thing about this MOU is that it is emphasizing the commitment between these two schools – providing them with an opportunity to say what they mean and then act on it,” said Soderberg. “To know that the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission truly lives on and can be found supporting the ways in which these two groups can work together in a positive light along the reconciliation journey inspires me to think about the way I live and interact with my family, friends, and my soon to be new co-workers at the Regina Public Library.”

Walking the path of reconciliation together

The objectives of the MOU include:

1. Strengthening Relationships—FNUniv and the U of R have an existing, unique partnership that can, as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrates, be strengthened through relationship-building and maintaining.
2. Supporting Communication—The MOU will be used to support communication on matters of mutual interest.
3. Strengthening Collaboration—The MOU will be used to frame collaboration efforts. FNUniv and the U of R both have governance models; research; and shared programs, curriculum, and courses that intersect with Indigenous peoples. The strengths of each institution can be harnessed to better support one another through increased collaboration.
4. Sustaining Commitment—FNUniv and the U of R sustain their commitment to continue to serve Indigenous students, the communities they are from, and anyone seeking to better understand Indigenous ways of knowing.
5. Enhancing Efficiencies—This MOU will be used to build collaboration, support communication, and strengthen relationships for the broader purpose of enhancing efficiencies to reduce duplications, gaps, and conflicting mandates that relate to Indigenous peoples and ways of knowing within these institutions.

Banner image: Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, First Nations University of Canada and Dr. Jeff Keshen, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Regina sign the MOU. Credit: U of R Photography