Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/111846
PAGE 14 • MARCH 2013 Unique U of Winnipeg Program Prepares Graduates To Affect Change In Communities Around The World Are you looking to do something meaningful and rewarding? The University of Winnipeg's new Masters in Development Practice (MDP) is a professional interdisciplinary degree that equips graduates with practical skills to make a difference — particularly in indigenous communities — across Canada and abroad. This 24-month program examines indigenous development across the health, management, natural, and social sciences. Both individual and group learning takes place, so students can engage in problem solving, case studies, group projects, and critical self-reflection. The result? Graduates attain the knowledge, skills and attitudes that prepare them to educate, collaborate, and facilitate development rooted in an understanding of Indigenous traditions. Opportunities to use this unique skillset abound. Indigenous development takes place in thousands of communities, organizations and nations around the world — encompassing at least 300 million people with unique identities, economic opportunities and political challenges. "This is a singular educational opportunity for Canadians," says Jerry Buckland, Acting Director for UWinnipeg's Masters in Development Practice Program. He notes that The University of Winnipeg has joined a net- work of 25 MDP programs around the world, linked together by the MDP Secretariat at Columbia University in New York City. The network shares resources and guest lecturers; however UWinnipeg's program uniquely accents indigenous development. This distinction aligns with UWinnipeg's well-established relationships with indigenous Elders, governments, students, faculty, practitioners, guest lecturers and community members. The institution also has one of the fastest-growing indigenous student populations in the country. In fact, approximately 12% of the UWinnipeg student population self-identifies as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. The program's diverse faculty members come from Indigenous Studies, International Development Studies, Anthropology, and Environmental Sciences, to name a few. The quality educational experience is further authenticated by the MDP Advisory Circle, which aims to ensure the program is sensitive to the histories and cultures of MASTER'S IN 'S DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE PMENT TICE ���������� ����������� ��� �� �� Make a Difference in the World rence W The University of Winnipeg invites you to join our Master's in Development Practice (MDP) program. It University Winnipeg invites University Winnip invite you join our Master iversi nipeg ites Master's Development Practi (MDP) program. ter's Development Practice elopme ctice progra gram. is for aspiring students and working professionals committed to charting a new path in development practice. The MDP is a professional 2-year course-based degree program (with full-time or part-time options) with a focus on indigenous development. It will equip you with the skills and practical, on-the-ground knowledge to make a difference in communities across Canada and around the world. As an MDP student, you will be linked with 23 top universities worldwide and will learn from some of Canada's most respected scholars and practitioners in indigenous development, including: � ������ �������� ����� ��� ���� �������� � ������ �������� ������� ������� �������� ��� ����� �������� � ������ ����� ������ ������ ������ ��� �������� Dr. Joel Kettner Applications will be processed immediately in the order they are received with a deadline of 1 April 2013. Comprehensive financial assistance available. uwinnipeg.ca/mdp mdp@uwinnipeg.ca 1-204-258-2998 Canada indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. The program is also supported by the CN Indigenous Resource Centre (CNIRC), which was established by CN Rail, one of the MDP's founding partners (along with the MacArthur Foundation and the International Research Development Centre). Located in UWinnipeg's modern Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, the CNIRC provides employment counseling services and is designing a repository on indigenous development. MDP partners also now include The Assembly of First Nations, The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Fisher River Cree Nation, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, and The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Students interested in the MDP program may qualify for financial support. Numerous funding opportunities are available, ensuring that the program is as accessible, inclusive and diverse as possible. Application deadline for the fall 2013 intake has been extended to April 1st BUT applications will be processed as they are received. To learn more, please visit mdp.uwinnipeg.ca Ian Lark PORCUPINE CANVAS INC. TIPIS SWEAT LODGE COVERS DRUM COVERS CANOE CANVAS TENTS TARPS Visit our website for many more items! www.porcupinecanvas.com Toll Free Phone: 1-800-461-1045 | Email:porcan@vianet.ca 33 Father Costello Drive, Schumacher, ON P0N 1G0 Fax: 705-360-1865 | Local Phone: 705-268-7878 Mike Pagtakhan City Councillor Point Douglas Ward City of Winnipeg COUNCILLOR'S OFFICE Main Floor, 510 Main St. Winnipeg, MB R3B 1B9 email: mpagtakhan@ winnipeg.ca www.mikepagtakhan.ca | CANADA CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FIRST NATIONS BUSINESSES