Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/73121
PAGE 24 • JULY 2012 Feel the Rush! AN ADDRESS TO NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY 2012 VLT Tourneys! Wed-Fri-Sat after races Message from Lloyd Axworthy PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Today marks the 16th anniversary of Na- * * * * * Live Racing - May to September (Check ASDowns.com for live schedule) Casino-like VLT Gaming Lounge Fabulous Dining Free Admission & Parking Open Year Round ASD * Facility Rentals for: - Fundraising Events - Socials - Weddings - Corporate Events - Trade Shows & Exhibitions ASDowns.com – (204) 885-3330 Assiniboia Downs 3975 Portage Avenue ASD tional Aboriginal Day, honouring the culture and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. It is with sincere apprecia- tion that I acknowl- edge the impor- tance of this day. The University of Winnipeg is on Treaty One land in the heart of the Métis Nation. As such, we are com- mitted to providing the framework that enables enous Indig- perspec- tives to enlighten the governance, University's pro- grams, and ser- vices — resulting in enhanced op- portunities for all students. UWinni- peg recently creat- ed an Indigenous Advisory Circle, Kiewit has established key partnerships with First Nation and Aboriginal groups across Canada. Through respectful open communication we build relationships, not just projects. Kiewit, one of Canada's largest heavy civil construction contractors, has served the Canadian construction industry for more than 70 years. With our First Nation and Aboriginal partners, we have been building capacity in the communities we work for over 40 years. chaired by Dr. Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, which meets throughout the year. The University ben- efits both from the Circle's valuable guidance on Indigenous perspectives, as well as the mem- bers' expertise in education and development. Our city has one of the fastest-growing urban Indigenous populations in Canada, and I am proud that UWinnipeg reflects this reality. We are one of the top universities in the country for Indigenous participation — with approximately 12% of our student body self-identifying as First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We are committed to offering a holistic, relevant and respectful edu- cational experience. UWinnipeg's Department of Indigenous Studies is grounded in the intellectual and cul- tural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the globe. We offer a Bachelor's de- gree in Indigenous Studies and a Master's de- gree in Indigenous Governance. Most recently, we created the Master's in Development Prac- tice (MDP) in Indigenous Development. This unique program was created in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, and the first cohort of students will graduate in 2013. The MDP fo- cuses on applied learning in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, health and manage- ment to provide development practitioners with the tools to work in partnership with communi- ties to address local and global challenges. Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg with student Jasmine Parisian, at Autumn Convocation 2011. UWinnipeg offers unique learning opportuni- ties in the Faculty of Education, in Urban and Inner-City Studies, in the Indigenous Police Preparation Pro- gram and Industry Workplace Diploma Skills Program of the Professional, Applied tinuing and Con- Education Faculty and in other courses throughout the University. Our Aboriginal Student Services with its excellent staff, Elders, Transi- tion Year Program, and Aboriginal Stu- dent Council do an incredible meeting job the and of aca- demic, social, cul- tural spiritual needs of students. We have also created the Oppor- tunity Track Fund Fast- program, Tuition Credit program, and the new Tuition Waiver for Youth in Extended Care program. We believe in equity and socio-economic status should not be a barrier to attending university. Our commitment to community is also re- flected in our efforts. We are reaching out to thousands of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, youth and adults in our surrounding neighbourhood to break down barriers to post- secondary education and tackle the gradua- tion gap. We believe in partnering with Elders, neighbours and communities to create a vi- brant, reflective, and relevant learning experi- ence through the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre's Ojibway Language Program and the Innovative Learning Centre's Eco-U Summer Camp and Eco-Kids on Campus programs, to name a few. This year we created a one-stop Indigenous web portal to bring information on all of our Indigenous programs and services together at http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/in- digenous. It was my great privilege to become an hon- ourary citizen of Sagkeeng First Nation in July 2010. The honour brings me an Ojibwe name — Waapshki Pinaysee Inini —- which means White Thunderbird Man and I take the respon- sibility seriously. As we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, it is important to remember we are all Treaty people. ~ Diane Poulin, Communications, U of W Centre,