WINNIPEG, MB -Current and future Indigenous students now have access to a newly updated “one stop shop” University of Winnipeg website – indigenous.uwinnipeg.ca – where they can find helpful information presented in a seamless and holistic manner, ranging from housing to financial aid, to scholarships and support services. Specifically highlighted are degree and diploma programs that are unique in Canada including: Master’s degree in Development Practice with a specialization in Indigenous Development; Masters degree in Indigenous Governance and Bachelor degree in Indigenous Studies; Bachelor degree in Urban and Inner-City Studies; Indigenous Police Preparation diploma; and Indigenous Spiritual and Pastoral Care diploma, to name just a few of the innovative academic options.
UWinnipeg is one of the top four universities in the country for Indigenous participation, with more than 10% of students self-identifying as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Aboriginal student applications jumped 24% at UWinnipeg from September 2010 to September 2011.
“We are deeply committed to removing barriers that can prevent Indigenous learners from achieving their full potential, “said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “We are creating and enhancing services such as our dedicated Opportunity Fund which provides timely financial assistance for Indigenous students, new townhouse apartments for student-parents that can accommodate children, and relevant and unique academic programs. Our newly launched Indigenous website allows us to present these many services in a user-friendly and clear fashion.”
In addition to the new website, in December 2011 UWinnipeg’s Board of Regents approved the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Circle to ensure the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives in the governance of The University of Winnipeg. The Circle meets four times annually and is chaired by Dr. Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The 2011 Maclean’s magazine University Rankings, released in October, singled out UWinnipeg as one of Canada’s most innovative and successful campuses in fostering Indigenous scholarship and providing a respectful and relevant place for Indigenous students to learn.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
