Dr. Sandra Kirby, Acting Associate VP (Research & Graduate Studies), speaks to the audience at today’s Aboriginal Governance & Globalization Symposium. Photo: Shawn Coates/uwinnipeg.ca
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg will offer a new, innovative graduate studies program in Aboriginal Governance beginning this fall, said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. Dr. Axworthy made the announcement today in his address at the Aboriginal Governance & Globalization Symposium, being held at The University of Winnipeg.
This graduate program is the first of its kind in Canada and is directed at developing emerging leaders in the field of Aboriginal Governance. It will also empower individuals to take on leadership roles in other areas of the public sector.
“The Aboriginal Governance graduate program is essential as Canada moves forward to incorporate the largest growing population group in this country,” Dr. Axworthy said. “This interdisciplinary program fits well with The University of Winnipeg’s vision as a leader in Aboriginal education.”
Dr. Axworthy told the audience that the University will offer a Master of Arts in Aboriginal Governance degree with two other graduate programs this fall: a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society and a Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy. These programs are unique and do not duplicate any programs in the province. They are designed to build on the strengths of the UWinnipeg’s undergraduate programs, to stimulate intellectual discourse, to strengthen UWinnipeg’s research capacity, along with supporting the Province of Manitoba’s priorities for expanding innovation and graduate studies.
“Manitoba supports these new graduate programs, which can attract and retain talented researchers and scholars to our province,” said Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford. “The University of Winnipeg’s innovative initiatives matched with academic excellence will contribute to today’s knowledge-based global economy. A unique initiative, such as the Master of Arts in Aboriginal Governance recognizes the need to empower and work together with one of Manitoba’s fastest growing populations to further enhance expertise in governance that is responsive to the needs and interests of Aboriginal people.”
The Council on Post-Secondary Education has approved the three new graduate programs slated to begin in the Fall of 2008. Supporting this decision, the Provincial Government has provided funding for the Aboriginal Governance program to a total of $856,400 over the next four years.
The University will strive to offer every graduate student support in the form of scholarships and financial aid to assist them in pursuing their studies. For scholarship information visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/grad-studies-programs or call 786-9734.
Fees for full-time students are $5,250 ($10,500 for international students) and part-time fees are $2,625 ($5,250 for international students). Applications are currently being accepted for the three programs with classes set to begin in September 2008. For more application information, please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/grad-studies-programs or call 786-9734.
The University of Winnipeg already offers a specialized Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy; graduate degrees in Arts, Divinity and Sacred Theology through the Faculty of Theology and joint programs in partnership with the University of Manitoba in History, Public Administration and Religious Studies. UWinnipeg’s new Faculty of Graduate Studies is led by Dr. Sandra Kirby, Acting Associate Vice President (Research & Graduate Studies).
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The University of Winnipeg is one of Canada’s leading post-secondary institutions. Consistently ranked in the Top-10 in the country on an annual basis by both Maclean’s Magazine and The Globe & Mail newspaper, the University of Winnipeg is a leader in academic excellence, Aboriginal education, environmental studies & sustainability, and theatre & the arts. The University of Winnipeg is committed to improving access to post-secondary education for all individuals, especially those people from non-traditional communities. Find out more by visiting www.uwinnipeg.ca.
