University recruiting senior position in Aboriginal initiatives

Posted May 21, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 2002 2002-05-21-OTHER

University recruiting senior position in Aboriginal initiatives

The University of Saskatchewan is moving forward with its commitment to
meeting the needs of Aboriginal people by actively recruiting a senior level
person to take a lead role in implementing key Aboriginal initiatives.

These initiatives are based on a strategic document,--A Conceptual Framework
for Aboriginal Initiatives -- unveiled by the University last year. It
describes six areas for growth and development: academic programs, research
programs, student affairs, cultural programs, community outreach, and
coordination.

The new position, Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal
Initiatives, will advise and support the president, vice-presidents, deans,
and senior staff in their task of representing the University of
Saskatchewan to the Aboriginal community.

Currently, the U of S has a wide range of achievements in Aboriginal-related
curriculum, research, and awareness - but they're diffuse and need to better
engage Aboriginal people in the life and work of the University. The
Conceptual Framework was developed to bring together existing initiatives
and to identify gaps.

A recent audit of all U of S programs for Aboriginal people revealed dozens
of impressive initiatives, many of them leading-edge and nationally
acclaimed. Programs like the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP), the
Aboriginal Justice and Criminology Program, Native Law Centre, Indigenous
Business Administration program, CAPES, and others stand out. However, there
is a lack of graduate level programs and Aboriginal enrolment is uneven
across campus.

As well, University leaders are concerned about bringing more Aboriginal
culture and values into the activities of the campus. As the University's
Framework for Planning puts it: "Making available to Aboriginal peoples the
full resources of the University is one side of the equation, integrating
Aboriginal knowledge into the curriculum and practices of the University is
the other." The recently signed Memorandum Of Understanding with Wanuskewin
Heritage Park is expected to help in addressing this need.

Also as part of the Framework, the University hopes to enhance its support
for Aboriginal students. The majority of Aboriginal students in Saskatchewan
are currently choosing the University of Saskatchewan to pursue their
post-secondary education, but too many are leaving before their studies are
complete. Broader and more innovative support structures that will help
students to achieve their academic goals need to be explored.

"There are significant challenges, but this is an exciting time to be a part
of the University of Saskatchewan," said Michael Atkinson, Vice-President
(Academic) and Provost. "This job will present a challenge for the
successful candidate, but it also provides an incredible opportunity to take
part in shaping the University's future."

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For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612