U of S names Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives

Posted December 02, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 2, 2002 2002-12-01-OTHER

U of S names Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives

University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon announced the
appointment of George E. Lafond as Special Advisor to the President on
Aboriginal Initiatives, effective January 2, 2003. This is a new position
and the appointment is for a five-year renewable term.

Lafond will be responsible for moving the University's Aboriginal
initiatives forward and will advise and support the president,
vice-presidents, deans, and senior staff in their role of representing the
University of Saskatchewan to the Aboriginal community.

"This will be a challenging but exciting job, and there will be incredible
opportunities for him to take part in shaping the University's future," said
MacKinnon. "Lafond has a distinguished history in teaching, as a federal
government advisor on Aboriginal affairs as well as excellent leaderships
skills. He will be a great asset to the University of Saskatchewan."

"The University is a very special place in our society," said Lafond. "It
promotes learning and values which are vital in our society-tolerance,
diversity and equality. For Aboriginal people, and non-Aboriginal people
alike, better academic achievements, solid skills and a broad view of the
world will prepare us to meet the challenges of the future in Saskatchewan.
All of these can be found at the University of Saskatchewan. I am pleased to
be part of the team which will strengthen Aboriginal representation and
participation in all aspects of the University."

Lafond began his career as a History and Native Studies teacher at Bedford
Road Collegiate and earned his Bachelor of Education in 1985 from the
University of Saskatchewan. From 1985 to 1987, he worked for the Federal
Government as Special Assistant to the Minister of Indian and Northern
Affairs on a range of issues including treaty and land entitlements and
constitutional reform.

More recently, he has served as a chief for the Saskatoon Tribal Council
(1995 to 2002) working on behalf of the First Nations community both on
reserves and in the urban context.

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For more information, please contact:

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

George E. Lafond
(306) 221-9827