University College of the North Mourns Passing of Elder Albert Tait

Press Release

(Norway House, MB) – Advocate, defender, advisor, ally, and friend. Elder Albert Tait epitomized all of those words. His work with the University College of the North (UCN) spanned decades. He more recently served as a member of UCN’s Governing Council and Council of Elders.

Albert held a special connection to UCN’s Kenanow Faculty of Education program. He spent each year attending cultural gatherings at Mile 20 which was attended by Kenanow faculty, students and community members.

Albert was a huge advocate for Indigenous perspectives in education and a fierce defender of the Cree language. He led many ceremonies for UCN, for the Kenanow program and for his home community, Norway House.

A very proud member of the Norway House community, Albert was employed as a social worker at the Norway House Hospital for more than twenty years before his first retirement. He then worked for the Cree Nation’s Health Division as a Wellness Worker helping with recovery and healing before retiring a second time. Albert returned to work at the Jack River school, supporting generations of students and ensuring they had access to their culture and histories. Albert led a drum group there that was invited to play at the Legislature.

Albert and his wife Elizabeth were proud of their five children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“On behalf of the whole UCN community, I offer sincere condolences to Albert’s family and friends,” said UCN President Doug Lauvstad. “He was a member of both UCN’s Governing Council and the Council of Elders and was a strong advocate for education as a means to empower youth and provide hope for the future. Albert was a champion for Indigenous perspectives in education and spoke eloquently on the imperative to preserve and promote Cree languages. He was a true leader at UCN in both thought and spirit. His wisdom and guidance will be missed.”

University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.

UCN.ca
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CONTACT:
Monte Koshel
UCN Director of Communication
mkoshel@ucn.ca / 204.627.8244

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