For Immediate Release: Norway House Cree Nation – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) – Asper School of Business sign MOU to promote collaboration, economic development and entrepreneurial pathways for First Nation students

Press Release

Treaty Five Territory, Norway House Cree Nation, MB – Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN), Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) and Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba will enter a strategic partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will have an impact for next generation of First Nation students.

After several months of discussion and strategic planning, Norway House Cree Nation, MKO and the Asper School of Business will sign a MOU outlining several areas of synergy between the respective organizations. The MOU will be signed on August 29ᵗʰ at 1:00 p.m. during the Reclaiming Our Future Through Economic Development Youth Conference hosted in Norway House Cree Nation. The areas outlined below were identified as areas in which the mandates of the three organizations overlap and will provide the framework for discussions of potential future projects. These include:

1. Development of joint programs and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities in business, economic development, and entrepreneurship for Northern First Nations learners; and

2. Cooperation on events, meetings, and other opportunities that will promote collaborative research projects on topics relevant to Northern First Nations between Asper faculty, students, and MKO member First Nations; and

3. Raising awareness of educational opportunities for First Nations citizens and creating pathways and supports for learners from MKO First Nations to attend undergraduate and graduate business programs at Asper, including both those from Northern Nations and MKO citizens living in urban areas; and

4. Enhancing the learning environment for learners from First Nations to better meet their needs and promote their academic and professional success and personal well-being; and

5. Collaborating to integrate greater First Nations-relevant training and topics into Asper programs and courses within Asper and in the broader business community; and.

6. Finding opportunities to connect MKO and signatory Nations with the broader business community, d reconciliation and Indigenous business for alumni and friends of the Asper School and the broader business community; and

7. Reporting annually to all parties on activities undertaken under this MOU. Chief Anderson stated, “After months of discussions and meetings, I am pleased to sign this MOU on behalf of Norway House Cree Nation. This MOU will lay the groundwork for a better path forward for the future of our youth and will provide opportunities that will ensure their professional and personal success for them and their families.”

“The Asper School of Business is taking historic steps in our ongoing journey toward Reconciliation by signing this MOU, the first of its kind for our school. This MOU formalizes our commitment to work closely with Norway House Cree Nation and MKO, supporting the future of First Nations people and business.”
– Bruno Silvestre, Dean, Asper School of Business CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership

“Grand Chief Garrison Settee stated, “Being a teacher by trade, I know the importance of providing access and opportunities for MKO First Nation members in all areas of education and in this case, business education. The business sector is key to the realization of self-determination for our people, and access and opportunities in business education is consistent with reconciliation. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the Asper School of Business, Norway House Cree Nation and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is a promising step in the right direction.”

For more information:
Denise Rowden, Special Assistant to the Chief 204-359-6786

Jimmy Thunder, Director of Economic Development for NHCN 204-881-6941

Megan Dudeck
Marketing Officer, Asper School of Business University of Manitoba megan.dudeck@umanitoba.ca
204-480-1425

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