How to Empower Indigenous Learners – The Walrus

Nov. 15, 2023

From humble beginnings in 1976, First Nations University of Canada is transforming higher learning for Indigenous students

Much has changed in the world of higher learning since 1976, when Saskatchewan Indian Federated College first opened. In its first year, there were just nine students and the programs offered at the college included Indian Studies, Indian Languages, Indian Teacher Education, Social Work, Fine Arts (Indian Art, Indian Art History) and Social Sciences.

In 2003, its name would change to First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), and now in 2023, programs are offered at four campuses: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and on 22 acres butted up against the South Saskatchewan River by the small village of St. Louis for traditional land-based learning.

Beyond the grounds of these campuses, the university now offers programming across the country, including an agreement with Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, where they certify their Mohawk language programming, community-based programming in Alberta, Northern Ontario, and the Northwest Territories, and online Indigenous programming nationwide through FNUniv’s Indigenous Continuing Education Centre.