Aboriginal University Education Roundtable
The University of Winnipeg
On May 24, 2007 Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg, Phil Fontaine, National Chief Assembly of First Nations, and David Chartrand, representing the Métis National Council and President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, convened a Roundtable of Western universities and other interested universities to explore issues such as access, retention, and how to create a successful university experience for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
Canada’s future economic success and the academic success of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples are intrinsically linked. The Aboriginal population is growing more quickly than any other population in the country while at the same time jobs are requiring and employers are demanding increasingly high levels of education. First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities need the skills and credentials acquired at university to achieve self-government, self-determination, and healthy communities.
At the Roundtable, each institution reported on measures it is taking to overcome barriers Aboriginal students face in completing university and shared promising practices. A second follow up Roundtable occurred on November 7 and 8, 2007.
Thank you to the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.
 |
Aboriginal Roundtable Communiqué
Group agrees to accelerate efforts to improve access for Aboriginal students.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NOVEMBER 9, 2007
WINNIPEG, MB - Delegates to the second phase of the Aboriginal University Education Roundtable have agreed to accelerate efforts to improve the success of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Canadian universities. Senior officials from 20 universities, First Nations and Métis educational institutions and governments concluded their two-day meeting at The University of Winnipeg by issuing a communiqué committing to a series of tangible steps to make university education more accessible to Aboriginal students.
UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, Manitoba Métis Federation President and Métis National Council member David Chartrand and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Ron Evans co-chaired the Roundtable.
Phase II Roundtable November 7 - 8, 2007
• Photo Gallery
• Agenda
Phase I Roundtable May 24, 2007 - Photo Gallery
Roundtable Report May 24th, 2007 [PDF: 121KB]
Summaries of Universities' Aboriginal Initiatives
Aboriginal University Education Roundtable Contact:
Jennifer Rattray, MPA
Associate Vice-President of Indigenous,
Government, and Community Affairs
phone: 204.786.9931
email: j.rattray@uwinnipeg.ca