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UWinnipeg’s MDP program has a new director

Fri. Nov. 22, 2013

Claire Reid

WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire P. Reid as the new director of the Master’s in Development Practice (MDP), a graduate program specializing in Indigenous Development.

“Ms Reid brings a breadth of experience in the practice of sustainable development and dynamic leadership skills to this position,” says Dr. Mavis Reimer, Dean of Graduate Studies. “We look forward to her contributions to graduate education at UWinnipeg.”

“I am thrilled to return to UWinnipeg, my Alma mater and take on this challenging role,” expressed Reid. “The MDP defines development differently, with indigenous experience and knowledge at its core. Our program trains future development practitioners differently, stressing meaningful collaboration. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, the Indigenous Advisory Circle and our community partners to further develop this exciting and unique program. Being able to contribute to this cutting edge interdisciplinary program will be rewarding.”

Reid worked as a human rights consultant for a Peruvian non-governmental organization developing regional anti-discrimination programming. Her work with Quechua leaders resulted in the passing of the country’s first municipal and regional anti-discrimination laws.

Reid’s interest in international human rights law led to her work at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, where she conducted investigative research for the Office of the Prosecutor. She has also participated in overseas election monitoring and consulted for international development organizations. Reid has significant research experience and has published on such subjects as discrimination in Peru, International Refugee Law, housing discrimination in Toronto and the role of Diaspora groups in influencing Canada’s foreign policy.

Prior to going to Peru, Reid was UWinnipeg’s first International Relations Officer and was also an instructor in the International Development Studies program. Reid most recently was the National Program Manager of the Building Citizenship program at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. There, she fostered a national network of over 500 volunteers who host community-based citizenship ceremonies and roundtable discussions on the meaning of inclusive citizenship.

Reid has a Masters of Arts in International Human Rights Law (University for Peace, Costa Rica) and a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, in Politics and International Development (University of Winnipeg). She is fluent in French and Spanish.

MDP
CN is a founding partner of the MDP program. UWinnipeg’s MDP uniquely combines academic and practical aspects of development with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and is supported by a grant from the prestigious MacArthur Foundation. MacArthur Foundation brought the inspiration, energy and resources to create the new Master’s programs in sustainable development practice at universities worldwide.  Learn more about this degree program at http://mdp.uwinnipeg.ca or email mdp@uwinnipeg.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca