First Nations University

Website: http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/
Location: Regina, SK

History

In May 1976, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations entered into a federation agreement with the University of Regina, creating the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC). The Agreement provided for an independently administered university-college, the mission of which is to serve the academic, cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations’ students.
On June 21, 2003, the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College officially changed its name to the First Nations University of Canada.

When SIFC first opened its doors in the fall of 1976, it had nine students and offered the following programs; Indian Studies, Indian Languages, Indian Teacher Education, Social Work, Fine Arts (Indian Art, Indian Art History) and Social Sciences.
Since then, enrolment has steadily grown, and the First Nations University of Canada now maintains an average annual enrolment over 1200. One quarter of our students come from outside Saskatchewan and represent every province and territory in Canada. Our alumni base has grown to over 2500.
The university offers programs and services on three campuses: Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert (Northern Campus). Within the university, there are 10 academic departments and/or schools that offer a variety of programs and courses. Our Northern Campus (Prince Albert) maintains the responsibility of coordinating and delivering community based and distance education programs. The Indigenous Centre for International Development (ICID) maintains our international partnerships with other countries for university programming.

The university has increasingly moved into higher-cost professional programs in health and science. These have been developed in consultation with First Nation communities who identify areas of demand. The programs have often involved close collaboration with academic and government partners. In 1996, the National School of Dental Therapy program became part of the university. And, in the past three years, our university has delivered post-registered nursing programs in advanced practice primary care nursing and the First Nations community nursing program.
The university has also begun to expand its range of graduate programs. This includes a special case Masters program in Arts and Science, a First Nations Masters in Business Administration and a Masters of Aboriginal Social Work Program in Aboriginal Therapy.
Since 1983, the university has entered into over twenty-five agreements with Indigenous peoples’ institutions in Canada, South and Central America and Asia and signed agreements with academic institutions in Siberia (Russia), Inner Mongolia (China) and Tanzania.
The university has been a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) since 1994.

Mission

The mission of the First Nations University of Canada is to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations.
The First Nations University of Canada will acquire and expand its base of knowledge and understanding in the best interests of First Nations and for the benefit of society by providing opportunities of quality bi-lingual and bi-cultural education under the mandate and control of the First Nations of Saskatchewan.
The First Nations University of Canada is a First Nations’ controlled university-college which provides educational opportunities to both First Nations and non-First Nations university students selected from a provincial, national and international base.

Vision

We, the First Nations, are children of the Earth, placed here by the Creator to live in harmony with each other, the land, animals and other living beings. All beings are interconnected in the Great Circle of Life.
As First Nations, we treasure our collective values of wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength and spirituality. They have preserved and passed down our traditions through countless generations.

The Elders teach us to respect the beliefs and values of all nations. Under the Treaties, our leaders bade us to work in cooperation and equal partnership with other nations. The Elders' desire for an Indian institution of higher education led to the establishment of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC).
The First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The university is a special place of learning where we recognize the spiritual power of knowledge and where knowledge is respected and promoted. In following the paths given to us by the Creator, the First Nations have a unique vision to contribute to higher education. With the diversity and scope of the First Nations degree programs, the university occupies a unique role in Canadian higher education. The university promotes a high quality of education, research and publication.

At the First Nations University of Canada, First Nations students can learn in the context of their own traditions, languages and values. Rooted in their own traditions, our students will walk proudly and wisely today. The university, through extension programming, reaches out and welcomes First Nations peoples to use its resources for the enrichment of their communities.
The university requires facilities which reflect the uniqueness, values, dignity and beauty of the First Nations it represents. It will include appropriate recognition and integration of the role of the Elders, cultural symbols and the First Nations connectedness to the land.

Fees

First Nations University of Canada students pay the following fees:
• Tuition
• Student Union
• University of Regina services
• University of Regina Recreation and Athletic
• Student Association
• First Nations University of Canada Building Fund
• Course fees

First Nations University of Canada students do not pay the Student Health and Dental Plan fee.
Tuition and fees are due in full on the first day of each semester. Do not wait for a statement from the Registrar's Office before paying your fees.