As part of their on-going partnership, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) and Brandon University signed a Memorandum of Understanding today. The document is designed to foster the development of new First Nations language teaching skills and collaborate to support the retention and preservation of First Nations languages.
The two groups desire to work together to develop a First Nation’s Language Teachers Graduate Diploma and Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education Degree specializing in First Nation Language Education. Both MFNERC and BU recognize that this will play a unique role in providing quality education to First Nation people in their language.
“The First Nations Chiefs of Manitoba, passed a resolution based on its Language Strategy, ‘Angomizik Inwewin,’ which focuses on First Nations Language Immersion, to further training and certification of Language Teachers and Instructors,” says Ruth Norton, a First Nations Language Specialist with MFNERC. “This Memorandum of Understanding is the beginning of a partnership to revitalize, preserve and promote fluency among our First Nations communities. To immerse a child in the First Nations language is to give the gift of language, culture and tradition for a positive identity.”
Together, the MFNERC will work to support BU in developing a strong and effective relationship with First Nation people in Manitoba and BU will continue to support and enhance the role of the MFNERC as an educational resource centre serving the First Nations people of Manitoba.
“This is a very important step for Brandon University in building on our relationship with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre,” says Dr. Deborah Poff, BU President and Vice-Chancellor. “BU understands the critical nature of the preservation and promotion of First Nations language to First Nations people. The university credentials which will be developed and established through this MOU are vital to First Nations people and to all citizens of Manitoba and Canada.”
Also on hand as co-signees for the MOU were Chiefs’ from the from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, including Grand Chief Morris J Swan Shannacappo (Southern Chiefs’ Organization), Chief Murray Clearsky (Waywayseecappo First Nation), Chief Wilfred McKay (Rolling River First Nation), Councillor Ivan Amoytte (Rolling River First Nation), Chief Frank Brown (Canupawakpa First Nation), and Chief Cornell Pashe (Dakota Tipi First Nation).
For more information, please contact:
Ruth W. Norton First Nations Language Specialist MFNERC (204) 940-7850 [email protected] Steve McCorrister Curriculum Development Assistant MFNERC (204) 940-7033 [email protected] Dr. Scott Grills Vice President (Academic & Research) Brandon University (204) 727-9455 [email protected] Brant Batters Communications Officer Brandon University (204) 727-9762 [email protected]
