Parkland College in Fort Qu’Appelle and the First Nations University of Canada are partnering up to provide a Bachelor of Education program aimed at First Nations teachers.
The long-term goal is a higher graduation rate for First Nations students, and a ready and educated workforce to take its place in Saskatchewan’s growing economy.
The four-year program begins this fall. Its aim is to develop teachers who are skilled in the development of First Nations content in all subject areas.
Students who enter the Indigenous Education program in Fort Qu’Appelle will learn the unique needs of First Nations pupils.
Gwen Machanee, the university program coordinator for Parkland College, says there is a big demand:
“We met with the post-secondary coordinators of all the bands back in January, and they all talked about how they needed First Nations teachers for their schools.”
Dr. Lynne Wells is the vice president of academics for FNUniv. She says this new partnership is a win-win situation:
“Having First Nations people teaching First Nations students is a recipe for success. They’re going to see the role models. They’re going to feel the cultural connection with their teachers. They’re going to have connection around world view. It’s a wonderful path for students to succeed.”
School officials were anticipating 20 people applying — but so far, about 50 students have expressed an interest in signing up. Most of them are from reserves surrounding Fort Qu’Appelle.