It was an honour for me to accept the role as Director of Yellowquill University College – Manitobas’ only First Nation owned, operated and controlled Post-Secondary Institute. Yellowquill University College has been offering First Nation programming for 37 years under the governance of Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council – Board of Directors.

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Currently, the University College offers Post-Secondary programs as well as a Mature 12 High School Program. Yellowquill University College has more than likely graduated someone from every First Nation in Manitoba over that time span as we have graduated well over 3000 students. We also have students from North Western Ontario and Saskatchewan.

 

It is with admiration that I look at the success of Yellowquills’ unique ability in developing academic programming that is requested from the communities or organizations and that they are designed to meet the specific needs of those communities or organizations. The University College offers their regular academic programming at the on campus site on Madison, modular programs in many areas and also specifically designed community based program.

 

It is also important to acknowledge the College's Accreditation from the “National Indigenous Accreditation Board” and the “World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium”. No higher acknowledgement exists for a First Nation Post-Secondary Institution than to be accredited by our own professional educators!

The need to educate and train our First Nation people is a priority and to attain that by implementing a First Nation model/philosophy proves to be the most successful format. It is way past the time that we attain that control over First Nations post-secondary education. There is so much potential for growth and expansion of Yellowquill University College.

 

The need for First Nation based learning is what many of our people want and need and we have the ability to do that.

 

We have formed a strong partnership with Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centres’ (MFNERC) Training Unit and are working towards the development of a First Nation University College. We are also working jointly on some current projects.

 

I also want to acknowledge the Long Plain First Nation, Chief Dennis Meeches and his Council, for allowing us to be located on their urban reserve site on Madison Street.

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We also acknowledge the support that we have received from the political organizations – the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO), Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

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Yellowquill University College is expanding and we will be offering more programs as we develop our Institute. We will ensure that our website is continually updated and that you are kept in the loop regarding the developments as they occur. I encourage all First Nation communities and organization to contact Yellowquill University College to discuss your education and training needs.

 

Wopida, Ekosi, Meegwetch and Thank you!

Bobbi Pompana

Director