History

Our institution has always been a hub of exciting opportunities for 39 years. We take pride in the quality education we provide to our students, which has helped them secure promising employment opportunities after graduation. It fills us with a sense of pride when we visit First Nation and Aboriginal communities and organizations, and witness the great work our graduates are doing.

Yellowquill College was established in 1984 by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council as a way to promote "Indian Control of Indian Education". The founders of the college believed that creating a post-secondary institute owned and operated by First Nations would lead to a better future. The college was opened on October 1, 1984, on 45 acres of Long Plain First Nation Land in Portage la Prairie, in the newly renovated residential school on Crescent Road West. The opening of Yellowquill College provided an alternative for Aboriginal adults seeking to pursue their educational goals.

The college is currently operated by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council and is overseen by the seven chiefs of the member bands, who serve as the Board of Directors. Yellowquill College is a non-profit organization and is incorporated both federally and provincially.

The College began with just sixteen students but has since grown to have over a thousand graduates across a range of programs. The College offers College and University Entrance Preparation Programs (UCEP) as well as the Mature Student High School Diploma program, both of which have prepared hundreds of students for post-secondary studies, whether at Yellowquill or other institutions.

The Mature Student High School Diploma program currently has off-site locations at Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, Lake Manitoba First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Yellowquill University College offers the First Nations Bachelor of Teaching program, with off-site locations at St. Theresa Point First Nation, Red Sucker Lake First Nation, Cross Lake Cree Nation and Wasagamack First Nation. Additionally, there is an off-site location at St. Theresa Point First Nation for the First Nations Wellness and Aftercare program. These community campuses are established in partnership with the respective communities.

FUNDING

Yellowquill University College has been operating since 1984 with a small base grant from Indian & Northern Affairs Canada. This grant accounts for approximately 27% of the total college operating budget. The Province of Manitoba funds the Mature Student High School Diploma program, while the remaining portion of the budget is recovered through tuition fees, which is a cost-recovery approach.

For any program offered and delivered in First Nation communities or other Aboriginal organizations or towns or cities, the tuition must cover 100% of the operating costs. The University College relies solely on tuition fees and does not receive any other grants for resources, curriculum development, administrative or management costs, or technology upgrades.

Mission, Vision, & Values

Mission Statement:

Mandated and established in 1984 by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, Yellowquill University College embraces all learners and provides holistic education and training. The college encompasses a team of dedicated and supportive professionals guiding our learners to achieve excellence and success in education, employment, and economic development.

Vision Statement:

Yellowquill University College is a First Nation accredited educational institute of excellence, preparing and advocating for students to meet the needs of the 21st century and beyond while providing an appropriate environment that preserves and enhances culture and tradition.

Values Statement: