The Manitoba government has partnered with Yellowquill University College to provide degree granting status for its First Nations bachelor of education program, recognizing the institution's 40 years of excellence in delivering Indigenous-led advanced education across Manitoba, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced on October 1.
"Congratulations to Yellowquill University College as they celebrate 40 years of First Nation-led excellence in higher education," said Cable. "It is important that collectively we recognize the valuable work that Yellowquill University College is doing to address the educational needs of community and hold up Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, being and doing in parallel to other institutions of higher learning. Partnering to provide degree granting status to Yellowquill is an important first step in our truth and reconciliation journey, and we are excited to continue to collaborate to modernize the post-secondary landscape in Manitoba."
As of July 5, a new regulation under the Degree Granting Act permits Yellowquill to grant provincially recognized degrees to students who successfully complete the program, certifying graduates to teach in every school across Manitoba.
"Yellowquill University College is thrilled to offer students the opportunity to earn their education degrees, marking a significant advancement," said Doreen Strange, director, Yellowquill University College. "The unwavering support from the Manitoba government, particularly the education branch, has been instrumental in our progress. This collaborative partnership has led to positive and enduring outcomes. We look forward to working with anyone interested in forging a relationship for the benefit of our students. The support we have received from the First Nations with which we work and other entities has been tremendous, and their support has indeed been invaluable to the success of Yellowquill."
Established by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, Yellowquill has specialized in First Nation-led education since 1984, preparing students to work in First Nation communities.
"Our partnership with Yellowquill University College is an important one and by providing degree granting status for its First Nations bachelor of education program, we are investing in certified teachers specially trained to teach in the distinctive contexts of First Nations communities," said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare. "This is an important step in addressing the critical shortage of Indigenous teachers across the province and in northern Manitoba."
The province will continue to work with Yellowquill University College on navigating the path forward to further recognize its programs and has provided a one-time $250,000 administrative grant to support this effort. The government will also work nation-to-nation with First Nation communities and engage with other education stakeholders to recognize other Indigenous post-secondary providers and advance reconciliation in the education system, noted the minister.
