FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CANADA
FNUniv and Co-operators Celebrate Grand Opening of New Career Centre

First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) celebrated the grand opening of the FNUniv Career Centre in Partnership with Co-operators, with additional support from the Mastercard Foundation.

Located at FNUniv's Regina Campus, the Career Centre is accessible to students across all three campuses Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert through in-person and virtual services, including an online job board, workshops, and advising.

The Career Centre is a cornerstone of FNUniv's Work-Integrated Learning Initiative, which bridges classroom learning with real-world experience. With the support of Co-operators and earlier seed funding from the Mastercard Foundation, the Centre will provide students with mentorship, career coaching, networking, and professional development opportunities all delivered in ways that honour Indigenous culture and values.

"The Career Centre will be a space where Indigenous students are further uplifted and supported into their next transition - the workforce. The Career Centre will serve as a bridge between the university and the workplace, supporting the evolution from student to working professional. We know that employment opportunities await our students and that many organizations are seeking Indigenous employees. The Centre will be a valuable resource to both students and employers. I am grateful for partners like Co-operators and the Mastercard Foundation because without their generous financial gift, this Centre would not be a reality," said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, FNUniv.

"Our journey as a co-operative insurance company started 80-years ago in Regina. Today, we remain committed to establishing resilience in our communities and we recognize the power that education has in turning that vision into reality," says Alec Blundell, Executive-Vice President and COO at Co-operators Life Insurance Company. "Our partnership with First Nations University reflects our shared dedication to supporting Indigenous youth in their educational and professional journeys. And by creating pathways to meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities, we're investing in a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come."

"As a student, I see the Career Centre as a place that not only prepares us for our professional journeys but also honours who we are as Indigenous people," said Nathaniel Merasty, President, FNUniv Regina Campus Student's Association. "Having access to mentorship, workshops, and employer connections in a space that reflects our culture gives us the confidence to step forward knowing we are supported. This Centre will open doors for students like me across all three campuses and ensure that when we graduate, we are ready to succeed and give back to our communities."

The grand opening began with a traditional Pipe Ceremony, followed by a program that featured an Honour Song by Everet Sayer and remarks from FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Co-operators Life Insurance Company Executive Vice President & COO Alec Blundell, Career Centre Manager Callie Morris, and Nathaniel Merasty, President of the FNUniv Regina Campus Student Association. Guests then took part in a ribbon-cutting and guided tour of the new Career Centre before gathering for a networking lunch that brought students, alumni, and employers together through interactive activities.

Led and managed by Indigenous staff, the Career Centre reflects FNUniv's holistic approach to student success by blending cultural teachings with professional readiness. It will connect Indigenous students with culturally grounded career supports including advising, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and employer connections helping them prepare for meaningful employment and long-term success.