The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), the University of Regina (URegina) and the Mongolian National University (MNU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership to achieve meaningful collaboration on education and research toward mutual benefits for their students, faculty and institutions.
The MOU sets out strategic partnership opportunities between these three institutions based on shared values of manacihitowin (let us lead with respect), wahkohtowin (kinship connections), wichitowin (sharing and learning together) and sîhtoskatowin (being or standing together in support), and on respectful and mutually beneficial engagement within an ethical space.
The collaboration intends to promote Indigenous cultures on and from Turtle Island (colonially referred to as North America) and Mongolian cultures on and from Mongolia, through various forms of cooperation, including:
- Joint education and research activities;
- Exchange of academic materials and publications;
- Exchange of faculty members for research, lectures and discussions;
- Exchange of students for study and research;
- Academic programming including certificates and dual degrees; and
- Leadership practicums.
A focus of the partnership will involve oral and written academic areas of Indigenous language preservation, language research and language revitalization, and on creating exchange and study abroad opportunities for students from all three institutions to explore other Indigenous lands, cultures, ways of knowing and educational programs.
Quotes
"On behalf of First Nations University of Canada, it is with humility that we step into this agreement with Mongolian National University and the University of Regina. The reciprocal learning and relationship-building opportunities are tremendous, and I look forward to engaging in and supporting the research, academic development, student and faculty exchange opportunities that emerge from this MOU. The importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems is becoming increasingly apparent, and this international collaboration will benefit, not only our institutions, but language and cultural sustainability initiatives globally."
- Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, FNUniv
"Mongolian National University is honoured to be included as a partner of this new agreement with First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina for promising paths ahead. I am highly respectful of Dr. Anna-Leah King, Chair of Indigenization in the Faculty of Education (URegina), Dr. Angelina Weenie, Program Coordinator for Indigenous Education (FNUniv) and Dr. Jerome Cranston, Dean of the Faculty of Education (URegina), first most among others for their resilient focus and continuity for helping to bring this partnership to fruition."
- Christopher Coles, Vice President, MNU
"The Faculty of Education and University of Regina are honoured to be included as a partner on this new agreement with First Nations University of Canada and the Mongolian National University. The MOU extends the Faculty's long-standing commitment to support the ongoing development of healthier communities and people. I am deeply appreciative to Dr. Anna-Leah King, Chair of Indigenization in the Faculty of Education, for her time, energy and leadership."
- Dr. Jerome Cranston, Dean of the Faculty of Education, URegina
About First Nations University of Canada
Established in 1976, the First Nations University of Canada is Canada's only national First Nations-owned post-secondary institution. FNUniv is a unique educational institution of higher learning specializing in Indigenous Education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of all cultural backgrounds. Our Vision is to aspire to have a transformative impact by bridging our ceremonies, knowledge keepers, languages, and traditions with the delivery of high-quality post-secondary education. For more information, please visit www.fnuniv.ca.
About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 territories - the homelands of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda peoples, and Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,000 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
About Mongolian National University
Mongolian National University (MNU) is Mongolia's largest private university. As one of four different campuses and situated in the mountain ringed capital Ulaanbaatar our international campus has over 20 faculties and departments and also 12 schools of study as learning options for students drawn from many different nomadic, tribal, cultural and linguistic origins. Modern Mongolian is used by the university to interact with the larger contemporary world. Whereas the Traditional (Old) Mongolian language and an oral traditions are a revival process and identity investment in ourselves, our children, grandchildren and further on. Our international student body and faculty is representative of Central Asia, Inner Mongolia, the Former Soviet Union and other countries and regions as a growing and positive contribution for the years ahead. As a new feature MNU is also home to Mongolia and well as Central Asia's first Israeli and Jewish Studies institute. As a community, we also focus on wide-ranging new practicums and real life learning environments to develop long term visions near and abroad as strong value pathways. https://mnun.edu.mn/
For more information
1 First Nations Way
Regina Saskatchewan
Canada S4S 7K2
www.fnuniv.ca
