The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford has announced the appointment of a 12-member interim council of the University College of the North (UCN). "I am delighted to formally confirm establishment of the University College of the North as Manitoba's newest post-secondary institution," McGifford said. "I'm also pleased to appoint Kathleen Leary of Norway House as chair of the interim council, following her excellent work as chair of the UCN steering committee." In addition to the chair, McGifford appointed 11 council members for two-year terms. They are Laara Fitznor, Bev Fontaine, John Hofley, Edwin Jebb, Lorne Keeper, Stan McKay, Marcel Moodie, Darren Ottaway, Anna Rodriguez, Jerry Storie and Blaine Veitch. The University College of the North Act was passed by the Manitoba legislature on June 1 and comes into force on July 1. For the first two years of UCN's existence, the interim council will operate with the duties and powers of both an academic and a governing body. The final governance model will have both a learning council and a governing council as defined in the legislation as well as an elders' council that will function in an advisory capacity. The interim council will be responsible for appointing a UCN president and overseeing operations of the college as well as overseeing the ongoing development of UCN. "I want to thank the members of the UCN implementation team, the steering committee and the elders for their work, advice, direction and support over the past year. Your commitment to the long-term vision of a post-secondary educational institution run by, for and with Aboriginal and northern Manitobans is appreciated," McGifford said. "Each of you has contributed to making UCN a reality, and your hard work and dedication are to be commended." "The University College of the North has been a dream for northerners for many years, now it has become a reality. The provincial government's Northern Development Strategy highlights education, training, community development and employment as keys to stronger, healthier communities in the north," said Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton. "We are excited to be taking part in this historic endeavour and we thank the many Aboriginal and northern Manitobans who have worked hard to ensure improved and expanded post-secondary education and training opportunities will be available in the north," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin.
