Bishop's Forum - Minister Geoffrey Kelley meets with Indigenous Student Support and Community Liaison Officer

SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 14, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, was pleased to meet with Ms. Melissa Poirier, Indigenous Student Support and Community Liaison Officer, at Bishop's University today.  Quebec's Ministry of Education and Higher Education contributed funding in the amount of $96,356 to maintain this position for the 2018-2019 academic year.  This grant will also allow Bishop's to create four internships in its Faculty of Education for future teachers to travel to remote regions to teach First Nations students.

The position of Indigenous Student Support and Community Liaison Officer will enrich the quality of the services offered by Bishop's University to its First Nations and Inuit clientele.  It will also promote and facilitate inclusiveness and the academic success of First Nations students.  Finally, this announcement will allow the University to undertake important projects such as the creation of the internships mentioned above.

Minister Kelley will also be an active participant in the Bishop's Forum, presenting a workshop entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?".  The Forum is an annual event for young English-speaking people from 18 to 26 years of age; issues discussed include social, civic and political commitment.  The Forum arose out of the discussions leading up to the drafting of the Government of Quebec's 2016-2021 Youth Strategy.  This year's event will also address issues related to reconciliation and the Government of Quebec's relationship with First Nations and Inuit peoples.

Quotes :

"I applaud Bishop's University for its openness and creativity with regard to the integration of Indigenous students, who can now turn to their new Liaison Officer, Ms. Poirier, who will listen attentively to their needs.  In pursuit of our reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples, every step counts.  In order to foster the academic success of Indigenous students, we must offer them a learning environment that takes into account their particular realities.  Bishop's University has chosen this model, and I congratulate them for doing so."

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

« The educational success of Indigenous students is one of my priorities. We have been listening to the different network partners to better meet the specific needs of Indigenous students. I am very proud of this approach, which will facilitate their integration into our higher education institutions. I wish much success to Ms. Poirier. »

Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women

« We are thrilled to receive the funding necessary to maintain the position of Indigenous Student Support and Community Liaison Officer for the 2018-2019 academic year, and to create four internships for future teachers to go to remote regions to teach Indigenous students.  Inclusiveness and ensuring academic success for First Nations and students are key priorities for Bishop's University, so this government funding is very much appreciated."

Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop's University

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

For further information: Source : Chantal Gauvin, Communications Director, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Telephone : [phone]; Anne Marie Dussault Turcotte, Communications Director, Office of the Minister responsible for Higher Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Telephone : [phone]; Information : Michèle Saint-Cyr, Media Relations, Communications Office, Ministère du Conseil exécutif, Telephone : [phone], extension 4015; Olivier Bouffard, Communications Director, Bishop's University, 819 822-9600, extension 2840