Star Blanket Cree Nation and First Nations University of Canada Take Part in Historic Signing
REGINA, Feb. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - After almost two decades of negotiations and hard work, Star Blanket Cree Nation has become the first in Canada to create an urban reserve specifically dedicated to the advancement of education.
Today Star Blanket Cree Nation Chief, Michael Starr, will see the completion of a process that began in 2002.
"It's a sense of accomplishment," said Chief Starr. "We never gave up, we just kept at it."
Chief Starr says partnering with the University is a natural fit.
"The importance of education has been instilled in us from our ancestors," said Chief Starr. "Right from our first leaders, we knew education was very important."
Today's signing ceremony completes a long journey for leaders from Star Blanket Cree Nation, the First Nations University of Canada, the University of Regina, CIBC and the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Leaders from across the country are gathering to attend this historic event.
"Congratulations to Chief Michael Starr and the Star Blanket Cree Nation on the creation of the
atim kâ-mihkosit reserve," said the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services. "This will be the first reserve in Canada to be created for the specific purpose of supporting education. This signing is the result of years of hard work and I commend the leadership of Star Blanket Cree Nation for making today a reality. Indigenous post-secondary students will benefit from this work for years to come."
The process has taken more than 15 years and both Star Blanket Cree Nation and the University are looking forward to what comes next.
"Working with Star Blanket Cree Nation has been a humbling and rewarding experience," said First Nation University Board Chair Yvette Arcand. "This historic occasion will continue the process of reconciliation started over forty years ago when First Nations University of Canada was first created."
The atim kâ-mihkosit reserve encompasses 32.05 acres surrounding the Regina campus of First Nations University. Atim kâ-mihkosit translates from Cree in to English as Red Dog. The reserve was officially recognized by the federal government on September 17th, 2018.
Date: February 13th, 2019
Time: 10:00am
Location: First Nations University of Canada – Regina Campus
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SOURCE Star Blanket Cree Nation
For further information: For more details, please contact: Merelda Fiddler, 306-790-5950 ext 2222 / email: communications@firstnationuniversity.ca or mfiddler@firstnationsuniversity.ca
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