Royal visit discussion aligns with NU’s goals

It was a royal visit concerned with topics near and dear to Nipissing’s heart and strategic priorities.Some 400 people had the opportunity to listen to Her Royal Highness The Princess Edward, Countess of Wessex, speak about the importance of Aboriginal education last Friday.Arriving that morning from an overnight stay in the northern community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), the Countess discussed the need for improved educational opportunities in remote Aboriginal communities, as well as the importance of preserving the language and culture of First Nations people. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who travelled with the Countess and a contingent of high-profile women to KI, touched on similar topics in her address at Nipissing. She noted that there are distinct challenges faced by each northern community as well as many successes. Like the Countess, the Premier noted the importance of education to a brighter future. A recording of the event will be available online soon. Aboriginal education is a key element in Nipissing University’s recently releasedStrategic Mandate Agreement, which states that “Nipissing gives special attention to Aboriginal and first generation learners in the North.” The long running Summer Aboriginal Teaching programs provide flexible delivery in a low-residency program that offers camps for students’ children to learn in as well.  As part of the Aboriginal Teacher Certificate Program, Nipissing offers the Teacher of Anishnaabemwin as a Second Language program, now in its fifth year, helping to teach and preserve language by giving instructors the skills to teach it. Nipissing’s Aboriginal Advantage Program supports Aboriginal learners and provides academic, personal, and cultural supports, including an Elder who provides one-on-one support for students. Future plans for the Aboriginal Advantage Program include building pathways to applied and professional fields for Aboriginal students. Nipissing is also developing an Institute in Indigenous Education to facilitate the integration of education graduates in Aboriginal communities. The university has also piloted a project with Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute on Manitoulin Island and Mushkegowuk Council in James Bay to deliver courses in First Nations communities, allowing students to remain in their communities while studying. Please note: the final three paragraphs of this story have been edited since its initial publication