Archived News Releases

June 24, 2004

THOMPSON—Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford today 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.

- 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

INTERIM COUNCIL MEMBERS

Kathleen Leary, chair of the newly-appointed interim council, is manager of the Education, Training and Culture Division of Norway House Cree Nation. She has extensive experience as an educator and expertise in the area of Aboriginal education. She holds a project management master's certificate from York University and also completed formal studies on tolerance and understanding in Alberta.

Laara Fitznor is a professor with the department of educational administration with the University of Manitoba (UM). She has designed and taught courses on adult and Aboriginal education, counselling, and economic and community development. She has served on numerous UM committees including the Winnipeg Education Centre, MB ACCESS Program, Native Studies Advisory Committee, Aboriginal Staff and Student Network, and President's Advisory Committee on Human Rights.

Bev Fontaine is secretary-treasurer of the Opaskwayak Education Authority. She has varied experience in college education, Aboriginal education, management and marketing. She also worked as an operations liaison officer with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. She is currently chair of the Keewatin Community College board of governors and a member of Opaskwayak Treaty Land Entitlement board of trustees.

John Hofley, retired, has 40 years of teaching experience at the college and university levels in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere, and extensive experience in post-secondary administration and labour relations. He is chair of the College and University Bound Program and is a former member of the Manitoba Multicultural Resources Centre board of directors, the Family Bureau of Winnipeg and the Social Science Committee of the Curriculum Development Branch of Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth.

Edwin Jebb is education director for the Opaskwayak Education Authority and has a strong educational background with an Aboriginal focus. He also has extensive community involvement and is vice-president of The Pas Friendship Centre, a member of the Manitoba Indian Education Association, the council of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Norman Regional Development Corporation and co-chair of The Pas race relations committee. He has also received the Order of Manitoba, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and Brandon University Meritorious Service Award in recognition of professional and volunteer achievements and community service.

Lorne Keeper is executive director of the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. He has an extensive background in education administration and expertise in northern education, Aboriginal education, program delivery and project management. Keeper is currently a member of the UCN Steering Committee, past chair and member of the Keewatin Community College board of governors and is active on a number of committees.

Stan McKay is an advisor to First Nations in the areas of education, health and development. He holds a BA, a B.Th. and a teacher's certificate and has expertise in teaching, spirituality and community development. He has a long-term history of community involvement in a wide range of areas.

Marcel Moodie is manager of Future Developments Inc. in Nelson House and is the former chair of the Nelson House Education Authority. He was recently appointed to the Keewatin Community College board of governors and has expertise in education and economic development.

Darren Ottaway is the chief executive officer for the Town of Churchill. He has extensive experience in administration and management positions and is active in the community. He was the student president of Brandon University (BU) in 1995-96 and represented BU at the Model United Nations. He also served on several boards and committees including the BU board of governors. He holds a bachelor degree in political science and diplomas in human resource management and municipal administration. He recently won the 2004 Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Award.

Jerry Storie is superintendent of Turtle Mountain School Division and a former Manitoba minister of education. He offers expertise in education and educational administration.

Anna Rodriguez, retired, has taught English as a second language (ESL) in Chile, the U.S. and Canada. She was the ESL co-ordinator and instructor for Keewatin Community College (KKC), ESL co-ordinator and supervisor of the Mystery Lake School Division and executive director of the Multi-Culture Centre. She is a member of both the KCC board of governors and the UCN steering committee. She has expertise in adult education, community development and multiculturalism.

Blaine Veitch is superintendent of schools for the Flin Flon School Division and has a strong educational background with extensive experience in administration. He holds bachelor of education and master of education degrees from the University of Manitoba and is currently a member of the UCN steering committee.