Equal opportunity education gains ground

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Supporters of Indigenous education came together for four hours the evening of Jan. 31 to celebrate Athabasca University's success in partnering with Aboriginal people in educational advancements and to announce bold expansion plans. They were there for the launch of a new, Aboriginal-driven initiative that will deliver superior post-secondary education in a cultural framework honoring the vision, needs and aims of the Aboriginal community.

Athabasca University president Dr. Dominique Abrioux announced the institution is "refocusing" its commitment to Indigenous education.

And none too soon. Abrioux says he estimates Aboriginal enrollment that previously was around 10 per cent has doubled in the past five years.

Now their ambitious mandate is to establish "the centre for world Indigenous knowledge and research, the new home of program development, delivery and research for and about Indigenous people."

He said such a centre would do more than simply recruit and graduate increasing numbers of Aboriginal students.

"It is about a significant shift in how the university seeks to assist Indigenous people in their obtaining a meaningful formal educational experience."

The Provincial Museum was host to the gathering of a few hundred students, staff, administrators, visiting and resident academics, Elders, popular entertainers and guests of all ages.

In the museum's foyer, a standing-room crowd shared a substantial buffet meal catered by PDG Hospitality. Immediately following, the enormously popular puppeteer Derrik Starlight and the enduring Aboriginal women's vocal ensemble ASANI drew the rapt attention of the crowd.

Nothing was rushed. After a lengthy period of visiting and entertainment everyone was ready to settle down and follow Saddle Lake Elder Joe P. Cardinal and dignitaries, including well-known Metis author Dr. Maria Campbell and Amiskwaciy Academy's director, Dr. Phyllis Cardinal, into the auditorium for the main program.

They were met by the White Buffalo Dancers and Drummers who performed an honor song at the Grand Entry, followed by a victory song.

Dr. Abrioux first and foremost expressed gratitude for the people who had worked to set a dream in motion. He said he appreciated lengthy and continuing relationships with Blue Quills First Nations College, Sunrise Project, Yellowhead Tribal Council, and especially the leadership and vision of the Neheyiwak Caucus at the university which helped them set their direction.

He singled out three caucus members: Director of Indigenous Education Tracey Lindberg from Grand Prairie; Administrative Assistant for Indigenous Education Janice Makokis from Saddle Lake; and Saskatchewan-born Priscilla Campeau, program administrator for the bachelor of professional arts program, for their contribution to the vision and mission statements.

The vision of the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research is balanced by both "cultural affirmation" and "a challenging academic curricula," Abrioux said.

Others praised for their support included the ASANI singers consisting of elementary music educator Sherryl Sewepagaham (Little Red River Cree Nation); Sarah Pocklington, a Native studies professor at the University of Alberta, and Debbie Houle (Elizabeth Metis Settlement), who works with Metis Child and Family Services Authority.

Dr. Harold Cardinal from Sucker Creek First Nation, an associate professor in Native studies and also a caucus member, followed the president's speech at the podium and highlighted the gains made by Aboriginal people in recent years.

Athabasca University's commitment to a supportive and Indigenous-defined academic program is preparing alumni to be decision-makers in a global economy, he said.

The most poignant moment came when Cheryl Cardinal-Gordon from Sucker Creek introduced the Frank and Agnes Cardinal Neheyiwak Bursary in honor of her grandparents. The import of the occasion overcame her temporarily and she required assistance to deiver part of the heartfelt tribute. But she overcame her initial nerves and finished her address, which brought a standing ovation from the assembly.

The evening concluded with the Canadian premiere screening of Yolngu Boy, an Australian film featuring an Aboriginal cast.

Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Indigenous Education Scholarship Fund administered by the university.