We, the First Nations, are children of the Earth, placed here by the Creator to live in harmony with each other, the land, animals and other living beings. All beings are interconnected in the Great Circle of Life.
As First Nations, we treasure our collective values of wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength and spirituality. They have preserved and passed down our traditions through countless generations.
The Elders teach us to respect the beliefs and values of all nations. Under the Treaties, our leaders bade us to work in cooperation and equal partnership with other nations. The Elders’ desire for an Indian institution of higher education led to the establishment of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC).
The First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The university is a special place of learning where we recognize the spiritual power of knowledge and where knowledge is respected and promoted. In following the paths given to us by the Creator, the First Nations have a unique vision to contribute to higher education. With the diversity and scope of the First Nations degree programs, the university occupies a unique role in Canadian higher education. The university promotes a high quality of education, research and publication.
At the First Nations University of Canada, First Nations students can learn in the context of their own traditions, languages and values. Rooted in their own traditions, our students will walk proudly and wisely today. The university, through extension programming, reaches out and welcomes First Nations peoples to use its resources for the enrichment of their communities.
The university requires facilities which reflect the uniqueness, values, dignity and beauty of the First Nations it represents. It will include appropriate recognition and integration of the role of the Elders, cultural symbols and the First Nations connectedness to the land.
The mission of the First Nations University of Canada is to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations.
The First Nations University of Canada will acquire and expand its base of knowledge and understanding in the best interests of First Nations and for the benefit of society by providing opportunities of quality bi-lingual and bi-cultural education under the mandate and control of the First Nations of Saskatchewan.
The First Nations University of Canada is a First Nations’ controlled university-college which provides educational opportunities to both First Nations and non-First Nations university students selected from a provincial, national and international base.
In May 1976, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations entered into a federation agreement with the University of Regina, to establish the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC). The Agreement provided for an independently administered university-college, the mission of which is to serve the academic, cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations’ students.
On June 21, 2003, the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College officially changed its name to the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).
When SIFC first opened its doors in the fall of 1976, it had nine students and offered the following programs; Indian Studies, Indian Languages, Indian Teacher Education, Social Work, Fine Arts (Indian Art, Indian Art History) and Social Sciences.
Since then, enrolment has steadily grown, and the FNUniv now maintains an average annual enrollment of over 3000. In addition, over 30,000 learners have made FNUniv part of their educational journey.
The university offers programs and services on three campuses: Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert (Northern Campus).
Since 1983, the university has entered into over twenty-five agreements with Indigenous peoples’ institutions in Canada, South and Central America and Asia and signed agreements with academic institutions in Siberia (Russia), Inner Mongolia (China) and Tanzania.
The university has been a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) since 1994.
First Nations University of Canada’s 2013-2018 Strategic Plan: LIGHTING THE PATH charts the University’s course of action over the next five years toward strengthening and solidifying FNUniv’s reputation as a leader and successful model of Indigenous higher learning and securing its sustainability.
FNUniv’s Strategic Plan is underpinned by the wisdom and strength of our Elders; the vision and leadership of our communities; the promise of our students; the commitment and experience of our faculty and staff; and the continued support of our many stakeholders.
Driving this plan, and all we do, are our students; they are the true lights along our path – illuminating the way with their determination and hard work and making the journey clearer if not easier, as our Elders and ancestors did.
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I loved taking classes in this facility - it is so new and so uniquely designed. The classes were always enlightening and the building was well taken care of - the only thing I disliked was the long walk to the UofR campus when it was -40.....I could have done without that. A Nice giant heated tunnel would be perfect....
By Chris Burgess (Jun, 2018) |
For Indigenous based research, FNUniv is the institution to attend. Being that it is a federated college under the University of Regina, they do not grant their own degrees, however, it is in the working. FNUniv is a place where Indigenous peoples teach Indigenous content. Although you will find a lot of white & non-Indig profs, the university is vigilant in who they pick to profess. This school has a very well Indigenous Social work program. Food is an issue, but you can always walk to the UofR for a good bite at the Ridell Centre (10 mins). student engagement ins't the best, but it is tending to get better as well.
Overall recommended school.
By Mike Kahkwetwew (Aug, 2017) |
I graduated from the SIFC Regina campus in 1992, back in the days when this organization was called this. Excellent for post secondary education. I love that FNU of C has Aboriginal instructors as well as elders at hand. Thank you and keep up your great work. I am recommending my daughter to attend when she is old enough.
By Bernice Discon (Jan, 2016) |
Geography graduate, class of 2006!! FNUniv helped me succeed from high school in 2001 until my convocation in 2006. I am now a graduate student and would not of been where I am today without the leadership of the professors, late elder Isidore Pelletier and Others including nohkum Vicki Wilson :) huge support from student success services, community and fellow students during my undergrad years.
By Jessica Christine Generoux (Feb, 2015) |
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At First SaskatchewanNations University of Canada, the exceptional education and dedicated staff have not only inspired my child to excel academically, but they’ve also fostered a deep sense of community and personal growth.
By M.K. (Oct, 2024) |