September 13, 2002

Advanced Education Minister Diane McGifford announced today that public consultations will be held throughout Northern Manitoba to hear the views of northerners on the improvement of post-secondary services in the North.

"These consultations will ensure that our strategy for improving opportunities for northern education is informed by those most concerned with its outcome," said McGifford. "We look forward to hearing from northerners about the future of education in the North."

"Our government's Northern Development Strategy (NDS) recognizes that education is critical to supporting economic development in the North," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson. "These consultations will ensure that northerners have a voice in shaping the future of education in the North."

McGifford said that the public consultations will be facilitated by Prof. Verna Kirkness, a well-known authority on Aboriginal education. Kirkness was recently retained by the Department of Advanced Education to develop a discussion paper that presents proposals for strengthening and co-ordinating post-secondary education in Northern Manitoba. The paper will provide the basis for discussion during the public consultations.

Kirkness has had a distinguished career as a teacher, principal, counsellor, teacher supervisor and curriculum consultant. She held the position of education director at both the Manitoba and the National Indian Brotherhoods and taught for many years at the University of British Columbia.

Kirkness has been recognized with numerous honours including the first National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Education, the Canadian Educator of the Year in 1990, three honorary doctorates and membership in the Order of Canada. She has authored six books and numerous articles in national and international journals.

"Prof. Kirkness is a well respected educator who brings valuable insight and experience to addressing the educational challenges of the North," said McGifford. "I encourage all northerners to share their views at these public consultations."

Over the next two months public consultations are being planned in a number of Manitoba communities including St. Theresa Point, Garden Hill, Oxford House, Cross Lake, The Pas, Flin Flon, Norway House, Easterville and Grand Rapids.

The first three public consultations are scheduled to be held between 2 and 5 p.m. and 6 and 8 p.m. as follows:

Nelson House Sept. 18 Family and Community Wellness Centre

Thompson Sept. 19 Army, Navy and Air Force Hall

Split Lake Sept. 20 Band Hall

Meetings are also planned with universities and colleges currently providing post-secondary services in the North.

To obtain more information or secure a copy of the discussion paper, Post-Secondary Education in Northern Manitoba, people are advised to call 204-945-5150 or 1-800-282-8069, ext. 5150, or visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca./cei

All northerners are invited to participate and share their views at the public consultations.

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