September 03, 2003

A new steering committee and an expanded implementation team to support the development of the University College of the North (UCN) were announced today by Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford.

"As we move forward with the development of this unique institution, we want to ensure the active involvement of northern Manitobans in the decision-making process," McGifford said. "This goal will be accomplished through our steering committee, implementation team and various ad hoc working groups."

The UCN implementation team, headed by chair Don Robertson, now includes long-time Aboriginal educator John Burelle, Traci Reid from Manitoba Labour and Immigration, Veronica Dyck of the Aboriginal Education Directorate, Gina Guiboche of the Opaskwayak Health Authority at Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Peter Geller of Inter-Universities North in Thompson.

"To support the implementation team, we have established a steering committee with the majority of members being northerners," McGifford said. "Kathleen Leary, manager of the Education, Training and Culture Division of Norway House Cree Nation for the past 12 years, will chair this committee."

In addition, the minister officially released the report, University College of the North: Recommendations and Action Plan, prepared by Professor Verna Kirkness following public consultations last fall. The report is available to the public on the UCN’s new Web site at: http://www.ucn.mb.ca.

"In our effort to ensure maximum input from northern Manitobans and Aboriginal education experts, we have established a separate University College of the North Web site," said McGifford. "In addition, a newsletter is being developed for individuals who do not have access to the Internet."

At this time, the Web site includes Kirkness’s report, various background reports, a full list of committee and team members and information on how implementation will move forward.

"Our government’s Northern Development Strategy identifies improved opportunities for employment and training as priority areas," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin. "UCN is a key component of our efforts to help shape the future of education, community and economic development in Northern Manitoba for decades to come."

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BIOGRAPHIES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

Kathleen Leary of Norway House is chairperson of the University College of the North Steering Committee. She takes a proactive approach to promoting quality education at all levels, and has been instrumental in developing community-based college and university programs. For 12 years, she has been manager of the Education, Training and Culture Division of Norway House Cree Nation. She is a teacher by profession and holds a bachelor of education degree. She is a member of the Norway House School Authority, acts as liaison between the chief and council and the Frontier School Division, and is a trustee for Frontier School Division.

Shirley Ducharme of South Indian Lake is committed to promoting and pursuing ideas that will enhance opportunities for students in northern school settings. She has worked for the Frontier School Division for 25 years. Her teaching career focused on early years students, although she also taught at the middle and senior levels. She is currently the principal of Oscar Blackburn School.

Edwin Jebb of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, a University of Manitoba graduate, has been education director of the Opaskwayak Education Authority for the past 15 years. In recognition of his commitment to community service, he received the Brandon University Native Teacher Education Program Meritorious Service Award in 1999 and became a member of the Order of Manitoba in 2000. He also received the Frontier School Division Award in 2000 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in 2002.

Lorne Keeper of Winnipeg is a member of the Nisichawayasihk (Nelson House) Cree Nation and the executive director of the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. His education related career spans 25 years and has included work experience in the public school, university, college and First Nations sector.

Robert (Bob) MacGillivray of Thompson has worked for Mystery Lake School District for 26 years, serving as vice-principal, principal and assistant superintendent. He is currently superintendent and secretary-treasurer. His experience in the education field includes 31 years in northern and remote areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

Sharon McKay of Thompson is originally from the Mosakahiken (Moose Lake) Cree Nation and is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. She has been employed by the Keewatin Tribal Council since 1983, serving as education counsellor and director of student services until 1996, when she became director of education and training. She is currently completing her general bachelor degree from Brandon University and plans to pursue a masters degree in adult education.

Dolores Samatte of Cranberry Portage is originally from Crane River, Man., and was an educator for 34 years prior to her recent retirement. She is a member of the board of the Council on Post-Secondary Education and active in her community. Delores began her career as a Kindergarten to Grade 8 teacher in the Amaranth and Binscarth areas. She was also a teacher and principal with Frontier School Division, and was responsible for developing a health curriculum tailored specifically for the division.

Blaine Veitch of Flin Flon has been the superintendent of schools for the Flin Flon School Division since 2002. Before that time, he served as assistant superintendent of Flin Flon School Division, vice-principal of Hapnot Collegiate and principal of Many Faces Education Centre. He also taught physical education and was a counsellor at Hapnot Collegiate.

Derrick Wainio of The Pas recently retired from his position as superintendent of Kelsey School Division, a position he held since 1998. His 28 years of experience included teaching and co-ordinating music programs in Lynn Lake and The Pas and working as assistant principal and principal of Kelsey Elementary School. He plans to continue his work in the area of community leadership training.