Yukon College awarded Gold CICAN Indigenous Education Excellence Award

May 27, 2015

WINNIPEG - Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) presented Yukon College with the first Indigenous Education Excellence Gold Award at a ceremony in Winnipeg last night.

The award criterion looks at institutional commitment, respect of intellectual and cultural traditions, increased understanding and reciprocity among indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, learning environments, and relationship building. It is one of eight awards of excellence presented during the annual CICan conference.

“At Yukon College the importance placed on First Nations Initiatives comes right from the Board of Governors and goes right through the entire College. This has allowed us to make effective, real partnerships and relationships with our community and First Nation partners,” said Tosh Southwick, Director of First Nations Initiatives and Academic and Skill Development.

CICan highlighted the College’s President’s Advisory Council on First Nations Initiatives (PACFNI) in presenting the award. Formed in 2008, PACFNI is made up of Education directors from each of Yukon’s 14 First Nations. The council meets quarterly to assess curriculum and provide feedback and advice to the College President on programs and services.

“PACFNI’s mandate is to improve education at Yukon College for all students, not just First Nations students,” said Dr. Karen Barnes, College President and Vice-Chancellor. “It has become an important sounding board for myself and staff to discuss new ideas around our programs and services.”

A video screened at the award presentation features Barnes and Southwick, as well as Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief Steve Smith, College instructor Elizabeth Bosely, Brock University exchange student Jacob Guthrie, College Board Vice-Chair Patti Balsillie, and PACFNI member Dexter MacRae.

Yukon College Chancellor Geraldine Van Bibber and President Barnes were at the conference in Winnipeg to accept the award.

Colleges and Institutes Canada is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics. We work with industry and social sectors to train 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities in Canada. The Association operates in 29 countries via 12 offices around the world.