Students walk the stage at the Fall Convocation ceremony for the First Nations University of Canada in Prince Albert. (Submitted Photo/Tina Pelletier, First Nations University of Canada)

By paNOW Staff

GRADUATING WITH PRIDE

FNUniv holds Fall Convocation in Prince Albert

Oct 23, 2023 | 12:00 PM

More than 100 students walked across the stage as they celebrated their recent graduation from the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

Students from all campuses came together in Prince Albert’s Plaza88 for the Fall Convocation celebration on Saturday night. The school has campuses in Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon.

The University recognized 107 graduates in the ceremony: 16 Master’s students, 41 Bachelor’s graduates, and 46 finishing their certificate programs.

Vice-President Academic and Member of Red Pheasant Cree First Nation Shalene Jobin said it was quite the spectacle to have all the campuses come to Prince Albert.

“We had a grand entry and we had the mayor in attendance and we had different motivational speakers and our presidents and one of our honoured alumni and our valedictorian speaking,” she said. “It was a really beautiful event.”

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(Submitted Photo/Tina Pelletier, First Nations University of Canada)

(Submitted Photo/Tina Pelletier, First Nations University of Canada)

(Submitted Photo/Tina Pelletier, First Nations University of Canada)

What made the event extra special was knowing that a bigger venue could soon hold the convocation as the First Nations University Northern Campus will have a new building.

In January, P.A.’s Council supported the future campus, voting to transfer five acres of land near the Victoria Hospital for $1.

It’s expected to house 450 students and have space for community events and gatherings.

Right now, there’s no official timeline as to when construction will start for the campus as the FNUniv is still waiting on approval for a grant through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) fund, which will cover around half of the $55 million build.

Whenever that campus does come together, Jobin said it will be a monumental occasion for the school as it sees tremendous growth year over year.

“Our campus started here in 1996, so, it’s just so exciting to see the growth of this campus and how people are choosing to come here and all of the amazing benefits for Prince Albert to have this as part of the spirit of their city,” she said.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com