A Sault-based Shingwauk University will become Canada's first aboriginal degree-granting institution, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine predicted Thursday in an address at Algoma University College.
Fontaine (shown with Shingwauk Aboriginal Students' Association representative Taylor Sayers) told the nearly-full house that Shingwauk University is working in partnership with Algoma University College to negotiate for independence and the right to grant full degrees in its own name.
"Shingwauk University will become the first accredited stand-alone indigenous institution of its kind anywhere in the country," said Fontaine.
He talked about the June 11, 2004 opening of the Shingwauk Centre for Excellence, which he attended in Sault Ste. Marie, and about the centre's goal to establish Shingwauk University.
"The discussions that I've been involved in over the last while with respect to Algoma University College and the people of Shingwauk University are affecting transformative change in a way that's reasonable and fair to all of the interested groups that are affected by this very important decision," Fontaine said.
"Given the commitment level that's been demonstrated by all of the parties at the table, these discussions and negotiations will bear fruit and we will see a tangible result," he said.
Fontaine indicated that Shingwauk University would become an agency central to the implementation of First Nations self government.