Memorandum signed between Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and the U of A

Memorandum signing between Grand Chief of Education Billy Joe Laboucan of Treaty 8 and Verna Yiu (Photo submitted)

The University of Alberta and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have entered into a memorandum of Relational understanding at advancing opportunities for Indigenous students.

Treaty 8 First Nations Grand Chief of Education Billy Joe Laboucan spoke with Windspeaker Radio Network about how the agreement will open doors for Indigenous students to pursue education in medicine and other programs.

Laboucan says that students from Treaty 8 will also be able to take their studies from home in Treaty 8 instead of having to travel to the city for classes.

Verna Yiu, U of A’s Interim Provost and Vice-President of Academics says the University of Alberta is excited with the signing of the new memorandum to help advance more opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue post-secondary education.

With programs that aligns with the memorandum that create pathways for Indigenous students like SHAPE and Braiding Past, Present and Future: Indigenous Strategic Plan, Yiu says it creates a path for Indigenous students while pursuing a profession in post-secondary education within the U of A.