The Métis Nation of Ontario Signs Educational Partnership with Niagara College Canada

WELLAND, ON, Sept. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Niagara College signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU is intended to strengthen and formalize the long-standing positive working relationship between MNO and Niagara College. This document establishes several key areas for collaboration and partnership including: increasing Métis participation in, and access to, Niagara programs and services, engaging in joint Métis research initiatives, and promoting Métis content across the curriculum. "Niagara College is the thirteenth post-secondary institution in the province," stated MNO President Gary Lipinski, "to recognize and address the unique needs of Métis and to agree to work in partnership to ensure that programming offered at the College addresses those needs."

The MOU with Niagara College is part of a larger relationship building process of bilateral partnerships with post-secondary institutions that includes an MOU signed between the MNO and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. According to President Lipinski, "this MOU is a significant achievement for the Métis people in Ontario because it demonstrates a commitment to forge a lasting relationship between post-secondary institutions and the MNO. The agreement with Niagara College builds on the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement, which the province signed with the MNO over two years ago."

Niagara College has a longstanding commitment to fostering leadership and development with the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, and to advancing the understanding of Aboriginal cultures, heritage and languages within the College and broader communities.

"We're very pleased to have citizens of the Métis Nations of Ontario as current standing members of our Aboriginal Education Management Circle, and as part of our growing population of students and graduates," said Dr. Dan Patterson, President of Niagara College. "This agreement allows both institutions to work together as partners in the development and delivery of post-secondary education and training programs for Aboriginal students."

About the Métis Nation of Ontario
The MNO democratically represents Métis people and Métis communities in Ontario through a province-wide governance structure at the local, regional and provincial levels.  The MNO has Framework Agreements with the province of Ontario, several government ministries and post-secondary institutions as well as with resource companies. The MNO provides a wide array of services to its over 14,000 citizens across the province in the areas of education, training, health and housing.  For more information on the MNO visit www.metisnation.org

About Niagara College
Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.  

SOURCE: METIS NATION OF ONTARIO

Mike Fedyk
Director of Communications
Métis Nation of Ontario
Ph: 613-314-9402 (cell)
E: [email protected]

Gord Hunchak
Associate Vice President, Communications &
Planning Niagara College
Ph: 905 735-2211 ext. 4650
Ph: 905 650-7820 (cell)
E: [email protected]