The Second Indigenous Nation-Building Program Residency held at FNUniv in Spring 2024

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) hosted the second 3-day Residency of the Indigenous Nation-Building Program from May 10 – 12, 2024, at the First Nations University of Canada Regina Campus. This Residency, a crucial and significant component, is the first step in fulfilling one of four requirements for the prestigious Indigenous Nation-Building Graduate Certificate. It was led by Dr. Bob Kayseas, Professor of Indigenous Business & Public Administration, FNUniv. The component featured Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous leaders, and other faculty from FNUniv and JSGS as guest speakers, underscoring the significance and value of this experience in the overall Program.

The Spring 2024 cohort consisted of eight students (graduates) from across Canada. For many, it was their first time participating in a residency component throughout graduate studies.

The theme evolved each day, with the first day consisting of a welcome, introduction and pipe ceremony/smudge with FNUniv Knowledge Keeper Dennis Omeasoo. Mr. Omeasoo shared his knowledge on how ancestral knowledge is connected to the land, language, and governance. An afternoon session focused on insights on leveraging economic development for Indigenous empowerment and sovereignty through successful business ventures within Indigenous communities and Nation-Building support initiatives.

Nation-Building through Community Resiliency was the theme of Day 2. Faculty began by discussing traditional versus contemporary Métis governance and practices, plus understanding the modern-day Treaty-making processes. Guest Chief Erica Beaudin, Cowessess First Nation, SK., spoke on the opportunities and challenges First Nations may encounter in pursuing Self-Determination and Nation Rebuilding. Ending the day, the group participated in a Sharing Circle to examine the connection between intergenerational trauma, Nation-Building and how traditional and modern healers contribute to the processes.

The group reconvened to review and submit their final PowerPoint presentations on the final day.

Overall, the students departed the Residency with a profound understanding of how Nation-Building is intricately linked with Decolonization, Indigenization, and Reconciliation. Their personal growth and learning journey during the Residency was not just inspiring, but also motivational, demonstrating the transformative power of this unique learning experience.

The Indigenous Nation-Building Program Winter Term application deadline is October 1st.

For full details about the Program, you can visit https://grad.usask.ca/programs/indigenous-nation-building.php