First Nations University of Canada Student Travels to Korea to Participate in Cultural Exchange

April 2, 2025

On March 17, Indigenous Communication Arts student Tyrone Perreault travelled to Korea to participate in the 2024-2025 Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchange.

Through collaboration with the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sport, and Tourism, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, and Hanyang University, four Canadian representatives were invited to collaborate on developing a Korean-Canadian Musical.

“It was a privilege to be invited to collaborate on this project and have the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Korea as an ambassador of the First Nations University,” said Perreault.

Joined by Deneh’Cho Thompson and Leze Pewapsconias of The University of Saskatchewan and Keri Minty of Capilano University, the group participated in a launch event on March 20 for the musical entitled “R:Link.”

The event took place at the Canadian War Memorial in Gapyeong in honour of the Canadian and Indigenous soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gapyeong in April 1951.

It was during this battle in which 10 Canadian soldiers lost their lives holding back the People’s Volunteer Army of China – effectively stopping Seoul from being captured.

Notable dignitaries attended the event, including Yoo In-Chon, the Minister of Culture, Sport, and Tourism; Lee Ki-Jung, the President of Hanyang University; and Tamara Mawhinney, the Canadian Ambassador to Korea.

In addition to the launch event, the group had the opportunity to tour the War Memorial of Korea, where they learned about the events leading up to and following the Korean War.

The group also visited other significant historical sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is located in Seoul.

Future collaborations will take place throughout the summer of 2025, where Perreault and theatre students from the University of Saskatchewan and Capilano University will continue to develop R:Link alongside the students of Hanyang University.

Once complete, the musical will be performed in Seoul, Vancouver, and Saskatoon.

“I look forward to continuing this collaboration as we finalize R:Link,” said Perreault, “It is crucial we continue to foster international relationships as the First Nations University of Canada becomes globally recognized.”

* submitted by FNUniv Student, Tyrone Perreault