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Establishing New Postsecondary Chair In Métis Studies
THUNDER BAY, ON, July 13 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is establishing
a new Research Chair in Métis Studies, David Ramsay, Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs, announced today on behalf of Chris Bentley, Minister of Training,
Colleges and Universities.
"Establishing the Research Chair in Métis Studies is a step in
acknowledging the significance of the Métis' contribution to Ontario," said
Ramsay in an address to the Métis Nation of Ontario's Annual General Assembly.
"The funding announced today provides for ongoing support for this Chair."
The McGuinty government is providing an endowment of $2 million to the
Council of Ontario Universities for the ongoing funding to support a Research
Chair in Métis Studies. The council will ensure the Métis Nation of Ontario is
involved in developing the goals and criteria for the Chair, as well as the
call for proposals.
This initiative also supports Ontario's new Aboriginal Education Strategy
for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. The strategy is intended to help
close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and increase
knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives
among all students.
Through the Aboriginal Education Strategy, the Minister's Advisory
Committee on Aboriginal Postsecondary Education, and the Ministry of
Education's Partnership Table, which includes First Nation and Métis
representatives, the Ontario government continues to strengthen Aboriginal
voices and involvement in education.
Métis Nation of Ontario President Tony Belcourt said "We look forward to
having a Chair in Métis Studies which will now help to counter the void of
information about the culture and history of the Métis people of Ontario in
school curriculum and in our libraries. I applaud the Government of Ontario
for establishing the Chair in Métis studies which will enable us to increase
public knowledge about our communities, our people and the contributions made
by the Métis Nation in the building of Canada."
Gary Lipinski, Métis Nation of Ontario Provisional Secretary of Education
and Training added, "The MNO is looking forward to the long-term partnership
with the Council of Ontario Universities in establishing the criteria, goals
and mandate of the Chair in addition to playing an ongoing role in ensuring
that the Métis people are directly engaged in and benefit from the work
undertaken. We have been working towards this for many years, and we are truly
happy to see this come to fruition."
"The Council of Ontario Universities is extremely pleased that the
government has made this important investment to advance Métis studies," said
council President Paul Genest. In administering this initiative, the council
will put in place a rigorous competitive process to select the host university
for the Chair, similar to the process used for the Ontario Research Chairs.
"The Research Chair in Métis Studies will contribute to a greater common
understanding of the Métis people, past and present, while enhancing the
quality of postsecondary education for Métis students," said Bentley.
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For further information: Sheamus Murphy, Minister's Office, (416) 325-7215; Tanya Blazina, Communications Branch, (416) 325-2746; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514, TTY: 1-800-263-2892
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