Enoch Cree Nation and NorQuest College form bold education partnership

November 13, 2019

NorQuest College and Enoch Cree Nation are formalizing a partnership to drive economic and community development by reimagining opportunities in healthcare and education.

NorQuest College signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 12 focused on education and healthcare innovation with Enoch Cree Nation. The MOU aims to develop training and learning opportunities including workshops, non-credit programming, dual-credit high school programs, and customized academic upgrading opportunities that meet the identified needs of the community. Additionally, the Enoch Cree Nation cultural department will lead Cree language and cultural learning opportunities.

This important partnership between NorQuest and Enoch Cree Nation will transform lives and communities and aligns with the college’s goal of enhanced community presence. The MOU will establish the framework to achieve strategic goals shared between both partners.

“Enoch Cree Nation is excited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with NorQuest College to explore future educational opportunities,” said Chief Billy Morin. “Establishing a meaningful relationship with NorQuest College will provide our members quality education which will eventually lead to better outcomes for the Nation. Furthermore, this relationship is symbolic of the Treaty right to education.”

“Chief Morin and his council have an ambitious vision to create a hub of healthcare innovation, educational opportunities, and economic development for both Indigenous communities and urban Indigenous peoples in the greater Edmonton region,” says Dr. Jodi Abbott, President and CEO of NorQuest College. “NorQuest is honoured to work with them as equal partners in realizing this vision.”

NorQuest is proud to continue its commitment to realizing the principles and objectives within the college’s Indigenization Strategy, Wahkôhtowin, which aims to make education for Indigenous people accessible and culturally sensitive.

“There is already great cooperation between NorQuest College and Enoch Cree Nation. This MOU provides a solid foundation,” says April Stone, Business Development Officer, Indigenous Partnerships, NorQuest College. “The partnership will certainly open more doors for Indigenous youth and the community. Education from NorQuest College is accessible, and in the future we can help provide Indigenous people with paths to careers they had not considered possible.”

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