First Nations centre ready to go up, says new University of Alberta president – Edmonton Journal

November 16, 2015

A new $30-million centre for aboriginal students is ready to go up on north campus as part of the University of Alberta’s commitment to reconciliation, says the university’s new president.

The Maskwa House of Learning, supported by the Grand Chiefs of Treaty Six and Eight, will be built “in the spirit of working in partnership to answer the legacy of residential schools,” said Dave Turpin in the speech written for his installation as U of A president on Monday.

Dignitaries attending the installation ceremony beginning at the Jubilee Auditorium included Premier Rachel Notley, Mayor Don Iveson, government ministers, civic and community leaders, and three former U of A presidents: Indira Samarasekera, Rod Fraser and Myer Horowitz.

Turpin, the U of A’s 13th president, also said the university is launching an ambitious plan to guarantee every first-year student a place in residence next fall, to “nurture the bond” between students and campus. A new $40-million residence tower will soon be under construction.

While the U of A has the country’s only faculty of native studies, more must be done to ensure success of aboriginal education, said Turpin.

Read More: http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/new-first-nations-centre-ready-to-go-up-says-new-university-of-alberta-president