First Nations University of Canada Unveils Renewed Traditional Campus

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) marked a significant milestone on March 6, 2024, with a celebration of its renewed nēwoskan Traditional Campus. This event highlighted the enhancements made to the campus, which is situated on a 22-acre property north of the South Saskatchewan River, near St. Louis, Canada.

FNUC President Jacqueline Ottmann emphasized the importance of this land-based educational environment. “Of course, there’s teaching involved, there’s storytelling, but there’s also that holistic support that occurs here,” Ottmann stated. The campus is designed to foster a deep connection with nature, allowing students and community members to engage meaningfully with their surroundings. “To learn from and be from the environment, to disconnect from the cities,” she added, describing the benefits of the space, which includes the chance to listen to the sounds of wildlife and observe the night sky.

The land has a rich history, having been stewarded by Elder Shelley Belhumeur, who first took possession in 1998. Belhumeur shared her perspective on land ownership, saying, “I didn’t ever say I own it because, I mean, we don’t own land. We care for it. We live on it. It belongs to Mother Earth.” This philosophy underscores the deep cultural significance of the campus.

Investment in Land-Based Learning

The renewal of the Traditional Campus includes significant infrastructure improvements. Upgrades feature renovations to the mess hall and kitchen, the addition of new overnight cabins, enhanced shower and washroom facilities, water infrastructure upgrades, a permanent sweat lodge structure, and an outdoor learning area. Belhumeur remarked on the sacredness of the area, stating, “This is a sacred area. I’ve heard a couple of people say that it was a sacred area. It is. It’s been wonderful.”

The project received financial backing of $2.4 million from federal and provincial governments, complemented by a contribution of $1 million from FNUC. This support reflects a commitment to preserving Indigenous culture and providing educational opportunities rooted in land-based learning.

Since its inception in 2021, the Traditional Campus has served as a vital space for students, elders, and community members, promoting a holistic approach to education. As the newest of FNUC’s four campuses, it aims to be a permanent land-based learning environment that emphasizes both academic and personal growth.

The celebration of the nēwoskan Traditional Campus not only marks the completion of significant renovations but also reaffirms FNUC’s commitment to Indigenous education. The renewed space is poised to facilitate deeper connections between students and their cultural heritage, fostering an environment where learning and community thrive.