A Memorandum of Understanding signed today by Gary Lipinski, President of the MNO and Dr. Ron Common, President of Sault College will help address the unique labour needs of Métis people in Ontario.
It’s Official: Sault College in Partnership With the Métis Nation of Ontario
Gary Lipinski, President of the MNO at Sault College to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON • April 28, 2010 — A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sault College and the Métis Nation of Ontario, signed today by Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Dr. Ron Common, President of Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie will help to address the unique labour needs of Métis people in Ontario by increasing participation in and access to Sault College programs and services.
“Sault College is the seventh post secondary institution in the province to recognize and address the unique needs of Métis and to agree to work in partnership with the MNO to ensure that programming offered at the College addresses those unique needs.” Métis Nation of Ontario President Gary Lipinski said.
“Sault College continues to be an education destination for Native students from around the province. We are a leader in identifying Native Education as a key priority for the institution. Today’s MOU will help to ensure that Sault College continues to develop relationships and work in partnership with all Aboriginal peoples in the province to better their skills and improve their participation in Ontario’s labour market and economy.” Dr. Common said.
Sault College and the MNO aim to establish an ongoing working relationship, as part of a bilateral process that allows for the identification of potential opportunities and partnerships to address the unique labour market needs of Métis people in the province.
Today also marks the Grand Opening of the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Centre at the College. The Apprenticeship Centre will provide all interested peoples in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding Algoma area with a client based approach to pursuing careers in the skilled trades. The 18-month project will focus on construction related trades that are needed in communities outside of major cities. The Centre is supported by many stakeholders including Sault College’s Native Education and Training Department, industry representatives and the Aboriginal community.
“The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Centre is one example of the types of successful partnership that can develop between the MNO and institutions of higher learning,” President Lipinski added. “These partnerships, with colleges and universities across the province also support similar MOUs previously signed between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the MNO.”
About Sault College
Sault College continues to enrol, educate, and graduate Native students from programs across the College. The student population has grown rapidly over the past few years and we are committed to serving ever-larger numbers of Native learners during the years ahead. Dedicated to Native student success, our Native Education Department offers a unique learning environment which embraces our language, culture, and traditions with an emphasis placed on student success strategies that will assist students in achieving excellence both academically and in their chosen career. Visit our website at www.saultcollege.ca for more information.
The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage who played an instrumental role in shaping Canada, and who work tirelessly to share their culture, traditions and knowledge of the environment with fellow Canadians.
CONTACT :
Tessa Pino, Communications Officer
Sault College
705-759-2554 ext. 2830
Tammy Webb,
Métis Nation of Ontario
705-254-1768
Sault Ste. Marie