LIGHTING THE PATH: 2013-2018 STRATEGIC PLANLighting the Path: First Nations University of Canada Strategic Plan 2013-2018 will guide the work of Canada's first university-accredited Indigenous institution of higher learning for the next five years. The approval of this plan comes at a moment of great promise for First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), with the University enjoying robust growth and renewal. Substantial progress has been made in the areas of governance and administration. This work will continue throughout the duration of this plan as we continue to strive for excellence.The plan articulates specific goals related to four strategic themes, identified through extensive community consultation: Indigenous Languages, Cultures and Traditions; Innovative Student Learning Experience; Sustainable Growth; and Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement. These themes are aligned with the University’s vision and mission, which speak to the institution’s foundational and ongoing mandate to deliver accessible, high quality education while fostering and promoting Indigenous tradition, culture and values. The importance of close connection to Indigenous communities echoes throughout the plan as a key element of FNUniv’s distinctiveness.First Nations University of CanadaFNUC_653860b6-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce11First Nations StudentsAt the heart of the plan are FNUniv's students, who are the focus of all that we do. They embody the dream of the institution's founders that more First Nations people would become empowered through post-secondary education. To enhance that engagement, the institution provides a learning environment in which First Nations students can hear the languages of their peoples spoken, learn from Elders in their classrooms and participate in sacred ceremonies. Every aspect of the FNUniv experience, from the curriculum to the student support services, is designed to give First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous learners the greatest opportunity to succeed in their education and, in turn, to strengthen their communities through their accomplishments. Learners of Indigenous WaysAt the same time, FNUniv opens its doors each year to thousands of students of all backgrounds who wish to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing. The students, faculty and staff at FNUniv come from many backgrounds, and we work collectively in support of the principle that the advancement of Indigenous peoples yields many positive outcomes, including greater intercultural understanding and reconciliation. The University is committed to the values of inclusivity and respect for people of all cultures.Indigenous StudentsThe need for greater access to culturally supportive post-secondary education for Indigenous students is increasingly urgent, so that they can benefit fully from the treaty right to education and share in the country's prosperity. CanadaThrough this plan, FNUniv seeks to meet that growing demand by expanding its reach across Canada, while staying true to its Saskatchewan roots. Saskatchewan Indian Federated CollegeBy striving to enhance its national and international reputation, FNUniv enacts the vision behind its name change in 2003 from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.Indigenous CommunitiesIn order to achieve this expansion, over the next five years FNUniv will create strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities, various levels of government, and academic and industry partners across Canada.Canadian Government AgenciesCanadian Academic PartnersCanadian Industry PartnersFNUniv FacultyThe implementation of this plan will require the engagement of all of FNUniv's faculty, staff, student and community partners. By acting on the goals and values articulated in this document, we will secure FNUniv's long-term sustainability and fulfill the bright vision of our future.FNUniv StaffFNUniv StudentsFNUniv Community PartnersRooted in their own traditions, our students ... walk proudly and wisely today_65386386-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce11To enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations --The First Nations University of Canada will acquire and expand its base of knowledge and understanding in the best interests of First Nations and for the benefit of society by providing opportunities of quality bilingual and bicultural education under the mandate and control of the First Nations of Saskatchewan. The First Nations University of Canada is a First Nations' controlled university-college that provides educational opportunities to both First Nations and non-First Nations university students selected from a provincial, national and international base._653864da-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce11TraditionInnovationLeadershipCollaborationStrength through collaboration will be a hallmark of FNUniv's identity.VisionWe, the First Nations, are children of the Earth, placed here by the Creator to live in harmony with each other, the land, animals and other living beings. All beings are interconnected in the Great Circle of Life.Collective ValuesAs First Nations, we treasure our collective values of wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength and spirituality. We have preserved and passed down our traditions through countless generations.Wisdom RespectHumilitySharingHarmonyBeautyStrengthSpiritualityEldersThe Elders teach us to respect the beliefs and values of all nations.CooperationUnder the Treaties, our leaders bade us to work in cooperation and equal partnership with other nations. The Elders' desire for an Indian institution of higher education led to the establishment of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC).PartnershipOpportunityThe First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. Spiritual PowerThe university is a special place of learning where we recognize the spiritual power of knowledge and where knowledge is respected and promoted. In following the paths given to us by the Creator, the First Nations have a unique vision to contribute to higher education. KnowledgeDiversityWith the diversity and scope of the First Nations degree programs, the universityoccupies a unique role in Canadian higher education. ScopeQualityThe university promotes a high quality of education, research and publication.EducationResearchPublicationTraditionsAt the First Nations University of Canada, First Nations students can learn in the context of their own traditions, languages and values. Rooted in their own traditions, our students will walk proudly and wisely today. The university, through extension programming, reaches out and welcomes First Nations peoples to use its resources for the enrichment of their communities.LanguagesValuesDignityThe university requires facilities that reflect the uniqueness, values, dignity and beauty of the First Nations it represents.Cultural SymbolsConnectedness to the LandThey will include appropriate recognition and integration of the role of the Elders, cultural symbols and the First Nations connectedness to the land.RecognitionIntegrationLANGUAGES, CULTURES & TRADITIONSPromote, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of Indigenous people while offering a balance in bicultural education_653865ca-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES, CULTURESAND TRADITIONS -- The First Nations University of Canada has built a strongnational and international reputation as a leader indelivering Indigenous higher education and promotingIndigenous knowledge. At its core, the University hasdeveloped unique programs, research, and services thathave integrated Western knowledge and Indigenousknowledge.The Elders have given direction to the University onits important role in assisting Indigenous youth withreconnecting and maintaining their Indigenous identity,culture and language. Many of the University’s studentshave said that they want to learn more about theirIndigenous culture and that they view FNUniv as aplace where they can achieve that. Others have indicatedthat they chose the FNUniv because of the institution'scommitment to Indigenous culture and languages.That is why a significant part of the University's missionis to promote, protect and interpret the history, language,culture and artistic heritage of Indigenous people whileoffering a balance in bicultural education.Our excellence in delivering Indigenous higher educationprovides us a significant competitive advantage. Overthe next five years we will ensure that we maintain ourunique competitive advantage by continuing to developand focus our instruction and learning environmenton Indigenous language, culture and tradition and bypartnering with Indigenous communities. We will alsoseek to capitalize on this competitive advantage byensuring that as many people as possible are awareof our efforts in this areaMethodologies & ContentEnhance the use of traditional Indigenous methodologies and content in the classroom_653866d8-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.1Research, Programming & ServicesIncrease the awareness of the University's unique Indigenous research, programming and services_653867d2-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.2Outreach, Awareness & EngagementEngage communities on an ongoing basis and extend outreach and awareness of the cultural initiatives of the University_65386a98-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.3Cultural CapacityStrengthen the University's unique advantage by continuing to build its cultural capacity_65386be2-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.4PartnershipsStrengthen the number of partnerships with Indigenous organizations, institutions, and communities_65386ce6-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.5Indigenous OrganizationsIndigenous InstitutionsIndigenous CommunitiesFoundation & JournalExplore innovative ways to increase the dissemination of Indigenous knowledge through research by establishing an Indigenous knowledge research foundation and a journal_65386e12-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce111.6STUDENT LEARNINGProvide the best possible experience for all students within traditional learning systems and ways of knowing_65386f8e-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112FNUniv StudentsFNUniv FacultyFNUniv StaffINNOVATIVE STUDENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE -- As the student population becomes increasingly diverseand informed, the First Nations University of Canadaunderstands that students expect much more fromuniversities than simply learning course content andgraduating with a degree. FNUniv aims to adapt to thechanging needs of Indigenous communities by increasingstudent opportunities in the larger economy and society.The goal for FNUniv is to innovate accordingly to providethe best possible experience for all students withintraditional learning systems and ways of knowing.Our goal of greater satisfaction and increased studentsuccess will be achieved by improving our students'academic experience through attention to studentservice value, active learning and teaching strategies,formative assessment, relevant courses and flexiblelearning opportunities. With the aim of exceeding studentexpectations, diversifying the curriculum and enrichingthe learning experience adds value for students, faculty,staff, and the campus culture.Programs & DeliveryDevelop new innovative and relevant academic programs and delivery options_65387092-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.1Services & RetentionImprove the quality of student services and retention to enhance the student experience_653871a0-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.2EnrollmentIncrease student enrollment by 10% year-over-year for the duration of the plan_653872cc-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.3K-12 School RelationshipsTake steps to strengthen relationships with K-12 schools_653873da-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.4K-12 SchoolsQuality AssuranceCreate an internal quality assurance process in order to review and revise programs on an ongoing basis_653874e8-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.5ScholarshipsIncrease the number and variety of student scholarships targeted at the needs of students_6538760a-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.6Independence & AuthorityDevelop a work plan that identifies deliberate and incremental action taken towards academic independence and independent degree granting authority_65387718-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce112.7GROWTHPursue sustained development _6538784e-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113SUSTAINABLE GROWTH -- The First Nations University of Canada will pursuesustained development by securing funding sources,developing campuses, and creating professional practicein its programming, staffing and stakeholder relations.The University will pursue expansion and diversificationof the University’s revenue streams. Sustainable fundingwill allow the university to position itself for continuedgrowth by integrating and leveraging inherent strengthsin each of the four priority areas within the strategic plan.Long-term capital planning will address the University’sphysical needs for infrastructure such as more classrooms,additional office space, expanded recreational and culturalfacilities, childcare capacity, and student residences.The University will enhance its processes to attract, recruitand retain excellent faculty and staff while setting specifictargets for professional development and creatinga culture of professional accountability, administrationand governance.Indigenous knowledge is distinguished from westernknowledge systems by its origin and its integration inthe culture of Indigenous people. As a commitment tothe national and international community, FNUniv willcontinue to encourage the promotion, protection andinterpretation of Indigenous Knowledge.FNUniv will continue to offer classes in an Indigenouslearning environment while developing enhancedcurriculum and new programs targeted at relevantlearner skills and community and industry needs.ReputationEnhance our reputation as a nationally and internationally renowned institution of choice for Indigenous education and research_653879a2-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.1FundingIdentify sustainable funding sources that will expand and diversify the University's revenue streams_65387ac4-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.2CapitalDevelop a long-term capital plan for the entire University that will include a focus on securing appropriate campus space for Prince Albert and Saskatoon_65387be6-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.3Staff & FacultyAttract, develop and retain excellent staff and faculty_65387d94-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.4Professional DevelopmentCreate a professional development plan_65387eb6-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.5PoliciesConduct a thorough review of existing polices and devise new policies where needed _65387fd8-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce113.6STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTEnhance stakeholder engagement_6538812c-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114ENHANCED STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT -- As the First Nations University of Canada moves forwardalong its path of growth and innovation, engagementwith key stakeholders becomes increasingly crucial.Effective stakeholder engagement supports thestrengthening of positive relationships with students,faculty, staff, alumni, Indigenous communities, industry,other educational institutions and both the provincialand federal governments.Stakeholder engagement ensures that FNUniv is trulyworking for the benefit of the community-at-large bydelivering education and research initiatives that areresponsive to their needs.A focus on engagement also ensures stakeholderawareness of the University's excellence in teaching,research, knowledge transfer, community services,industry and partnership. The following sectionoutlines the different stakeholders with whom wewant to engage and the various goals we would liketo achieve within each area.University of ReginaEnhance the mutually beneficial relationship between the University of Regina and the First Nations University of Canada to increase the number and depth of partnerships in the areas of program development, student service and research collaboration_65388262-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.1University of ReginaMarketingDevelop a marketing campaign targeted at prospective and existing students and other stakeholders_65388398-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.2FNUniv StudentsElders & AlumniActively engage Elders and Alumni to increase their participation at FNUniv_653884ec-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.3FNUniv EldersFNUniv AlumniCommunity-Based ProgrammingIdentify and implement ways the University can engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities with a focus on community-based programming_6538860e-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.4Indigenous CommunitiesIndustryEstablish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with industry that will lead to additional funding and the continued development of relevant programming_6538873a-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.5IndustryPost-Secondary Educational InstitutionsEstablish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with other post-secondary educational institutions within the context of the existing federation agreement_653888b6-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.6Post-Secondary Educational InstitutionsGovernmentsStrengthen relationships with Indigenous, federal, provincial and municipal governments_65388a00-d3fe-11e5-8f3c-d744103dce114.7Indigenous GovernmentsFederal GovernmentProvincial GovernmentsMunicipal Governments2016-02-15http://fnuniv.ca/images/factsfigures/fnuniv_stratplan_2013_2018.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net