ODANAK, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 08/20/11 -- Editors Note: A photo for this release is available via Marketwire's website.
It is with great pride that the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) launches its new First Nations Post-Secondary Institution (FNPI), and takes this opportunity to unveil its official name, Kiuna Institution, which means "to us" in Abenaki language. "The opening of this Institution is the result of many years of effort and work by the FNEC staff, partnering cegeps and the provincial government," said Lise Bastien, FNEC Director General. Located in the Abenaki community of Odanak, this Institution is specifically dedicated to First Nations youth. Attending the launch were Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Geoffrey Kelley, Quebec Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, along with representatives from the federal government, partnering institutions Dawson College and Cegep de l'Abitibi-Temiscamingue, partnering companies Sono Video and Polycom and several of its future students.
Prudence Hannis, Associate Director of the Institution, declared that "The mission of Kiuna Institution is to shape competent First Nations citizens in their respective fields, proud bearers of their cultural heritage, socially responsible, open to the world and concerned for the well-being of their communities". In this respect, the Institution offers a quality education in an environment that takes into account the culture and traditions of First Nations. It promotes access to post-secondary studies, school success and graduation rates of youth and adults who study at Kiuna Institution. Ms. Bastien stated: "This is an opportunity for our youth to study in an environment sensitive to their reality, to work together, and to have positive exchanges between First Nations. Such an initiative is a step towards the autonomy of First Nations institutions."
Kiuna Institution offers a unique bilingual program, the First Nations - Social Science program, accredited by Quebec's ministere de l'Education, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS), which will lead to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS). More than thirty students will attend the first day of class on August 22, 2011.
The FNEC wishes also to highlight the engagement of the community of Odanak in this project, especially its participation in the construction of the building. This represents more than support for the advancement of First Nations education; it is also an important tool that will contribute to the economic development of this Abenaki community.
For further information, visit the Website of the Institution: http://www.ippn-fnpi.com/
The picture related to this release is available at the following address: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/KIA800.jpg
Contacts:
Virginie Michel
514-922-2315
virginie@cardinalcommunication.com
Eric Cardinal
514-258-2315
eric@cardinalcommunication.com