Photo: Dr. Jerry Hopwood, President of UNENE, and Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of FNUniv, sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Saskatoon, October 21, 2025 / photo supplied by FNUniv
By: Danielle Dufour
MBC News Freelance Correspondent
First Nations University of Canada
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, the First Nations University of Canada signed a partnership understanding with UNENE, the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering.
“I am over the moon excited for the First Nations University of Canada to engage in and help build STEM programming that can influence the direction of clean energy,” said FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann.
UNENE is a network of Canadian and partner international universities that offers nuclear engineering, science, and technology research and education programming.
“The memorandum of understanding which UNENE signed yesterday with the First Nations University of Canada marks an important step in advancing inclusive and collaborative nuclear education and training and research in Canada.” explained
Dr. Peter Ozemoyah, the Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations.
“Through our collaboration with the First Nations University of Canada, UNENE will be able to integrate Indigenous perspectives into nuclear science, broaden opportunities for students and faculty, and foster innovation that is grounded in both technical excellence and cultural understanding, in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Dr. Peter Ozemoyah.
Dr. Ottmann explained that the programs will take some time to be developed and implemented at the First Nations University but will be centred on STEM fields and geared toward clean energy and environmental stewardship.
“We want to inspire students to consider STEM areas of study, to contribute to these sciences so that we have Indigenous voices in these circles,” said Dr. Ottmann.
This will connect students to learning and job opportunities in the field.
“These programs will not only benefit the First Nations University of Canada but also UNENE through the contribution of Indigenous knowledge systems,” said Dr. Ottmann.
“The STEM programs need to consider energy, sovereignty, environmental assessment, and sustainable supply chains,” explains Dr. Ottmann. “These are guided by Indigenous values like balance, respect, responsibility, and the source of life, which is our land.”
While there is no specific program in mind related to Saskatchewan’s uranium mining industry, Dr. Ottmann pointed out it is something they will explore in the future.
“Our immediate goal is to strengthen STEM programming, from the high school level to university to the workforce,” said Dr. Ottmann.
The next steps include the STEM team from First Nations University of Canada meeting with Dr. Peter Ozemoyah.
“The Canadian Nuclear Association welcomes the memorandum of understanding between the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) and First Nations University of Canada,” said George Christidis, the President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association.
“This collaboration reflects an important step toward greater Indigenous engagement in Canada’s nuclear sector by integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into nuclear education and training, and partnerships like this strengthen the industry’s commitment to reconciliation and help build a more inclusive and skilled workforce for the future,” said George Christidis.
Yesterday, Premier Scott Moe announced an investment of $3 million in the Fedoruk Centre for research chairs at both the Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the First Nations University of Canada.
The First Nations University of Canada’s research chair will explore engagement in nuclear and innovative technology, engineering sovereignty, and environmental assessment.
“We are preparing future leaders through collaborations like this,” said Dr. Ottmann.
For more information or to watch for updates, see the First Nations University of Canada website at www.fnuniv.ca or through their social media accounts.