Photo: (from Left to Right) Kristara Shingoose, Katelyn Keshane, Justine Severight, Jarrin Musqua, Ryan Brass, Justice Keshane and Nathan Brass
Suncrest College is highlighting the success of its Bachelor of Indigenous Education program, pointing to the growing number of graduates now teaching in First Nations schools across the region.
The four-year degree program is offered through a partnership between Suncrest College and First Nations University of Canada and has operated in the region for about a decade. The program is delivered through Suncrest’s Yorkton campus, with a remote learning option also available through its Melfort campus.
Shanley Allard, manager of post-secondary education at Suncrest College, said the program combines classroom learning with Indigenous perspectives, land-based education and in-school teaching experience.
“The Bachelor of Indigenous Education degree program is a First Nations University of Canada program that’s offered at Suncrest College, specifically out of our Yorkton campus,” said Allard. “We’ve had this partnership with First Nations University for about 10 years now.”
The program aims to prepare teachers to work in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learning environments while incorporating cultural teachings throughout the curriculum. Students also participate in culture camps and school placements each semester, including placements in First Nations schools.
A recent college feature highlighted the program’s impact at Keeseekoose Chief Education Centre, where eight teachers currently on staff are graduates of the program.
“We started talking with some of the staff and learned that eight members on staff, eight of the teachers currently working on Keeseekoose, were graduates of our program over the last number of years,” said Allard.
Suncrest College was created in 2023 through the merger of Parkland College and Cumberland College. While the institution’s name has changed, the Indigenous education partnership has continued uninterrupted.
Allard said one of the program’s greatest strengths is that students can complete an education degree close to home while accessing supports from both Suncrest College and First Nations University of Canada.
“It’s been such a valuable program and they couldn’t have done it if it was meaning moving away (from home) to a city to complete, explained Allard.
Program cohorts are typically made up of 10 to 25 students, allowing for smaller class sizes and stronger connections between learners and instructors. Students also have access to advising services, scholarships and funding opportunities through both institutions, Suncrest College and First Nations University of Canada.
Applications for upcoming intakes are available through the Suncrest College website.
Once an application is submitted, prospective students are connected with an advisor and guided through the additional application process required by First Nations University of Canada.
Allard said the college is continuing to raise awareness about the program and encourage more people from the region to consider a career in education.
“We’re excited to just let the public know more about this degree program,” said Allard.
