The American Indian Studies Department at UNC Pembroke is developing a partnership with University College of the North (UCN) in Canada to establish a study abroad program.

On Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m., the UNCP-UCN partnership will be celebrated at a special signing ceremony in the Native American Resource Center in Old Main. The public is invited to attend.

Two years in the making, American Indian Studies (AIS) faculty members Drs. Mary Ann Jacobs (chair), Rose Stremlau and Jane Haladay selected University College of the North as a partner institution because of its compatibility with UNC Pembroke.

Located in northern Manitoba, UCN (www.ucn.ca/ics) serves Indigenous communities and many First Nations students, especially those from Cree reserves.

“The combination of UCN’s academic programs, student demographics, Indigenous community concerns and enthusiastic faculty and administration all suggest that this exchange will enrich UNCP students as well as the larger university community,” Dr. Haladay said.

Joint plans include:

* shared courses via video conferencing,

* summer trips to UCN,

* hosting UCN students in Pembroke and

* semester-long exchanges that include Indigenous culture camps.

The programs are planned to begin as early as the 2010-11 academic year, budget permitting.

“We couldn't be more excited about this program,” Dr. Stremlau said, “and we invite UNCP students, faculty, and community members to get to know UCN too.”

To that end, AIS will host five guests from UCN on October 5 - 8. The following faculty and administrative personnel from the University College of the North will visit: Denise Henning, president and vice chancellor; Doris Young, advisor to the president on Aboriginal Affairs; Norma Jo Baker, dean of Arts and Sciences; Carol Girling, director of Enrollment Services and registrar; and Suzie Nemeth, executive officer and advisor to the president.

“They are eager to visit the heart of Lumbee country and look forward to learning about what UNCP will offer UCN students,” Dr. Stremlau said.

The American Indian Studies Department welcomes the University community and the general public at the formal signing ceremony.

Contact Dr. Stremlau at rose.stremlau@uncp.edu or Dr. Haladay at haladayj@uncp.edu with any questions.