UCN Focuses New Team to Lead Reconciliation Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2022

University College of the North Focuses New Team to Lead Reconciliation Efforts
(The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) has established the
Department of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. Dr. Ramona Neckoway is appointed as
Associate Vice President and will lead the new department.

The new department represents the next step in the evolution of UCN’s pursuit of an agenda of
reconciliation. When fully implemented, the department will lead UCN’s efforts in
reconciliation, creating opportunities to increase access to Indigenous language training and
revitalization, pursuing research in Indigenous languages and culture, and helping to ensure
that UCN continues to be a leader in reconciliation in post‐secondary education.

“The new department will help to guide UCN’s curriculum with respect to inclusion of
Indigenous content, worldviews, and Indigegogy,” said Dr. Dan Smith, UCN’s Vice‐President
Academic and Research. “Dr. Neckoway has an exciting and ambitious agenda that will see
UCN’s approach to reconciliation informed by Indigenous knowledge, research, culture,
language, and community engagement.”

Dr. Neckoway’s background in research into Indigenous languages is a natural fit.
“As an Indigenous scholar from northern Manitoba, I embark on this new role with great
humility, and I look forward to creating diverse and multifaceted opportunities,” said Dr.
Neckoway.

The new department will be officially in place as of January 3, 2023.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while
respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.

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