The University College of the North Launches New Program
with Potential for Long-term Benefits to Communities

Media Release: November 17, 2009 – The Pas, Manitoba
The University College of the North (UCN) today officially launched a new program aimed at giving First
Nations communities throughout Manitoba some of the tools needed for long-term economic stability.
The Community Development and Administration Program (CDA) is the result of collaboration between
Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, Keewatin Tribal Council, Swampy Cree Tribal Council and
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. The project has a budget of $1.6 million. First year funding was
provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Funding can be renewed on an annual basis.
Community sponsors are paying for the students’ books, travel and salaries.
“Partnerships provide possibilities,” said Denise K. Henning, president of the University College of the
North. “They help provide solutions to the needs of our communities, our learners and our economy.”
CDA is a two-year diploma program. Students from more than a dozen communities in Manitoba will
attend CDA classes in The Pas one week out of every month over the course of more than four years.
Konrad Jonasson, vice-president of Community-Based Services at UCN, says this delivery method is
beneficial to students.
“This format enables our students to receive their education, with a minimum amount of disruption to
their lives. They are away from their families for short periods of time and are also able to maintain their
employment,” he said.
Suzanne Barbeau-Gagné is the dean of Business at UCN. She was also part of a project team that
developed the CDA program. She says the fact that many of the students are already employed in their
home communities provides a unique opportunity for group learning.

“All of them have different issues in the workplace. Through group discussions, the students can draw
on personal experience and provide solutions to one another,” she said.
For more information, or to book an interview, please contact:
UCN External Relations
(204) 627-8322