The University College of the North will offer an aboriginal human resources program at its campuses in Thompson and The Pas starting in September 2011.
UCN announced the program Sept. 15 in The Pas, signing an exclusive partnership agreement with Manitoba Aboriginal Human Resources Strategists (MAHRS) that will make it the only post-secondary institution in Manitoba with this program.
Developed by MARHS and delivered through UCN's Faculty of Business, the aboriginal human resources program will be open to anyone interested in a human resources career. In addition to traditional courses on payroll and hiring, it will include information about laws and policies specific to First Nations communities. It is a one-year certificate program.
"UCN is proud to be the exclusive provider of this program," said Dr. Denise K Henning, UCN president and vice-chancellor. "Today's announcement illustrates UCN's commitment to increasing opportunities through the delivery of relevant and innovative programming."
Representatives of MARHS attended the signing ceremony as well.
"It gives us great pleasure to be here today on this monumental occasion to sign a partnership agreement with UCN," said Joe E. Thompson, MAHRS co-chair.
UCN hopes the aboriginal human resources program may help it get closer to achieving some of its representative workforce goals through the recruitment and retention of aboriginal human resource specialists.
MAHRS is an association of aboriginal professionals dedicated to strengthening aboriginal participation in the workforce.
