Province recognizes all Yellowquill degrees and certificates

The province will now officially recognize degrees from Yellowquill University College.

Students who obtain their education from the First Nations-owned and operated post-secondary institution will be recognized the same as students who attend other universities and colleges, the province said in a news release Friday.

The Yellowquill University College Act was proclaimed Oct. 1 and formally recognizes the school’s authority to offer university degrees to students.

“This is an important step forward for Indigenous self-determination and for post-secondary education in Manitoba,” advanced education minister Renée Cable said in the release. “This legislation recognizes that leadership and affirms the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to shape and govern their own education.”

Yellowquill was established by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council in 1984. The student population is made up mostly of Indigenous students, although non-Indigenous students can enroll.

The university offers bachelor diplomas in education, relational studies, First Nations studies, as well as various diplomas.