U of R Press receives $125,000 gift from Federated Co-operatives Limited and Co-ops across Western Canada to support Indigenous language education
University of Regina Press has received a $125,000 gift from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), and Co-ops across Western Canada, to create textbooks and audio resources supporting the development of post-secondary Dakota and Dene language courses.
The University of Regina Press’s outstanding track record in publishing works that support Indigenous language study includes its First Nations Language Reader series, and scholarly textbooks supporting the study of Cree, Nakoda and Saulteaux languages.
“Producing these language resources is one of the U of R Press’s core missions,” says Marcel DeCoste, the University of Regina Press’s Director of Publications. “This support from Co-op is very welcome. It’s such a valuable legacy, and will provide resources that will allow us to continue this very important work.”
There is a growing need for learning materials to support and sustain Indigenous language study – both at the post-secondary level as well as for general audiences interested in learning the languages original to Treaty 4 and Treaty 6.
"Dakota and Dene are each endangered languages to varying extents," says Dr. Arok Wolvengrey, University of Regina Press’s First Nations Language Reader series editor, and Professor, Algonquian Languages and Linguistics at First Nations University of Canada. “Having these resources allows our teachers to better instruct their students and inspire new speakers.”
Co-op’s gift will be received by U of R Press in installments of $25,000 over five years, and is an expression of the organization’s commitment to taking very real and meaningful steps in expanding their ongoing Indigenous engagement efforts.
“We are striving to be leaders in the journey towards reconciliation,” says Heather Ryan, FCL, CEO. “We are proud to be a partner in this important initiative and to support both the preservation and growth of Indigenous languages and culture.”
For more information:
Melissa Shirley
Marketing and Publicity Manager
U of R Press
Phone: 647-389-9510
Email: melissa.shirley@uregina.ca
Director Communications and Public Affairs
Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
Phone: 306-529-7372
Email: brad.delorey@fcl.crs
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.
About the University of Regina Press
University of Regina Press is located on Treaty 4 Territory, the traditional lands of the nêhiyawak (Cree), Anihšinapêk (Saulteaux), Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda Nations, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif peoples.
University of Regina Press (URP) publishes books that matter — in both academic and trade formats. Our non-fiction trade books tend towards the hard-hitting, while most of our scholarly titles are accessible to non-specialists. We endeavour to develop writers into public intellectuals, encourage debate, and inspire young people to study the humanities by publishing books that are both seen and relevant.About Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL)
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) does business differently. At its core, FCL is a co-operative that supports other co-operatives that serve people in Western Canada.
FCL is a wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative co-operative owned by more than 160 independent local co-operative associations. These local co-ops own and operate agro centres, food stores, gas bars/convenience stores and home centres.