New university president acknowledges Native studies and starting new programs

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AT his inauguration as new University of Alberta president on Oct. 3, 1987, Howard Tennant identified the university's Native component as one of three priorities. In particular, he acknowledged the achievements and important roles played by the Native American Studies Department, the BESS program (Business Enterprizes and Self-Governing Systems of Indian, Inuit, and Metis Peoples) and Native Educator's Four World's Project.

The NAS department is a pioneer in its field, an area which has been largely ignored by other North American universities, says Tennant, who also admitted that these other universities now look to the U of L's Native Studies as a model and for general assistance in the start-up of similar programs.

Tennant emphasized the BESS program's ability to command respect both within the university and elsewhere across the country. With respect to the Four Worlds Project, he noted the Project's accomplishments in the problems related to alcohol and drug abuse amongst Native communities.

Harry Shade, an elder from the Blood Tribe reminded the participants and observers about the importance of education of all life in general and also said prayers in Blackfoot as part of the inauguration's closing.