Northern students study at La Ronge

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A barrier faced by Aboriginal students from northern Saskatchewan to getting

a quality education has been identified. Culture shock and isolation felt while they are attending classes at the two universities in southern Saskatchewan is a big stumbling block.

To eliminate this barrier, Aboriginal students form northern Saskatchewan can complete part of the university education without having to leave the north. The Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) based in La Ronge was established in 1976 in co-operation with the Universities of Saskatchewan and Regina. As a result of the success of the program, the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) was established in 1987 to broaden the range of opportunities available to students from northern Saskatchewan.

"It is less of an adjustment for students form the north. It is a smaller community," said Elie Fleury, director of NORTEP AND NORPAC. They are with

their friends, they get to go home every three weeks for field placement."

NORTEP offers a four-year teacher training course that is the equivalent of

the degree program offered through the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. Students can specialize in early childhood, primary, the middle years, or secondary education. The students are able to do their field placement in their home communities. In the third year of the program, they are required to spend one summer and one semester at the University of Regina or the University of Saskatchewan. In the fourth year they have internships in a community outside their homes. Most of the graduates find employment in northern Saskatchewan.

NORPAC offers a two-tear transfer program. Students can take the first year

or two towards an Arts or Science degree at La Ronge, then finish their degree program at the either of the southern universities.

Between NORTEP and NORPAC there is a total student population of 110 to

125 students.

NORPAC attracts from eight to 12 new students each year. Many have an

interest in working in the mines or in geology.

Students coming to La Ronge live in apartments rented by NORTEP and NORPEC. They are on campus for three weeks, then home for a week of field placement, so are able to keep close contact with their home communities.