FNUniv Opens New Career Centre in Partnership with Co-operators

Regina, SK — September 4, 2025 – The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) marked a milestone this week with the grand opening of its new Career Centre, developed in partnership with Co-operators and supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

Located at FNUniv’s Regina campus, the Career Centre will also serve students across Saskatoon and Prince Albert through a mix of in-person and virtual services. The facility features an online job board, advising, workshops, and mentorship opportunities designed to help students transition from the classroom to the workforce while staying grounded in Indigenous culture and values.

Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of FNUniv, said the Centre represents a bridge between education and employment.

“The Career Centre will be a space where Indigenous students are further uplifted and supported into their next transition – the workforce,” she said. “We know that employment opportunities await our students and that many organizations are seeking Indigenous employees. This Centre will be a valuable resource to both students and employers.”

For Co-operators, the project is rooted in its long-standing connection to Regina.

“Our journey as a co-operative insurance company started 80 years ago in Regina,” said Alec Blundell, Executive Vice-President and COO of Co-operators Life Insurance Company. “By creating pathways to meaningful employment opportunities, we’re investing in a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Students are already recognizing the Centre as a vital support.

“As a student, I see the Career Centre as a place that not only prepares us for our professional journeys but also honours who we are as Indigenous people,” said Nathaniel Merasty, President of FNUniv’s Regina Campus Students’ Association.

The grand opening began with a traditional Pipe Ceremony and Honour Song from Piapot First Nation’s Everet Sayer, followed by remarks from FNUniv and Co-operators leaders, Career Centre Manager Callie Morris, and student representatives. Guests then gathered for a ribbon-cutting, tour of the new space, and a networking lunch that connected students, alumni, and employers.

Led by Indigenous staff, the Career Centre reflects FNUniv’s holistic approach to student success, blending cultural teachings with career readiness. From advising and workshops to employer connections and mentorship, the Centre aims to prepare Indigenous students for long-term professional success while ensuring they remain rooted in their identity and community.