Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Misiaykimigookpaypomoytung, appointed as New President of First Nations University of Canada

The First Nations University of Canada Board of Governors is honoured to announce that Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Misiaykimigookpaypomoytung, has been appointed as the First Nations University of Canada’s new President. Dr. Ottmann will commence her new role on September 7, 2021.

Dr. Ottmann is Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), a speaker of the Nakawe language and a Fishing Lake First Nation member in southern Saskatchewan.

Dr. Ottmann has been recognized with numerous honours throughout her career by her extensive involvement in higher education with the University of Calgary and the University of Saskatchewan as an educator, advisor, researcher, and administrator.

Amongst her many distinguished titles, Dr. Ottmann currently is the President of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) and the founding editor of thrivance: Journal of Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing and Doing.

After close to two years, the Presidential Search Committee, led by the FNUniv Board of Governor Chair and in consultation with Leaders International, selected Dr. Ottmann as the appointed of the First Nations University of Canada.

Current Interim President, Dr. Bob Kayseas will continue with the role until September 6, 2021. The Board of Governors would like to thank and recognize Dr. Kayseas for his leadership and dual role over the past two years. Dr. Kayseas is the Vice President Academic and Professor in Indigenous Business & Public Administration.

“My life’s work is purpose-driven; this includes positively impacting education systems and transforming them to be fully supportive of Indigenous students in culturally appropriate, responsive, and respectful ways. It is such an incredible honour to have had this calling and passion lead me to the Presidency of First Nations University of Canada. I look forward to the entire experience – the people, the entire community, and being part of an institution that is founded on Indigenous Knowledges. It is a dream come true,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann.

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For media inquiries only, please contact:

Bonnie Rockthunder

Senior Communications Officer

First Nations University of Canada

Cell:     204.292.3253

Email:   comm@firstnationsuniversity.ca