2016 Yukon College students first to graduate with First Nations core competency

May 18, 2016

WHITEHORSE—When Yukon College students cross the Yukon Arts Centre stage on Friday, 156 will be the first to graduate with the new Yukon First Nations core competency requirement that is now mandatory for students who began their studies after September 2015.

The core competency aims to build greater awareness and understanding of the 14 Yukon First Nations and includes northern and aboriginal knowledge and perspectives, relevant information on the history and legacy of residential schools, land claims and self-government agreements, languages, and the history and culture of Yukon First Nations peoples.

“The core competency information is useful, especially being presented directly and in a single session. I think a person would be limiting themselves to live in Yukon and not take this course,” said Scott Holliday, Business Administration diploma graduate.

181 graduates in total will gather with their families and Yukon College faculty and staff for the 2016 Convocation; 36 will graduate with honours.

Dr. Tim Topper will receive a professor emeritus designation. Dr. Topper began teaching at the College in 1982 and was a permanent staff member from 1992 until his retirement in 2015. He taught calculus as well as physics and computer science. This honorary position will maintain Dr. Topper’s professional affiliation with Yukon College as he continues his research interest in Open Educational Resources and human eye movements.

“This designation is a way for me to continue being part of, and contributing to the Yukon College community through teaching and research. I am grateful that such an opportunity exists,” said Dr. Topper.

Keynote speaker will be Jim Balsillie, former chair and co-CEO of Research in Motion, chair of the Board of Directors of Sustainable Development Canada and founder of the Arctic Research Foundation, Council of Canadian Innovators, the Balsillie School of International Affairs and the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Yukon College Convocation comprises two events. Students in Applied Arts programs will receive their credential at the 11:00 a.m. ceremony. Students in Applied Science and Management, Academic and Skill Development, Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining, and Yukon Native Language Centre programs will receive their credential at the 2:00 p.m. ceremony. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.

More information about this years’ graduation ceremonies can be found at www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/admissions/graduation.