First Nations University president says he won’t seek another term

REGINA — The president of the First Nations University of Canada says he will not be seeking a second term and will step down when his current term ends in June.

Loretta Pete, vice-chair of the university’s board of governors, says in a news release that Mark Dockstator was tasked five years ago with transforming the Regina school from a troubled institution into a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous education.

A controversy over management had earlier caused both the Saskatchewan and federal governments to temporarily pull its funding to the institution, and its finances were placed in the hands of an outside administrator.

Dockstator cites accomplishments that include record enrolment, a strong financial position and the university receiving designation as an urban reserve.

The university says it will begin searching for a new president immediately.

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Dockstator is from the Oneida First Nation in southwestern Ontario and has a doctorate of law.

“Following the recent signing ceremony to celebrate the reserve creation, my wife Jennifer and I were reflecting on the great success that the university has become,” Dockstator said in a statement.

“It may seem normal now, but five years ago it would have been difficult to attract such a wide range of leadership to support and promote the success of the University,” he continued.

“We have indeed come a long way over the last five years.”

He said in the statement that he and his wife “are moving onto the next adventure.”

Pete said the university is grateful to Dockstator.

The Canadian Press