Memorial University is marking a major step forward with the creation of its first academic unit in Labrador.

The School of Arctic and Sub-Arctic Studies has received senate approval, which will allow students in Labrador to take part in programs and receive full degrees without having to leave the region.

The new Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus comes through a partnership between MUN, the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and the NunatuKavut Community Council. Indigenous groups will have voting seats on the unit’s academic council, which MUN says will help create Northern-led and Northern-focused programming.

Director of the Labrador Institute, Ashlee Cunsolo says the development of a Labrador campus has been supported by all corners of the university’s community, including unanimous endorsement by the senate.

Faculty recruitment is next on the list, which will enable the development of programming.

This is an historic moment for #Labrador, for @MemorialU, and for access to #highered in the North. We look forward to the next transformative steps, and to continuing to work with everyone to develop the School of Arctic & Sub-Arctic Studies! https://t.co/GzIozKdX4t

— Labrador Institute (@LabInstitute) July 24, 2020