The Banff Centre and the RedSky Institute of Technology--a privately owned learning facility located in Miramichi, NB--have formed a partnership that will yield great benefits to Aboriginal leaders and managers in Eastern Canada. As a result of the recently signed memorandum of understanding, the two institutions will offer programs in Aboriginal Leadership in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

"We are proud to partner with RedSky in bringing specialised Aboriginal development practices to Eastern Canada," says Robert Breaker, director of Aboriginal Leadership courses at The Banff Centre. "The progressive leadership models The Banff Centre has applied for some 30 years will complement the programs RedSky has been offering Aboriginal people. This cooperative venture will help Aboriginal leaders and managers in Eastern Canada to create and direct change," he says. Breaker adds that the future of Aboriginal nations also depends on the cooperative abilities of non-Aboriginal governments and the private sector to understand and assist in this change.

Roger Augustine, president and CEO of RedSky says, "The cooperative venture between our institutions for leadership in Native governance and management sets a solid foundation for the self-reliance aspirations of our Native peoples." Augustine says RedSky is using its facilities to benefit Native and non-Native communities alike, in the spirit of learning and collaboration. "We firmly believe the future of our peoples is in education," he says.