What will be your priorities as chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan?

In particular, there are two themes that I have identified. One is the resource sector – making sure that a rising tide lifts all ships and that the university is in a position to prepare the next generation for participation and growth in the resource sector, and to benefit from it as an institution. The second is to focus on trying to get some concrete, measurable progress on aboriginal education, on aboriginal graduation rates in all of the sections of the university, not just the traditional ones of education and law.

What does your appointment say to the people of Canada and to the First Nations in particular?

I think it is a very positive signal to the aboriginal community that the university takes their issues and their interests to heart and it is sincerely advocating for them and will continue to work hard for them, and hence the appointment of an aboriginal chancellor. I think what it says to Canada is that it speaks to the best values of Canadians. I think Canadians rightly perceive themselves as being fair-minded and generous in spirit and that everyone has the chance to advance in this country.