The University College of the North (UCN) is a post-secondary institution located in Northern Manitoba, Canada. UCN has a student body of approximately 2,700 annually, and a staff of approximately 400. The Chancellor for UCN is Ovide Mercredi, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The mission of the University College of the North is to ensure northern communities and people will have opportunities, knowledge and skills to contribute to an economically, environmentally and culturally healthy society inclusive and respectful of diverse northern and Aboriginal values and beliefs. Rooted in the sacred teachings of Aboriginal peoples, the University College of the North prepares lifelong learners and graduates as positive and effective leaders through the creation of knowledge and the development and delivery of innovative and ethical programming. Keewatin Community College was established in The Pas in 1966 and its Thompson campus was opened in the early 1980s.