$200,000 in one-time funding means that ongoing programs and research aimed at supporting Aboriginal students' success in their post-secondary studies will continue at the University of Victoria.

Originally a four-year national research project by the University of Victoria in partnership with the Government of Canada, LE,NONET was created to identify and evaluate program models for supporting Aboriginal students' success in their post-secondary studies through to graduation.

The project's goals were to create positive experiences for Aboriginal students attending the University of Victoria, and improve their access to the university through an effective and readily available program of support services designed to enhance their chances for success.

LE,NONET was the first project of its kind in Canada to offer participating Aboriginal students culturally relevant supportive programs, community internships, peer mentoring and financial assistance. Since LE,NONET was first introduced, students' feedback has been overwhelmingly positive both in terms of their academic success, and sense of belonging in the UVic Aboriginal community.

Quotes:

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology -

"This government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal learners can succeed in a post-secondary system that is integrated, relevant and effective. LE,NONET is supporting Aboriginal students to feel connected and part of the University of Victoria community, encouraging and supporting them to continue with their studies."

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"We want Aboriginal people to be able to find success in their chosen careers and secure good jobs so they can take care of their families and support their communities. This funding is helping post-secondary programs and research to continue so we can help lay the foundation for that success."

Murray Coell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands -

"B.C.'s Aboriginal population is both our youngest and our fastest-growing population - their access to more post-secondary education and training is key to meeting B.C.'s labour market needs and is an important part of the B.C. Jobs Plan. UVic's LE,NONET program helps Aboriginal learners succeed in their studies and contribute to our south Island communities."

Reeta Tremblay, VP, academic and provost, University of Victoria

"We are encouraged that more Aboriginal students than ever before are engaged with their university education and completing their degrees. This funding allows UVic to continue building on the success of LE,NONET, which the university developed after listening and responding to the concerns of First Nations students, their families and communities. Providing programs and services that are inclusive and responsive to First Nations' needs has resulted in more graduates empowered with skills and knowledge."

Quick Facts:

• LE,NONET (pronounced le-non-git) is a SENCOTEN (Straits Salish) word meaning "success after enduring many hardships".

• The project includes:
• Research apprenticeships and community internships.
• Student mentoring.
• Student bursaries and emergency assistance funding.
• Training and support for faculty and staff.
• Partnerships with Vancouver Island First Nations and Aboriginal organizations.

Learn More:  

http://web.uvic.ca/lenonet/

Media contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400
Dan.Gilmore@gov.bc.ca