The Province honoured National Aboriginal Day in British Columbia with a renewed commitment to improve post-secondary opportunities and outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples with the introduction of a new framework and action plan.

The post-secondary education and training policy framework and action plan introduced today at Vancouver Community College was developed in partnership with Aboriginal leaders, educators and students. The framework was designed to help Aboriginal learners succeed in an integrated, relevant, and effective British Columbia post-secondary education system. Its goal is to enhance participation by Aboriginal peoples in the social, cultural and economic life of their communities, the province and global society.

B.C.'s Aboriginal population is young, dynamic and growing, and has tremendous potential to fill the jobs of the future. As part of its commitment, the provincial government is investing a total of $16.2 million this year for programs and financial assistance to help Aboriginal students succeed at their post-secondary studies, including:

• $7 million funding for partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal institutes and communities to deliver programs in Aboriginal communities that meet community needs and position them to take advantage of economic opportunities.
• $4.2 million funding to eleven public post-secondary institutions for implementation of Aboriginal Service Plans, which consist of programs, activities and services to better meet the needs of Aboriginal learners.
• $2 million Aboriginal Emergency Financial Assistance funding to provide support for students experiencing a short-term financial crisis.
• $2 million additional funding for the BC Aboriginal Award, which provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students for post-secondary education and training.
• $1 million for financial assistance for Aboriginal students taking master and doctoral degrees.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"I have met so many individuals who have told me how post-secondary education has made a difference in their lives, and in the lives of their families. Ensuring that Aboriginal learners have access to post-secondary education and training is essential to fulfilling our labour needs and represents an important part of the BC Jobs Plan."

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"Our government listened to Aboriginal educators, learners and youth and now we are taking action to advance Aboriginal participation at post-secondary institutions and training programs. Aboriginal youth is the fastest growing demographic in British Columbia, so it makes sense to provide training and education that reflects the unique, vibrant culture of BC First Nations to attract the very students that are the future of this province."

Dan Smith, First Nations Summit -

"The fact that the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and the Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning Association had strong roles in the development of this new framework is a positive step toward building relationships based on mutual respect and recognition. Today's announcements are a clear example of how we can work together to create greater opportunities leading to successful outcomes for Aboriginal learners."

Chief Bob Chamberlin, VP, BC Union of Indian Chiefs -

"I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the First Nations Education Steering Committee and Ministry of Advanced Education who worked together to develop this policy framework. Community-based delivery and continued efforts to ensure that public post-secondary institutions are providing more culturally relevant programmes and support for Aboriginal learners are essential for success."

Tyrone McNeil, President, First Nations Education Steering Committee -

"The First Nations Education Steering Committee is committed to improving education for First Nations learners, and this includes success in post-secondary education, leading to a broad array of credentials and career options. We look forward to continued work with the Ministry of Advanced Education to help ensure our students achieve their full potential."

Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning Association -

"The development of the framework has been the result of collaboration between the Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning Association, the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Partners. We look forward to the implementation of this framework and the benefits to all students in B.C."

Kathy Kinloch, president, Vancouver Community College -

"VCC is an active player in Aboriginal education in British Columbia, and I believe that there is great potential to increase the numbers, and improve the experience, of Aboriginal learners at VCC. We want to make sure that we understand the unique needs of our Aboriginal learners, so they can readily access our programs and services, and achieve their goals all along their educational journeys."

Learn More:

Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/welcome.htm

Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/policy-framework.htm

A backgrounder follows

Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204

BACKGROUNDER

June 21, 2012 Ministry of Advanced Education

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. Aboriginal post-secondary education framework and action plan

In 2007, British Columbia announced a three-year Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Strategy and Action Plan to improve outcomes for Aboriginal learners. Initiatives under this strategy included:

• Piloting three-year Aboriginal Service Plans at 11 public post-secondary institutions to help increase access, retention and success for Aboriginal learners. The implementation of these plans resulted in the expansion of Elders programs at public post-secondary institutions, academic counselling, bridging programs and community-based delivery.
• Reducing financial barriers through targeted scholarships for Aboriginal learners.
• Funding Aboriginal Gathering Places to reflect Aboriginal culture within the infrastructure of institutions and to make public post-secondary institutions more culturally welcoming and relevant to Aboriginal students.

At the end of the three years, the strategy was evaluated with input from over 800 participants via an online survey, six regional sessions and focus group meetings.

The results of the evaluation formed the basis for development of the new Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan

http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/policy-framework.htm

The framework and action plan encompasses all post-secondary education and training programs, including adult basic education, vocational, career, business, trades, undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It addresses a commitment under the BC Jobs Plan to provide funding for additional partnerships between post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities for community-based delivery of programs that meet Aboriginal needs.

Consistent with commitments made in the New Relationship, the Transformative Change Accord, and the Métis Nation Relationship Accord, the policy framework was developed by a working group of British Columbia's Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Partners, including the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, the Métis Nation BC, the First Nations Public Service, BC Colleges, BC Association of Universities and Institutes, and the Research Universities' Council of British Columbia.

Engagement on the draft framework included in-person meetings, Twitter, and Facebook, and culminated in a one-day forum held in February 2012.

Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204