The B.C. government is investing $4.4 million in post-secondary institutions this year for programs and activities that enhance Aboriginal learners' experiences in the province's colleges and universities, Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk announced today.

"We want Aboriginal learners in B.C. to be able to access education and training so they have the same opportunity as other British Columbians to participate fully in B.C.'s economy," said Virk. "The Aboriginal Service Plans help Aboriginal communities and post-secondary institutions provide education and training opportunities and focused services for learners where they live, work and go to school."

Eleven post-secondary institutions have received a total of $4.4 million to support Aboriginal Service Plans at post-secondary institutions to continue their work with Aboriginal communities, organizations and institutes to develop and deliver culturally relevant supports, programs and courses that bolster Aboriginal learners' education and employment goals.

"Our government is taking action to advance Aboriginal participation at post-secondary institutions and in training programs," said John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. "Aboriginal youth is the fastest growing demographic in British Columbia, so it makes sense to provide training and education that reflect the unique, vibrant culture of B.C. First Nations to attract the very students who are the future of this province."

Since the service plans were first announced in 2007, programs and activities have included elders-in-residence programs, cultural events, mentoring programs, cultural awareness training, partnerships with Aboriginal communities and organizations, development of Aboriginal curriculum and courses, community-based education, and bridging programs for Aboriginal learners.

Aboriginal Service Plans are part of the ministry's Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Training Policy and Framework and Action Plan introduced one year ago. The service plans are part of the ongoing activities to support the Aboriginal post-secondary education and training strategy's goal of systemic change - ensuring that the public post-secondary education system is relevant, responsive, respectful and receptive to Aboriginal learners and communities and that relationships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities are based on mutual respect.

Learn More:

Aboriginal post-secondary education and training in B.C.: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
dan.gilmore@gov.bc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Aboriginal learners benefit from post-secondary supports

Aboriginal Service Plans are integral to the ministry's Aboriginal Post-secondary Education Training Policy Framework and Action Plan.

The Aboriginal Service Plans have resulted in stronger working relationships between B.C. public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal community partners. They facilitate new projects that improve access, participation and success rates of Aboriginal learners.

The eleven institutions that have received funding for Aboriginal Service Plans are:

• Camosun College

• Capilano University

• College of New Caledonia

• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

• North Island College

• Northwest Community College

• Thompson Rivers University

• University of Northern British Columbia

• University of Victoria

• Vancouver Community College

• Vancouver Island University

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
dan.gilmore@gov.bc.ca