An investment of $3.7 million in education and training programs and activities at 11 public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia will support Aboriginal students to take advantage of the social and economic opportunities throughout the province.

Aboriginal Service Plans are developed by public post-secondary institutions in partnership with Aboriginal communities, institutes and organizations.

“The additional funding of $3.7 million builds on existing programs and activities that will give Aboriginal learners a strong sense of belonging, “ said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Aboriginal Service Plans are helping Aboriginal learners complete their studies, and go on to future success in life and in work.”

The Aboriginal Service Plans help to increase access and success for Aboriginal learners; strengthen partnerships; and ensure that programs are relevant for Aboriginal learners. Examples of activities and programs funded through the plans include Elders-in-residence, cultural learning, mentoring, and delivery of post-secondary programming in Aboriginal communities.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasized that Aboriginal students need access to post-secondary education and training,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad. “Today’s announcement supports a public post-secondary education system that is relevant and respectful to Aboriginal learners and communities. Strong relationships based on mutual respect between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities benefit students and their families.”

Institutions receiving a total of $3.7 million in 2015-16 to support Aboriginal Service Plans include: Camosun College, Capilano University, College of New Caledonia, North Island College, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Northwest Community College, Thompson Rivers University, University of Northern BC, University of Victoria, Vancouver Community College and Vancouver Island University.

Aboriginal Service Plans are part of ongoing activities to support the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Training Policy and Framework and Action Plan. The provincial government launched this plan in 2012 to improve opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal people in post-secondary education and training programs in B.C.

The goal is to increase the number of credentials awarded to Aboriginal learners by 75% by 2020-21. In 2013-14, 3,241 credentials were awarded to Aboriginal learners, an increase of 23%, or 607 over 2009-10.

Learn More:

Aboriginal post-secondary education and training in B.C. factsheet: newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/advanced-education/factsheets/aboriginal-post-secondary-education-and-training-in-bc.html