Aboriginal students at Royal Roads University will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs and services as a result of the university receiving $75,000 in one-time funding from the Province.

The university will use the funding to support a range of new activities including: hosting a National Aboriginal Day event, establishing an Indigenous Education Leadership Team and establishing an Indigenous student collective.

The targeted funding for Royal Roads University is part of more than $1 million that is being provided to 14 public post-secondary institutions to help ensure institutions are welcoming learning environments for Aboriginal students.

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

The Ministry of Advanced Education also provides supports to Aboriginal students through Aboriginal Service Plans, through funding for community-based training and by providing funding for emergency financial assistance and awards. 

The $75,000 in one-time funding is from the Ministry of Advanced Education in support of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson –

“New programs and activities at Royal Roads University will enhance the learning experience of Aboriginal students while they complete their studies. Aboriginal people are the youngest and fastest-growing population in B.C., and are vital to ensuring our provincial prosperity.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad –

“There are tremendous job opportunities in our economy for Aboriginal people and the pathway to most of those jobs is post-secondary education and training. These new programs at Royal Roads University will support students as they work towards securing their future.”

Royal Roads University vice-president academic and provost Steve Grundy –

“These additional funds provide the opportunity to extend our contribution to reconciliation by assisting and supporting Indigenous and Métis students to achieve their educational and career goals and the objectives of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.”

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/aboriginal-peoples-first-nations/

Aboriginal Framework: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/docs/Aboriginal_Action_Plan.pdf

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/training-education/b-c-s-skills-for-jobs-blueprint.aspx

Royal Roads University: http://www.royalroads.ca/