Aboriginal students at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs and services as a result of $75,000 in one-time funding from the Province.

The university will hire an indigenous transitions coordinator for 2016-17 who will assist Aboriginal students with admissions, academic and support services, peer support and mentoring.

The targeted funding for UFV 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:

Chilliwack MLA John Martin on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“An Indigenous transitions coordinator will assist Aboriginal students in accessing and completing education and training at the University of the Fraser Valley. Supporting Aboriginal student success is part of the work by our government to ensure that Aboriginal people in B.C. benefit from economic opportunities in the province.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad –

“It is a priority of the government to ensure Aboriginal students have the resources they need to complete their education and be successful in the job market. That is why government is funding resources such as the transition coordinator.”

Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas –

“This investment in the University of the Fraser Valley will help encourage even more Aboriginal students to pursue post-secondary education and get the skills they need to benefit from our growing regional economy.”

University of the Fraser Valley president Dr. Mark Evered –

“UFV recognizes and honours the contributions of Aboriginal people at our university and in our communities. This funding will help support Aboriginal learners throughout many phases of their educational journey at UFV.”

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

University of the Fraser Valley: http://www.ufv.ca/