Aboriginal students studying at Northern Lights College will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs as the result of the college receiving $75,000 in one-time funding.

The college will use the funding for a range of activities including engaging directly with Aboriginal communities, to form an Aboriginal Youth Advisory Council and to hold student orientation activities.

The targeted funding for Northern Lights College 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:

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“Access to a range of services and supports will enrich the experiences of Aboriginal students at Northern Lights College as they work to complete the training and education that they need to secure rewarding careers.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad –

“B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings to 2024 and Aboriginal people will play an important role in meeting this skills demand. These programs support Aboriginal students as they complete the training and education they need to secure these job opportunities.”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm –

“Northern Lights College is helping to prepare Aboriginal students for the almost 60,000 job openings expected in the North to 2024. These new programs and services will strengthen the college’s reputation as a place where students can be successful and graduate ready for these jobs.”

Northern Lights College president and CEO Dr. Bryn Kulmatycki –

“Northern Lights College works to ensure it is the institution-of-choice in our region for Aboriginal students. The one-time funding of $75,000 will help Northern Lights College develop additional programs to support Aboriginal students who are working on achieving personal and professional success.”

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

Northern Lights College: http://www.nlc.bc.ca/