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

The College of the Rockies will use the funding to hire an Indigenous cultural liaison who will develop and deliver services and supports for Aboriginal students and examine how services and supports for Aboriginal students can be enhanced.

Selkirk College will use the funding to develop and deliver an introductory course on regional Indigenous languages, cultures and perspectives and to support the Gathering Place Elders program.

The targeted funding for Selkirk College and College of the Rockies is part of more than $1 million that is being provided to 14 public post-secondary institutions for new and expanded programs and services that will 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:

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister, Andrew Wilkinson –

“The College of the Rockies and Selkirk College play an important role in providing residents the education they need to find their place in our growing regional economy. These new supports for Aboriginal students will enhance the experiences of Aboriginal students attending both colleges.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, John Rustad –

“Improving the educational outcomes of Aboriginal students in post-secondary education is critical to the province meeting its labour market needs and to ensuring Aboriginal people benefit from the almost one million job openings to 2024.”

College of the Rockies president and CEO, David Walls –

“College of the Rockies looks forward to the opportunity to further enhance the experience of our learners through the addition of an Indigenous Cultural Liaison.  This liaison will explore ways to enhance our services and supports and will facilitate culturally meaningful activities for the benefit of both our Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.”

Selkirk College president and CEO, Angus Graeme –

“This funding is a much-appreciated investment that assists us to further strengthen relationships with our Aboriginal partners and improve services for Aboriginal students. Selkirk College is committed to implementing the Province’s Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework, as well as responding to key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

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/policy-framework.htm

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx