Aboriginal post-secondary students studying in the lower mainland will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs as the result of $75,000 in one-time funding provided to eight individual public post-secondary institutions.

The institutions receiving funding are: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Douglas College, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Justice Institute of British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.

Funded programs and supports include summer math programs, an Aboriginal literature festival, Elders-in-residence and carving courses.

The targeted funding for Lower Mainland post-secondary institutions 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 –

“Opportunities such as carving courses and Aboriginal literature festivals spotlight Aboriginal culture and customs and help create welcoming and inclusive environments that support Aboriginal students to be successful in their studies.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad –

“Government is working with its partners to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal students and to increase their participation in our growing economy. These new programs and activities will support the success of Aboriginal students as they prepare for in-demand jobs.”

Justice Institute of British Columbia president and CEO Dr. Michel Tarko –

“This funding will be instrumental in our efforts to expand our capacity to support Aboriginal learners and the First Nations communities we serve throughout the province. In addition to helping to enhance the educational experience for our Aboriginal students, it will benefit everyone at JIBC by supporting our collective work to create a learning environment that fosters respect and understanding of Aboriginal culture in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University president Dr. Alan Davis –

“KPU thanks the Ministry of Advanced Education for the one-time grant of $75,000 to enhance and support Aboriginal learners. This funding will go a long way towards helping KPU identify the needs of Aboriginal learners in our community. The funds will help us all get a better understanding of indigenization and what that might mean to us as we work to realize the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

Langara College president and CEO Dr. Lane Trotter –

“This program will provide an opportunity for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students at Langara to improve their understanding of Aboriginal history, culture, issues, and knowledge while creating house posts that will have a place of honour in the culturally-appropriate outdoor space that is being created at the college.”

Simon Fraser University president and vice-chancellor Andrew Petter Q.C. –

“SFU has a wide-range of programs and services to help Aboriginal students succeed. This grant from the BC Government will enable us to do even more to support Aboriginal learners and prepare them for employment opportunities throughout the province.”

University of British Columbia interim president and vice-chancellor Dr. Martha Piper –

“UBC is grateful for this funding to support a number of innovative learning initiatives for aboriginal students, including a mentorship program with UBC researchers and an internship program co-designed with the Musqueam Indian Band that provides planning expertise for B.C. First Nations communities.”

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

A backgrounder follows.