Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is providing Aboriginal students a range of programs and services that will support their learning journey. This will include an Aboriginal Awareness Week during March 2017 that will showcase Aboriginal culture and knowledge, Elders-in-residence, cultural learning and mentoring.

These supports are possible through $214,000 in Aboriginal Service Plan funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education for 2016-17.

Aboriginal Service Plans help to increase access to post-secondary education and training for Aboriginal learners as well as strengthen partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities. The service plans are designed to make post-secondary institutions and programs more receptive to Aboriginal learners and more relevant to them.

Aboriginal Service Plans are part of ongoing activities to support the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Training Policy and Framework and Action Plan (Aboriginal Framework). The provincial government launched this plan in 2012 to help Aboriginal learners succeed in an integrated, relevant and effective British Columbia post-secondary education system.

Government has invested more than $20 million in Aboriginal Service Plans since the launch of the Aboriginal Framework, including $1.3 million for TRU.

Aboriginal learners in B.C. were awarded 3,340 credentials in 2014-15, an increase of 27%, or 706, over 2009-10. One of the Aboriginal Framework goals is to increase the number of credentials awarded to Aboriginal learners by 75% by 2020-21.

Quotes:

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“The Ministry of Advanced Education is investing in the future of Aboriginal students through Aboriginal Service Plans. These programs and services at Thompson Rivers University will support more Aboriginal students to access and complete their post-secondary education and training.”

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake –

“Thompson Rivers University provides Aboriginal students with the training and education that regional employers are looking for. Aboriginal Service Plan funding will help the university continue to provide the support Aboriginal students need to ensure they are successful in these in-demand areas of education and training.”

Thompson Rivers University executive director for Aboriginal Education Paul Michel –

“The Ministry of Advanced Education Aboriginal Service Plan funding is an excellent, innovative and inspirational fund that supports and enhances Aboriginal student transition, retention, and graduation rates at Thompson Rivers University. Currently, our 2,400 Aboriginal students benefit from the Aboriginal Service Plan activities which are designed to provide the best student support systems, cultural events, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives, all while honouring and respecting the traditional values of our Aboriginal students and community.”

Learn More:

Aboriginal post-secondary education and training in B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/aboriginal-post-secondary-education-and-training-in-bc

Aboriginal Framework: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/policy-framework.htm