New policy and action plan to benefit Aboriginal learners

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

2012 National Aboriginal Day in British Columbia sees unveiling of a major education initiative
New post-secondary education and training policy framework and action plan
to benefit Aboriginal learners in BC . . .

More than $16 Million dedicated to help make it happen.
- - -

June 21, 2012

VANCOUVER - The Province honoured National Aboriginal Day in British
Columbia with a renewed commitment to improve post-secondary
opportunities and outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples
with the introduction of a new framework and action plan.

The post-secondary education and training policy framework and action
plan introduced today at Vancouver Community College was developed in
partnership with Aboriginal leaders, educators and students. The
framework was designed to help Aboriginal learners succeed in an
integrated, relevant, and effective British Columbia post-secondary
education system. Its goal is to enhance participation by Aboriginal
peoples in the social, cultural and economic life of their
communities, the province and global society.

B.C.'s Aboriginal population is young, dynamic and growing, and has
tremendous potential to fill the jobs of the future. As part of its
commitment, the provincial government is investing a total of $16.2
million this year for programs and financial assistance to help
Aboriginal students succeed at their post-secondary studies,
including:

* $7 million funding for partnerships between public post-secondary
institutions and Aboriginal institutes and communities to deliver
programs in Aboriginal communities that meet community needs and
position them to take advantage of economic opportunities.
* $4.2 million funding to eleven public post-secondary institutions
for implementation of Aboriginal Service Plans, which consist of
programs, activities and services to better meet the needs of
Aboriginal learners.
* $2 million Aboriginal Emergency Financial Assistance funding to
provide support for students experiencing a short-term financial
crisis.
* $2 million additional funding for the BC Aboriginal Award, which
provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students for post-
secondary education and training.
* $1 million for financial assistance for Aboriginal students taking
master and doctoral degrees.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -
"I have met so many individuals who have told me how post-secondary
education has made a difference in their lives, and in the lives of
their families. Ensuring that Aboriginal learners have access to
post-secondary education and training is essential to fulfilling our
labour needs and represents an important part of the BC Jobs Plan."

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -
"Our government listened to Aboriginal educators, learners and youth
and now we are taking action to advance Aboriginal participation at
post-secondary institutions and training programs. Aboriginal youth
is the fastest growing demographic in British Columbia, so it makes
sense to provide training and education that reflects the unique,
vibrant culture of BC First Nations to attract the very students that
are the future of this province."

Dan Smith, First Nations Summit -
"The fact that the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and
the Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning Association had strong roles
in the development of this new framework is a positive step toward
building relationships based on mutual respect and recognition.
Today's announcements are a clear example of how we can work together
to create greater opportunities leading to successful outcomes for
Aboriginal learners."

Chief Bob Chamberlin, VP, BC Union of Indian Chiefs -
"I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the First Nations
Education Steering Committee and Ministry of Advanced Education who
worked together to develop this policy framework. Community-based
delivery and continued efforts to ensure that public post-secondary
institutions are providing more culturally relevant programmes and
support for Aboriginal learners are essential for success."

Tyrone McNeil, President, First Nations Education Steering Committee -
"The First Nations Education Steering Committee is committed to
improving education for First Nations learners, and this includes
success in post-secondary education, leading to a broad array of
credentials and career options. We look forward to continued work
with the Ministry of Advanced Education to help ensure our students
achieve their full potential."

Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning
Association -
"The development of the framework has been the result of collaboration
between the Indigenous and Adult Higher Learning Association, the First
Nations Education Steering Committee, the Ministry of Advanced
Education and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training
Partners. We look forward to the implementation of this framework and
the benefits to all students in B.C."

Kathy Kinloch, president, Vancouver Community College -
"VCC is an active player in Aboriginal education in British Columbia,
and I believe that there is great potential to increase the numbers,
and improve the experience, of Aboriginal learners at VCC. We want to
make sure that we understand the unique needs of our Aboriginal
learners, so they can readily access our programs and services, and
achieve their goals all along their educational journeys."

Learn More:

* Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training:
http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/welcome.htm
* Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework
and Action Plan:
http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/po ... mework.htm

BACKGROUNDER
June 21, 2012

Ministry of Advanced Education
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. Aboriginal post-secondary education framework and action plan

In 2007, British Columbia announced a three-year Aboriginal Post-
Secondary Education Strategy and Action Plan to improve outcomes for
Aboriginal learners. Initiatives under this strategy included:
* Piloting three-year Aboriginal Service Plans at 11 public post-
secondary institutions to help increase access, retention and success
for Aboriginal learners. The implementation of these plans resulted
in the expansion of Elders programs at public post-secondary
institutions, academic counselling, bridging programs and community-
based delivery.
* Reducing financial barriers through targeted scholarships for
Aboriginal learners.
* Funding Aboriginal Gathering Places to reflect Aboriginal culture
within the infrastructure of institutions and to make public post-
secondary institutions more culturally welcoming and relevant to
Aboriginal students.

At the end of the three years, the strategy was evaluated with input
from over 800 participants via an online survey, six regional
sessions and focus group meetings.

The results of the evaluation formed the basis for development of the
new Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework
and Action Plan
http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/po ... mework.htm
The framework and action plan encompasses all post-secondary
education and training programs, including adult basic education,
vocational, career, business, trades, undergraduate and graduate
degree programs. It addresses a commitment under the BC Jobs Plan to
provide funding for additional partnerships between post-secondary
institutions and Aboriginal communities for community-based delivery
of programs that meet Aboriginal needs.

Consistent with commitments made in the New Relationship, the
Transformative Change Accord, and the Métis Nation Relationship
Accord, the policy framework was developed by a working group of
British Columbia's Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Partners,
including the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the
Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, the Métis Nation
BC, the First Nations Public Service, BC Colleges, BC Association of
Universities and Institutes, and the Research Universities' Council
of British Columbia.

Engagement on the draft framework included in-person meetings,
Twitter, and Facebook, and culminated in a one-day forum held in
February 2012.

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Funding Supports Aboriginal Success

The University of Victoria welcomes the announcement on June 21 of $241,101 in Aboriginal Service Plan (ASP) funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education to support programs, activities and services both on campus and in local communities for Aboriginal learners.

“Supporting Aboriginal learners to succeed takes a variety of approaches, even before they arrive on campus,” said Ruth Young, acting director of the Office of Indigenous Affairs. “This funding allows us to continue with programs that consider Aboriginal students’ academic, social and cultural needs as well as create new programs with our community partners.”

Initiated by the B.C. government in 2008, the Aboriginal Service Plan is part of a program intended to increase Aboriginal students’ access, retention and completion rates at post-secondary institutions and build partnerships with community organizations.

“The Aboriginal Service plan is a key initiative in our government’s commitment to support Aboriginal students during their post-secondary studies. I’m happy to see this funding dedicated to the ASP programs at UVic to help support Aboriginal learning, culture and language at the school,” said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong.

Under Phase II of the plan, UVic has identified language revitalization, student transitions and community-based education as key areas. “This funding is important for supporting programs delivered in the community where students often don’t have the same services and supports offered on campus,” said Gina Starblanket, Aboriginal Service Plan project coordinator. “It is also an opportunity to incorporate a community voice within the institution in the direction and development of Indigenous programs at UVic.”

The Office of Indigenous Affairs at UVic works with 13 community partners on a range of projects funded through the ASP.

Initiatives covered by ASP funding include:

Elders’ Voices program. Last year, 11 Elders had almost 1,500 personal contacts with Indigenous students, offering cultural support and guidance. The Elders, who are from local communities, also conduct ceremonies and advise staff, faculty and administration on how Indigenous protocols can be incorporated into the institution.
Development of a post-secondary tool kit for schools/departments interested in partnering with communities on community-based education. This will be a sister document to the Post-secondary Education Partnership Agreement Toolkit, published last December in partnership with the Indigenous Adult Higher Learning Association and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, designed to support communities engaging in this process.
Continuation of the position of Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support, which last year had 632 visits from students needing to connect with relevant services and programs on and off campus
Week of Welcome – held in the last week of September, orientation activities include welcome feasts, open houses, Elders’ meet and greet, academic advising, faculty and student panels
Successful Students Transitions Forum — provides Indigenous adult learners with a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond a typical career fair for them to learn more about post-secondary institutions
Indigenous Graduate Student Symposium ¬— graduate students present their research in a gathering of students, faculty and staff. Presentations are live-streamed to the students’ communities.

UVic is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous students graduating from all faculties. By providing student support programs, offering courses and programs relevant to Indigenous students and communities, and creating a gathering space for Indigenous students at the First Peoples House, UVic continues to strive towards making the campus a welcoming place for Indigenous students, faculty and visitors.

More than 800 undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students attend UVic.

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