$2M HELPS ABORIGINAL STUDENTS FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION

VICTORIA – The provincial government has increased funding for the third straight year to help Aboriginal students throughout British Columbia succeed in post-secondary education, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced today.

“The enrolment and participation rates of Aboriginal students have been steadily increasing, and government’s funding builds on that that forward momentum,” said Coell. “Many of the projects are delivered in Aboriginal communities, improving access to education and preparing more students to share in B.C.’s booming economy.”

The Aboriginal special projects fund has been increased by almost $200,000 this year, to
$2 million, its highest level ever. Included are 30 new and continuing projects at 20 public post-secondary institutions.

Funding is awarded on criteria that address government’s priorities related to Aboriginal language, culture and history, adult basic education, teacher training, health sciences, math, sciences and the trades. Institutions collaborate with Aboriginal communities and educators to develop proposals that will meet students’ needs.

This year’s projects include a program at the University of Northern B.C. that incorporates the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax language into the teaching curriculum so the next generation of teachers in northern B.C. can continue the First Nation’s cultural legacy. At Kwantlen University College, students prepare for health careers by learning both traditional and western approaches to wellness.

Other programs help students bridge the gap between their secondary education and an institution’s admission requirements. At the University College of the Fraser Valley, for example, specific courses, workshops and modules help students build career and learning portfolios to move into the next level of education.

“UCFV’s Aboriginal transition year programs are a direct response to community need,” said Shirley Hardman, Aboriginal access co-ordinator at UCFV. “Our institution is located at the heart of 29 First Nations including the In-SHUCK-ch, Nlaka'pamux, and Sto:lo, a vibrant Métis community, and a thriving off-reserve population – all of which are represented as part of our Aboriginal community council. This funding provides the impetus to bring local Aboriginal communities together to develop a shared vision and prioritize our collective needs in partnership with UCFV.”

Since 2001, the Ministry of Advanced Education has provided about $11 million to fund 222 Aboriginal special projects, which have benefited more than 3,900 Aboriginal students. Many post-secondary institutions also deliver Aboriginal-focused programs as part of their regular course content.

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Project descriptions are available at www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/aspf-project-summaries-0607.pdf online.


Media contact:	Paul Woolley Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 213-1171 (cell)

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