Partnering for Future Generations

MAY 2012

A SSOCIATION OF CANADIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGES Partnering for Future Generations Case Studies of Aboriginal Programs and Services at Canadian Colleges and Institutes

Throughout our history, Aboriginal peoples – , Métis and – have been marginalized and underrepresented in Canadian society.

They now constitute the fastest growing and youngest segment of ’s population. Over the next decade, 400,000 Aboriginal young people will reach working age. Canada must provide them the same prospects for success and prosperity available to any citizen. We must therefore improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal peoples – youth and adults alike.

Aboriginal peoples rely significantly on Canada’s colleges and institutes to access post-secondary education. Colleges and institutes have enormous success in attracting, nurturing, and graduating Aboriginal learners. Recent high school graduates can access a wide range of certificate, diploma, degree and university transfer programs, including Aboriginal-specific programs. For adult learners, colleges provide laddering opportunities from adult upgrading and essential skills development, to career-oriented education programs and transitions to university.

The ACCC 2009-2010 survey of Aboriginal programs and services demonstrated that most colleges and institutes across the country offer targeted programs and services for Aboriginal learners. Many are expanding their reach and working with Aboriginal communities to deliver tailored post-secondary programs.

The following case studies, collected in 2011-2012, show that colleges and institutes are creating partnerships for future generations by reaching out to Aboriginal youth through innovative recruitment activities and by supporting adults’ access to learning and employment opportunities. Based on a commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal learners, colleges and institutes operate as institutions of inclusion, and provide the support services needed for student success. Programs delivered in partnership with Aboriginal institutions ensure the specific needs of Aboriginal communities are met. The promotion of Aboriginal culture, art and knowledge is achieved through awareness activities on campuses and specialized programs that teach and celebrate Aboriginal worldviews. Programs in Aboriginal governance prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

A number of case studies describe employment-oriented programs that meet the skills requirements of key sectors including healthcare, aviation, environmental technology, oil and gas, and mining. A well-prepared cohort of Aboriginal learners will be positioned to capitalize on the skills shortages Canadian employers are already facing, and to contribute to the well-being and success of their communities.

We recognize the financial contribution of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada toward the publication of these case studies. Partnering for Future Generations Case Studies of Aboriginal Programs and Services at Canadian Colleges and Institutes

1 College of the North Atlantic 2 New Brunswick College of Craft & Design 3 New Brunswick Community College 4 Nova Scotia Community College 6 Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue 7 Kiuna Institution – Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Dawson College 8 John Abbott College 9 Alqonquin College 10 12 13 First Nations Technical Institute – Canadore College 14 15 16 and 17 Northern College 1