Aboriginal Education at UPEI: Transitioning Toward a Positive Future in Health

Aboriginal Education at UPEI: Transitioning Toward a Positive Future in Health Dr. Kim Critchley –Principle Investigator Julie Bull – Project Manager NAHO Conference Our People Our Health November 2009

Cultural Proficiency “Equity will be a reality when children from minority racial, cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic backgrounds experience statistically similar rates of meeting high standards as do children from the majority culture.” -Bay Area Educational Equity Task Force

Aboriginal Education Project Objectives • Increase the number of “Academic Ready” Aboriginal students into the UPEI Nursing Program and other health related programs; • Increase the number of Aboriginal admissions to the UPEI Nursing Program and other health related programs; • Reduce the Barriers to Admission; and • To make UPEI a post secondary institution that is supportive of Aboriginal students.

Aboriginal Education • Background • The story of Ashley and Stephanie Jadis • Outcome: Aboriginal Education Support Program Funded by the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative "The essence of our effort to see that every child has a chance must be to assure each an equal opportunity, not to become equal, but to become different-to realize whatever unique potential of

Aboriginal Education The UPEI School of Nursing allocates two seats per year to Aboriginal students who have been identified in their high schools as having the potential interest to becoming nurses. This project will support the successful recruitment of Aboriginal students into the UPEI Nursing Program along with the supports to encourage successful completion.

Aboriginal Education What’s happening at UPEI? • Research • Aboriginal Health • Aboriginal Education • Aboriginal Research Ethics • Degree Programs • Bachelor of Education, Indigenous Specialization • Master’s of Education, Nunavut

Grand Opening of Maoi Omi: Aboriginal Student Centre at UPEI January 20, 2009

Diversity Week at UPEI January 19-23, 2009

Scott Ward Comes to UPEI February 4, 2009

Scott Ward at Native Council of PEI February 4, 2009

We left our mark too!

International Development Week Student Symposium February 5, 2009

International Development Week Luncheon February 6, 2009

Mural Painting March 21, 2009

2nd Annual Cultural Connections March 27, 2009

Appreciation Day May 25, 2009

In the community

Aboriginal Career Fair May 27, 2009

Scholarship Announcement September 22, 2009

Formal support systems

Student Successes • Aboriginal students at UPEI are making their marks in many different programs: • Arts • Science • Education • History • Masters of Education • Masters of Island Studies • Nursing • Psychology • Veterinary Medicine

From a Student Perspective “Its nice to have people who are there who want to see us succeed” – Jessica Gould, 1st year nursing “In my first year, university was very scary but thankfully I had the Aboriginal Resource Centre to support and guide me through. Now, I will go back in next year with confidence by just knowing that someone is there to help me when I need it the most ” – Michelle Jadis, 2nd year Arts student “The Mawio'mi student center here at UPEI is a relief to see in the campus now, it is a place that makes the aboriginal student population feel more secure, and it can also be an avenue for the non-aboriginal people to come to learn and understand about the culture. I wish it had of been here when I first started university.” – th

What others are saying… “The Maoi Omi Aboriginal Student Resource Centre is a great addition to the campus of UPEI. Here Aboriginal students can find academic, as well as, personal supports and services to help them succeed” – Allan Gillis, Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Education Advisor • “I had a wonderful visit and felt welcomed and for the first time wasn't so afraid of the whole University Campus world. I am a First Nation Woman and have avoided and even feared the whole University setting. One visit and I am no longer afraid of this world, and would attend UPEI proudly.” – Patricia Bourque, member of Abegweit First Nation

Conclusion “Having an area inside a growing university such as UPEI will only encourage more and more Aboriginal people to choose a post secondary education. When they do that, our citizens, our communities and our province is better for it.” -Chief Brian Francis, Abegweit First Nation at the grand opening of Maoi Omi Aboriginal Student Centre at UPEI January 20, 2009

Aboriginal Education at UPEI: Transitioning Toward a Positive Future in Health

by National Aboriginal Health Organization

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Aboriginal Education at UPEI: Transitioning Toward a Positive Future in Health Presentation Transcript