Aboriginal programs and services directory

The University of Calgary offers approximately 20 scholarships, bursaries and/or awards available for Aboriginal students for entrance and/or in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has just received a $750,000 endowment gift from the Rupertsland Institute to support six scholarships for Métis students: three undergraduate and three graduate.

The University of Calgary has two emergency loan programs:

1) Muttart Aboriginal Emergency Student Loan – this emergency loan program is managed by the Student Awards and Financial Aid Centre in consultation and through recommendation from The Native Centre;

2) Talisman Emergency Food and Supply Program – this program is managed by The Native Centre and offers emergency gift cards to use at Safeway.

Additional Research Assistance funding is available through NSERC when:

1) a graduate student has self-identified as Aboriginal,

2) the Faculty applies for the additional funds that support the Aboriginal application (which is in addition to current available pool of funding).

*Faculty members need to identify students during NSERC process.

The Native Centre offers student access to an Aboriginal Integrative Therapist, who is a registered MSW Social Worker for crisis intervention or holistic healing. Students who seek formal counsellng via a registered psychologist are referred to the Counselling Centre under the auspices of the University of Calgary Health and Wellness Centre.

The Native Centre has just launched a new Aboriginal Student Retention and Peer Mentoring Program called ASSERT: Aboriginal Student Success, Empowerment, and Retention Track Program. This program is designed to identify and work proactively with Aboriginal students at academic risk (2.40 GPA and lower). The program includes peer support / tutoring, academic and cultural support modules, and special advising / coaching.

The Native Centre manages the LYNX: Aboriginal Student Career and Employment Program, which is an online job search and student support program

- The Native Centre and First Nations Student Association offer social and cultural events throughout the year including: Annual Native Awareness Week, Annual Graduation Banquet and Pow Wow, Potlucks, Spiritual Ceremonies, Sage Gathering, Women’s Tea Ceremony, and Field Trips.

- The Haskayne School of Business offers a specialized Educational Enhancement Program for Aboriginal students in the Bachelor of Management Program that focuses on peer support, professional development, and a keynote speaker series.

- International Indigenous Studies Program offers Indigenous Scholars Speakers Series.

The Native Centre is located in the MacEwan Student Centre and includes a large facility that houses: staff offices, central reception, computer lab, two board rooms, student lounge, and student office space.

Elder visits – The Native Centre offers the opportunity for students to meet confidentially with a Cultural / Spiritual Advisor.

The Native Centre Director and other staff sit on various community advisory committees and partner with both other educational and/or social services agencies in Calgary and Alberta.

- The University of Calgary faculty have developed meaningful and productive partnerships with Aboriginal communities in a number of research projects
- The Native Centre offers a special Aboriginal Youth Outreach and Leadership Training Program called the N.A.P.I. Ambassador Program. This program is a pre-recruitment initiative that provides role models that encourage students to stay in school and offers three levels of certified leadership training specifically designed for Aboriginal youth.