Canada’s universities demonstrate concerted, strategic approach to Aboriginal student success

OTTAWA, June 21, 2010 – In conjunction with National Aboriginal Day, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada released a report today on the programs and services Canadian universities offer to Aboriginal students.

Last fall, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued a call to action to Canadian universities to help address the fact that the attainment level for Aboriginal students at university is just one-third of that of their non-Aboriginal peers. Today’s report demonstrates that universities across the country are answering the call.

“The study shows remarkable innovation on campuses to address Aboriginal student needs. Advances in curriculum and Aboriginal faculty leadership along with increased respect for Indigenous knowledge are benefiting the university community and the country,” said Paul Davidson, President of AUCC. “Taken together these new programs and services are creating a culture of student success,” Mr. Davidson added.

Canada’s Aboriginal population is growing at three times the national average. Over the next decade, 400,000 Aboriginal youth will reach labour market age. Recognizing education’s transformative power and Canada’s need for highly qualified people for economic growth and prosperity, Canada’s universities will continue to work with Aboriginal leaders, governments and stakeholders to improve Aboriginal student outcomes.

Based upon survey responses from almost two-thirds of Canadian universities, Answering the call: The 2010 inventory of Canadian university programs and services for Aboriginal students, shows that compared to 2005:

• 62 percent of respondents report more Aboriginal programs, courses and students;
• 47 percent of respondents report increased funding for academic programs targeted to Aboriginal students;
• 28 percent of respondents report allocations of more than $500,000 for Aboriginal-focused facilities and activities.

Overall, the report also shows that universities are moving toward more concerted, strategic approaches; with responsibility for all aspects of Aboriginal education increasingly assigned to the most senior levels of institutional leadership. This in turn has supported increased levels of communication and engagement between leaders of the university and Aboriginal communities over the last five years.

This study is an integral component of AUCC’s sustained commitment to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal Canadians. Later this year in October, AUCC and the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation will host an Aboriginal Postsecondary Education Working Summit with the goal of developing an action plan to enhance access and success of Aboriginal students in higher education.

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AUCC is the national voice for Canada’s universities. It represents 95 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities.

For more information:

Alison Hebbs
Assistant director, Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada