Crown-First Nations Gathering: Universities welcome focus on Aboriginal education

OTTAWA – Canada’s university presidents are encouraged by yesterday’s dialogue between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s First Nations’ chiefs. The Crown-First Nations Gathering highlighted the shared view that Aboriginal education must be a cornerstone of future initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for Canada’s First Nations people.

“Few things are as transformational for a society as bold and visionary educational reform,” says Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “Canada’s universities are ready to play a meaningful role in improving Aboriginal education at all levels, and thereby enhancing the prospects of Canada’s growing population of young Aboriginal Canadians.

“The education gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians is large and growing – a trend that must be reversed,” says Davidson. “There are almost half a million Aboriginal people under the age of 20, yet their university attainment is just one-third the national average.”

Efforts aimed at improving the educational experience of Aboriginal students are already taking place at Canada’s universities. Many universities have robust and successful outreach programs in Aboriginal communities, providing educational support and mentoring opportunities to students starting as early as the elementary level. Universities are also strengthening student supports and developing curricula that are relevant to Aboriginals’ life experiences.

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For more information or interview opportunities:

Helen Murphy
AUCC Communications Manager
hmurphy@aucc.ca
613-563-1236 ext. 238