Aboriginal Education

The issue

Supporting university education for Aboriginal Canadians

Since Aboriginals have lower than average high school graduation rates, only 8 percent of Aboriginal youth in Canada complete a university degree – one third the national average. Given that the young population in Aboriginal communities is growing at three times the national average, many more of these youth will be looking for opportunities for a university education.

A holistic approach is needed to ensure successful transitions for students and to help more Aboriginals complete their postsecondary education. This approach must include increased federal funding for Aboriginal students, federal funding for Aboriginal focused support programs at universities and the creation of a series of pilot projects where Aboriginal communities and universities work together to improve high school graduation rates.

Why supporting aboriginal education matters

To learn more about how universities are supporting Aboriginal education, click on the examples below:

• Distance education
• Transition programs
• Recruitment approach
• Traditional knowledge
• High school support
• Student services

What we are saying

What others are saying