Post-Secondary Planning for Indigenous Students

Indigenous Students

Committed to Indigenous learners success

BC Post-Secondary institutions strive to support Indigenous students

Pursue and participate in Indigenous culture, community, and ways of knowing on your educational journey.

We acknowledge with respect that the land on which we learn and work is unceded Indigenous territory in British Columbia.

Explore your campus' services and programs and access services focusing on Indigenous resources and supports, like those listed below. Participate in those that resonate with you and build up your community.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT	HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Advising services. Get help with an education plan and course selection. Find out about various on-campus and off-campus student-support programs which will help you with your studies. Specialized programs e.g., Indigenous credential options within degree or diploma programs Indigenous adult learners transitioning into post-secondary programs	Counselling services. Get help with non-academic questions or personal challenges. On-campus Indigenous community space. Find connection within your institution’s indigenous centres, e.g. First Nations House of Learning, Gathering Place. Leadership development programs. Take on new responsibilities to develop your confidence and leadership skills.

CULTURAL SUPPORT	FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Student orientation programs. Introduces you to the facilities that are available on campus. Indigenous student associations. Find (or create!) clubs with like-minded individuals on campus. Social and cultural events. Check for activities to attend with other students. Elder programs, where elders will visit you on campus and provide advice, listen, share, and help celebrate your success.	Scholarships and bursaries. Talk to your campus financial aid advisors and check their websites for resources. Indigenous-focused research funding. Find (or create!) grant opportunities to do research in your field of study or within your community. Child and family care. Check if your school has services or daycare for students who have children.

Achieving Indigenous Student Success

Find funding opportunities that fit your specific situation. A good place to start is talking with members of your community, your local band office, or with the Financial Aid Advisor at the institution you wish to attend. Take time to research and coordinate your funding options, it will make your time as a student less stressful.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Aboriginal Learning Links	Funding options, including band sponsorship, as an Indigenous student seeking post-secondary education.
Government of Canada: Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool	Database of more than 500 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada.
Government of Canada: Canada Benefits	A list of federal, provincial, and territorial programs and services you may be eligible for.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Post-Secondary Student Support Program	Financial assistance to First Nations and eligible Inuit students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)	Indigenous students who do not have Band membership can contact BCAAFC for information on financial supports.
BC Government First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program	Funded by Province of British Columbia to support cultural, educational and economic development programs for Indigenous people, communities and businesses in B.C.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Employment & Training Program	Funding for education and training throughout BC.
New Relationship Trust (NRT) Student Funding	Scholarships and bursaries for eligible First Nations students at recognized post-secondary institutions.
Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society: Indigenous Awards	Three award programs for students who identify as Indigenous, defined as First Nations (status or Non-Status), Metis or Inuit, pursuing post-secondary education in BC.
Indspire	Bursaries, scholarships and awards for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education, apprenticeships, skilled trades, technology programs or a variety of other programs.
M'akola Development Services	Annual scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous youth in BC.

PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY INDIGENOUS OFFICES

Institution	Indigenous Services	Location
British Columbia Institute of Technology	Indigenous Services	Lower Mainland
Camosun College	Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen – Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections	Victoria
Capilano University	First Nations Student Services	North Vancouver
Coast Mountain College	Indigenous Resources – Student Support	Northwest BC
College of New Caledonia	Aboriginal Resource Centre	North/Central BC
College of the Rockies	Indigenous Education Services	East Kootenay
Douglas College	Aboriginal Student Services	Lower Mainland
Emily Carr University of Art + Design	Aboriginal Program Office	Vancouver
Justice Institute of British Columbia	Aboriginal Student Services	Lower Mainland/Victoria/Kelowna
Kwantlen Polytechnic University	Indigenous Services for Students	Lower Mainland
Langara College	Indigenous Education & Services	Vancouver
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology	Support Services	Merritt/Burnaby
North Island College	Aboriginal Education Services	North Vancouver Island
Northern Lights College	Aboriginal Services	Peace Region
Okanagan College	Aboriginal Services	Okanagan
Royal Roads University	Indigenous Education and Student Services	Victoria/Vancouver Island
Selkirk College	Indigenous Services	West Kootenay
Simon Fraser University	Indigenous Student Centre	Lower Mainland
Thompson Rivers University	Indigenous TRU	Southern Interior
University of British Columbia	Aboriginal Portal (UBC-Vancouver) First Nations House of Learning (UBC-Vancouver) Aboriginal Programs & Services (UBC-Okanagan)	Vancouver/Okanagan
University of Fraser Valley	Indigenous@UFV	Fraser Valley
University of Northern British Columbia	First Nations Centre	Northern BC
University of Victoria	Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement	Victoria
Vancouver Community College	Indigenous Education and Community Engagement	Lower Mainland/Vancouver
Vancouver Island University	Services for Aboriginal Students	Mid-Vancouver Island/Powell River

Resources

WorkBC - BC's Career Guide for Indigenous People