Academics Discuss Challenges For Native Students
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 15:00
Educators from across Canada are in Saskatoon today discussing the future of Aboriginal post-secondary education.
So far, all of the academics and guest speakers agree there is an urgent need to improve the outcomes of First Nations and Metis students in high school and to prepare them better for the rigours of university and trade school.
A Metis academic from Alberta, Shawn Cunningham, says education institutions need to start dealing with the “here and now”.
Cunningham says everyone knows there is a high dropout rate for Aboriginal high schoolers and that many take a meandering path to post-secondary schools.
She stresses once educators determine where the students are at — they can assist them with upgrading.
Cunningham also says schools need to make students feel welcome so they can say what’s really on their minds.
Meantime, other presenters at the conference says the fight for education dollars is really starting to heat up between First Nations students, while there is not enough money for Metis and non-status Indians.
Others say many Aboriginal students heading to university aren’t prepared for the attendance requirements that are needed to graduate — and some drop out after only one or two semesters.
Cunningham also stresses there needs to be more leadership opportunities for Aboriginal students when they’re at college or university.
Officials from the First Nations University of Canada are present for today’s discussion, but the FNUC’s situation is not on the agenda.