Initiatives to support Aboriginal students at the University of Regina got a $350,000 boost today.

The Toronto Dominion bank is providing the gift which will be used for bursaries and a culturally based leadership initiative.

The prairie region vice president for the TD bank group, Monique Batemen, says its important to reduce barriers facing aboriginal youth.

$100,000 will go to bursaries for students struggling with tuition costs,  while $250,000 will go to support an elder based leadership program at the university called the Neekaneewak Leadership Initiative.

Aboriginal students now make up about 11% of the university’s student population.