Innovative Learning Partnership for Indigenous Youth Launched at Vancouver Island University and Yukon College
Vancouver Island University and Yukon College to increase enrollment and completion rates of Indigenous learners
NANAIMO, BC, Sept. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - In the spirit of reconciliation, a new learning partnership for Indigenous youth at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Yukon College is being announced today.
Building from the guidance of Elders and the aspirations of Indigenous youth, VIU will join Yukon College in a collaboration supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation and Mastercard Foundation that creates opportunities for Indigenous learners to be full partners in their education.
Through a model of co-creation and collaboration, VIU and Yukon College have been instrumental in the design and development of a learning partnership whose total value is $50 million. This partnership amplifies existing in-kind and financial contributions from government, the private sector, Indigenous communities and the two higher educational institutions by bringing in new support from the Mastercard Foundation and Rideau Hall Foundation.
The partnership will be celebrated at VIU today with a meeting of educators, Elders, community leaders, students, elected representatives and others. A similar celebration will be held in Carcross, Yukon on Friday, September 22.
At VIU, $13.5 million in new funding will remove barriers for Indigenous learners. Through an innovative match approach, new financial support will double the number of students that partner First Nations are supporting to pursue postsecondary education resulting in 500 Indigenous students completing their programs of study. In addition, wrap-around supports will include dedicated Education Navigators who work on campuses and in communities helping Indigenous youth access pathways to postsecondary education. Enhanced services will support over 1,800 Indigenous students with on-campus and community services and inspire youth from Qeq (toddler) through to high school, leading to improved retention and graduation rates.
"For me, as an Elder, this is an exciting partnership. We have people that are doing well, but many are not. With this learning partnership, we are providing additional support to reach deeper into the communities to young people we don't usually see, but who need someone to believe in them," explains Xulsimalt ? Gary Manson, an Elder-in-Residence at VIU and member of Snuneymuxw First Nation. "The poverty we have had to deal with impacts urban communities, but more so in rural communities where there are less resources and it is difficult to find employment. How do we tackle both? This opportunity will help. And, for me, it is about healing, which is a long time in coming. This is a start to creating more hope rather than hopelessness."
Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, said this learning partnership is life-changing work. "Through this learning partnership, we will build on the existing relationships we have with First Nations in our regions and deepen our partnerships, working collaboratively with communities to ensure Indigenous students have access to relevant and positive post-secondary education; that they are supported throughout their experience; and that they have the skills and abilities to transition," he said. "We look forward to continuing to engage in and support this critical life-changing work through this partnership."
The inclusive approach underpinning this learning partnership means that all of VIU's Indigenous students will benefit from expanded support services on campus and within local communities. Over the next five years, VIU will expand and fine-tune its extensive efforts to interact with the communities it serves and enhance educational opportunities for Indigenous youth. VIU already offers a range of initiatives and wrap-around supports to encourage successful postsecondary education for these young people, including outreach workers, student mentors, campus Elders, tuition supplements and other services.
At Yukon College, $4.6 million in new funding will enhance services for students and youths. Wrap-around supports include case managers and tutors who assist students in navigating academic and non-academic barriers to success; dedicated staff for youth managing the transition from care homes, treatment facilities or the justice system; and new online credit courses to better engage rural students in postsecondary education. In addition, the new Yukon Youth University will engage youth who are disconnected from K-12 education. These services will support current Yukon College students and will enable over 300 additional Indigenous students to achieve their education and life goals.
The 14 Yukon First Nations, Our Voices Yukon and the Government of Yukon's departments of Justice and Education are key Yukon collaborators in this learning partnership.
"I believe in this learning partnership. The Mastercard Foundation and the Rideau Hall Foundation have listened deeply and humbly. They have heard what we need and how they can help support our students," said Tosh Southwick, Director of First Nations Initiatives at Yukon College.
"This new learning partnership is grounded in reconciliation, rooted in our northern identity and values of collaboration, inclusiveness and empowering students. It builds upon our strong partnerships with Yukon First Nations, Government of Yukon and community organizations," said Dr. Karen Barnes, President of Yukon College.
Yukon College and VIU were selected to lead the learning partnership because of their success in addressing access to postsecondary education for Indigenous youth and their strong connections with local Indigenous communities.
"Education is a critical aspect of reconciliation. The Rideau Hall Foundation is thrilled to be the managing partner for this innovative and collaborative partnership to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous learners," said Scott Haldane, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation.
"Reconciliation begins with listening and building trust," said Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. "This collaboration is rooted in the education and cultural vision Indigenous youth, Elders, educators and families hold for themselves, and creates an opportunity for communities to be at the forefront of trail breaking advancements in education and learning."
For more information, visit: www.rhf-frh.ca/learning-partnership-indigenous-students.
Pour lire le communiqué en français, cliquez ici.
Vancouver Island University
To learn more visit www.viu.ca.
Yukon College
To learn more visit yukoncollege.yk.ca.
Rideau Hall Foundation
To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca.
Mastercard Foundation
To learn more visit www.mastercardfdn.org.
SOURCE Rideau Hall Foundation
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