Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)

AUCC launched a new online directory of programs and services for Aboriginal students. This searchable database demonstrates the robust variety of programs and services specifically designed to help Aboriginal students access and succeed at Canadian universities.

The launch of this new tool reflects university leadership in increasing access to and attainment of higher education in Canada. Aboriginal youth is the fastest-growing segment of the Canadian population, yet only eight percent of Aboriginals between the ages of 24 and 64 have a university degree. This compares to 23 percent of non-Aboriginals. Closing that education gap is a priority for Canada’s universities.

Through this new resource and other measures, universities are working with Aboriginal communities and their leaders to raise awareness among Aboriginal youth about the opportunities and possibilities that postsecondary education offers. Many universities also have successful outreach programs in Aboriginal communities, providing support and mentoring to encourage young students to stay in school and consider postsecondary education studies opportunities as early as at the elementary school. And an increasing number of universities include Aboriginal voices and perspectives in their governance structures.

To increase university accessibility and attainment for Aboriginal students, AUCC’s 2013 pre-budget submission to James Flaherty, Minister of Finance, calls for increased postsecondary scholarships for Aboriginal students with funding to be matched by the private sector.

I invite you to browse this new online directory at www.aucc.ca/Aboriginal-directory and share it with others, along with this accompanying report.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about this new directory, please contact Aisha Dioury, government relations officer, at adioury@aucc.ca or at (613) 563-3961, extension 293