Canadian Colleges & Institutes - Meeting the Needs of Aboriginal Learners

There is a serious need to address the low literacy levels in many Aboriginal communities. There is not sufficient funding for literacy programs by either the federal or provincial governments. This is a major obstacle for adult learners currently assessed at Adult Basic Education Level I.

The full-time equivalent (FTE) funding provided by provincial and territorial governments as part of colleges and institutes operating or base funding, should reflect additional support for student success services and cultural activity required for Aboriginal learners.
B.C. institutions suggested that the province could develop an Aboriginal FTE structure. The basis of this model could be that one 'regular' FTE student would be equal to 1.6 Aboriginal FTEs. This would help support additional costs (student support, community facilities costs, Elders honorariums, smaller classes to support personal/cultural development, etc.) and would provide an incentive for institutions to include more First Nations/Aboriginal programming.

There is a need for more funding to ensure students can access desired programs.
For students to be successful in college, living expenses need to be addressed including transportation, meals, books and supplies etc. Often Aboriginal students are mature students with numerous responsibilities in particular family responsibilities, childcare expenses, housing etc.
A review of the current funding strategy in relation to the actual number of students serviced annually might be beneficial.

Ontario colleges made a strong call for the need to increase the funding available through the Aboriginal Education Training Strategy. It was suggested that funding be linked to students enrolled and not necessarily to students graduating. Many students do graduate however, it is not unusual for some students to extend their programs, or leave and come back to finish at another time.
It was also suggested that institutions which provide Aboriginal programming out of their operating or base funding could also be provided better access to particular provincial or federal program funds.

Colleges and institutes made suggestions for funding to support Aboriginal program development at colleges and institutes. For example:
- Annual dedicated funds for aboriginal programming and services, based on the Aboriginal population. As one college indicated, it is very difficult to maintain essential student success services - particularly in the smaller regional centres without targeted funds.