• Colleges and institutes would benefit from a strong government commitment to Aboriginal Education policy and funding to create Aboriginal specific programs. This should also include stronger partnerships with other post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal high school or preparatory programs would help with recruitment of Aboriginal students.
• Increase specific fund availability, for example for trades/apprenticeship program development where there is a demonstrated need.
• Perhaps there could be specific initiatives funding for areas such as: Aboriginal recruitment, academic preparation, cultural activities, Aboriginal curriculum and program development, etc. These funds would then align with colleges’ specific goals and mandates for improved services.
• Support mainstream institutions to develop or enhance Aboriginal service areas, including meeting space for Aboriginal students and student success and support services. Aboriginal-specific programs could be developed to enable those who so desire to move into university level studies.
• New funding should be available to facilitate partnerships with Aboriginal communities and institutions, as well as, external non Aboriginal and Canadian partners i.e. industry.

Funds for Increasing Aboriginal Faculty And Staff At Colleges And Institutes

• The hiring of more Aboriginal faculty would do much to provide an Aboriginal perspective to mainstream education and, by their presence, be needed role models for students. As such it was suggested that institutions could take on, in an incremental way, the salaries of fulltime Aboriginal specific positions as opposed to having the funding reflect the actual costs of these positions. As such the funds could be used for developmental positions, projects and program/curriculum development.

Increased Information on Funding Sources

• A website for all sources of funding open to Aboriginal students both federal and provincial would be useful.

Recognition for Aboriginal Service Areas of Colleges and Institutes

• Colleges and institutes and the provincial and federal governments need to recognize, and support through adequate funding and staffing the large contributions Aboriginal service areas at colleges/institutes provide to the recruitment, retention and successful graduation of Aboriginal students. As well, these areas usually provide support and cross-cultural learning opportunities for the rest of the student bodies at most institutions. Other faculties that utilize the staff of Aboriginal support areas on an ongoing basis should be required to contribute to the operational costs of these areas.