Exemplary Practices for the Identification of Aboriginal Students

Camosun College
First Nations Advisors, instructors, and instructional assistants counsel students and prospective students that filling in the Aboriginal Ancestry box on the application form provides the college with information that influences its Aboriginal policies. With this information most Aboriginal students allow themselves to be identified.

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)
An Aboriginal Seat Allocation Form is provided (both in the calendar and on the web-site) as a part of the request for admission to NBCC, where seats are set aside in regular programs for members of the Aboriginal community. The NBCC encourages Aboriginal students to use this process for admission which also enables the NBCC to collect enrolment data.

University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV)
UCFV has provided more discrete categories on its application form for Aboriginal students to allow them to self-identify. The Aboriginal Resource Centre staff actively encourages students to self-identify. The university college is currently considering designating a portion of tuition paid by self-identifying students for support services, aboriginal curriculum development etc.

Red River College
Red River College is trying to implement a system where students who self declare have a copy of their information sent directly to the Aboriginal Education Division. As well, students are given information about Aboriginal supports available on campus when they enroll. The Aboriginal division presents to the students during orientation, recruitment and new staff orientation days.

College of the Rockies
The Aboriginal coordinator tries to meet with as many students as possible. The college Aboriginal Advisory Committee supports college efforts to support students and encourage them to self-identify by talking to as many potential students as possible.

SAIT Polytechnic
SAIT Polytechnic recently introduced a self-identification section on the institute registration forms. The Aboriginal Policy was passed this past year following presentations to Board of Governors Executive Committee. SAIT Polytechnic is working to create a welcoming environment for Aboriginal students by going into other programs to discuss Aboriginal issues with all students at the institution, as well as organize cross- cultural events to encourage student participation and identification.