Exemplary Practices for the Identification of Aboriginal Community Needs and Community Delivery

Through such partnerships with Aboriginal communities we have ensured that the needs of the community are met and that students are successful. Because of these successes, students serve as role models for other Aboriginal youth. This encourages them to pursue post-secondary and other careers they may not have thought about. The result is community development enrichment.

John Abbott College
The NURSES Project, a collaboration between Kahnawake and John Abbott College started in 2002-2003 and is designed to address the community's vision of having Kahnawakero:non as primary caregivers and to increase the number of nurses in the community. The project was initiated by Kahnawake community members who developed a publicity campaign to generate interest in nursing as a career. Candidates applied and were interviewed to elicit academic qualifications, career goals, motivation and commitment. The college supports the project through the services of the Aboriginal Student Resource Centre. Originally, the community organizing committee contacted the college to deliver the program which was designed collaboratively. The project's design included a two semester preparatory program given in the community (with some labs at the college) followed by the regular 3 year nursing program at the college. Specialized support services have been maintained throughout the program and most of the students are now completing their second year of nursing. The preparatory program allowed students to:

• complete prerequisites for nursing
• gain skills for success at college
• take some general education courses (English, Humanities)
• take preparatory course in French and Biology
• become familiar with the college and the college-level work load
• take one nursing course.

This project meets a community need and provides opportunities to increase cultural awareness within the college.

Keyano College
The Department of Adult Education makes frequent visits, sits on various community committees and acts as a valuable educational resource to communities. Needs assessment tools are used during community visits. The college contributes to community development by evolving programs to meet local needs. For example, with the expansion of oil sands development closer to aboriginal communities, Keyano College has developed on-site pre-trades programs to allow students to prepare for the apprenticeship entrance exams and is working with local industry and other partners to assist students in obtaining apprenticeships. The college is also piloting mobile delivery of trades training at the Suncor work site.