The Aboriginal Learning Unit

Cultural Diversity and Support at Canadore

The transition into college life can be difficult for students; especially if it is their first time away from home or if they have travelled far distances from remote communities to attend college.

Karen Carpenter moved to North Bay from Moosonee, Ont. to take Environmental Technician – Protection and Compliance at Canadore. The change was challenging but she found comfort at Canadore’s Aboriginal Learning Unit.

“It was tough…when I started my program. I ended up being the only First Nation student in my class. It was challenging and sometimes I had a feeling of isolation from my own people, but I toughed it out and took it one day at a time. I would always end up sitting in the ALU office checking out the boards and updated information on Native programs and bursaries and talking with other Native students,” she said.

“I flourished in my program, overcame the isolation and made friends and enjoyed college, thanks to all the support.”

More than 400 Aboriginal students a year come to the College from as far away as Nunavut to Newfoundland.

“This number does not include the many more Aboriginal students who access Canadore’s programs through community-based, distance and part-time studies. Our students come to us from all walks of life and from many communities including First Nation and urban centers. Students come from many Nations including Anishinabe, Mushkegowuk, Ongwehonwe and a growing Métis population,” said Mary Wabano, Director of the ALU.

Wabano said some of their students come from very remote communities and have to deal with unique challenges such as language barriers. “A lot of our students come to Canadore and their first language is not English. We help with the transition and try to educate the rest of the College on where our students are coming from,” she said. “We provide support to students; a place to call home away from home.”

ALU services include student counselling, academic advising and peer tutoring, traditional resources, Elder programs and cross cultural training. They also offer scholarships and bursaries, dedicated space and support at various campuses.

“Our focus is Aboriginal students. Research has shown that Aboriginal learners find more success in postsecondary when there is a support system in place. We base our services on the needs of our students,” said Wabano.

“Graduation rates for our students continue to improve each year at Canadore College something we are extremely proud of.”

The services at the ALU are focused heavily on culture and tradition. There are several activities geared to offer students a sense of community like regular traditional lunches in Canadore’s very own tipi and Elder visits.

“It’s a place where you meet your peers, ask for help with school, work, or for when you just need someone to talk to. As a first-year college student, it was hard to adjust to city life, but the ALU has made me comfortable with a sense of being in my home town,” said Trista Echum, a student from Moose Cree First Nation.

The ALU is in a constant state of change and growth. Recently Canadore’s Board of Governors approved two new Aboriginal-specific programs – Indigenous Pre- Health Studies and Indigenous Preparatory Studies.“These two new programs are unique to postsecondary studies in Ontario. They are culturally-based preparatory programs that will prepare students for success in a wide range of program areas. The holistic delivery methodology are based on Indigenous knowledge and world view,” said Wabano.The ALU also continually works with First Nations to bring postsecondary programs to communities through partnership agreements. This year, three training programs were delivered in partnership with Nipissing First Nation and Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. Over 40 Aboriginal students will receive a certificate of training in either Pre- Construction, Personal Support Worker or Pre- Apprenticeship - Carpentry as a result of the communitybased projects this year.Partnerships also exist with several Aboriginal education organizations including Seven Generations Education Institute, the Anishinabek Education Institute, First Nation Technical Institute, Nbisiing Secondary School, Ontario Native Education Counselling Association, and Aurora College. The partnerships provide access to education for students in remote areas who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. “It opens the door to postsecondary education. It increases accessibility and opportunity for First Nation populations to attend postsecondary training,” Wabano said.Whether on or off-campus she said, students give Canadore and the ALU glowing reviews, which lets them know they are on the right track.“At Canadore, we are very genuine in our approach and people can see that. When you look at other institutes, we shine so much brighter. The feedback we have been getting is very positive. I have had students say, ‘I don’t know how I could have gotten through College without all the support.’”