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Aboriginal Students at Memorial University. Overview. Established in the early 1990s as NLO Recent name change – Aboriginal Resource Office (ARO) Support for Aboriginals attending Memorial - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Aboriginal Students at Memorial University
Established in the early 1990s as NLO
Recent name change – Aboriginal Resource Office (ARO)
Support for Aboriginals attending Memorial
Approximately 500 + self-identified Aboriginal students at Memorial University with 300 on the St. John’s Campus
Overview
Memorial - ARO primarily serves, but are not limited to Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Labrador Métis/Southern Inuit Students
Location – University Centre
Currently 2 staff members
Overview Continued…
Aboriginal Peoples in NL
Sensitivity ‘Matters’
Note: This is not research based and should not be applied to all Aboriginal groups
Aboriginal Student Funding
Misconception that all Aboriginal students receive funding
Funding opportunities vary between various Aboriginal groups
High unemployment rates and poverty in some Aboriginal communities, which can make the financial obligations of post-secondary education difficult to meet
Culture Shock
Adjusting to city life
Loss of family supports and cultural identity
Feelings of isolation and loneliness
Key Challenges for Students
Lack of preparation for University
Less verbally competitive in group projects and class presentations
May be subjected to both prejudice/discrimination and ignorance by others
Other Key Challenges
QEII is larger than students’ school
Classes are larger than student’s community
Feelings of intimidation
Quiet and reserved
No space/room for Aboriginal students to gather
More Challenges…..
Nain, Nunatsiavut
Miawpukek, NL
Aboriginal peoples are diverse in every way
Take opportunities to become informed about Aboriginal diversity
Be culturally sensitive/aware
Make people feel welcome
Ask questions
Some Last Thoughts…..
Contact Information
Sheila FreakeCoordinator – Aboriginal Resource OfficeUC-4003Ph: (709) 864-3495Fax: (709) 864-7601Email: [email protected]
or
Valeri PilgrimAboriginal Liaison OfficerUC-4004Ph: (709) 864-8278Fax: (709) 864-7601Email: [email protected]
QUESTIONS?
NakummekWela'linTshinashkumitinauMerciThank You
