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Aboriginal Students at Memorial University

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

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Aboriginal Students at Memorial University

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  1. Aboriginal Students at Memorial University

  2. Overview • 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

  3. Overview Continued… • 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

  4. Aboriginal Peoples in NL

  5. Sensitivity ‘Matters’ Note: This is not research based and should not be applied to all Aboriginal groups

  6. Key Challenges for Students • 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

  7. Other Key Challenges • 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

  8. More 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

  9. Nain, Nunatsiavut

  10. Miawpukek, NL

  11. Some Last Thoughts….. • 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

  12. QUESTIONS? Contact Information Sheila Freake Coordinator – Aboriginal Resource Office UC-4003 Ph: (709) 864-3495 Fax: (709) 864-7601 Email: sgfreake@mun.ca or Valeri Pilgrim Aboriginal Liaison Officer UC-4004 Ph: (709) 864-8278 Fax: (709) 864-7601 Email: vpilgrim@mun.ca Nakummek Wela'lin Tshinashkumitinau Merci Thank You

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