Resources for Aboriginal students

This section offers a list of valuable learning resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students including:

• Aboriginal Institutes
• Education & training
• Funding & financial assistance
• Employment services & support
• Resources & support from institutions

Aboriginal Institutes

Aboriginal institutes partner with colleges and universities to offer students degree programs, apprenticeships, certificate programs and diploma programs.

Some Aboriginal institutes also provide secondary school programming, continuing education, literacy and basic skills training. Aboriginal institutes may also offer Native Language education programs.

• Anishinabek Education Institute
• FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute)
• Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute
• Iohahi:io Akwesasne Adult Education Centre
• Oshki Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute
• Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre
• Seven Generations Education Institute
• Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
• Six Nations Polytechnic

Education & training

Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
A site provided by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada and other organizations.  This includes resources on literacy and basic skills, Aboriginal student services, schools & programs, and government resources.

Education and Professional Training - Aboriginal Canada Portal
This portal offers links to programs, services and information related to education and professional training specifically for Aboriginal people.

Programs & Courses for Aboriginal Students
A list of the university and college programs, courses and services intended for an Aboriginal clientele.

Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
The OFIFC represents 29 friendship centres across Ontario. They provide programs that promote education, economic development, children's and youth initiatives, and cultural awareness.

Funding & financial assistance

Aboriginal Student Financial Assistance
This site contains links to national financial assistance, guides and lists of bursaries and scholarships for Aboriginal people.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
The INAC has two funding programs that could provide financial assistance for eligible Status Indian and Inuit students to help offset tuition, travel or living expenses:

1. Post-Secondary Student Support Program This program provides financial assistance to Status Indian and Inuit students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.

2. University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) If you are an eligible Status Indian or Inuit student registered for university or college entrance programs to help you achieve the academic requirements necessary for entrance into a post-secondary degree or diploma program, you may qualify for financial assistance.

Aboriginal Bursaries
This site contains a searchable list of bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada, offered by governments, universities and colleges, private and public companies, individual Canadians, organizations and others.

Indspire (formerly National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation)
This site contains a list of numerous awards, bursaries and scholarships administered by Indspire.

Canadian Heritage Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has established a scholarship fund to provide scholarships, based on merit and need to First Nations, Non-status Indians, Métis and Inuit.

Aboriginal Scholarship Guide
If you are a Canadian Native (First Nations, non-status, Métis, Inuit) student, there are a variety of available funding sources to help offset the financial burden of receiving an education.  Check out these lists to determine which programs you may qualify for.

Contact your local band office to find out if you qualify for financial help with your full-time or part-time post-secondary studies.

Employment services & support

General Programs and Services
This site offers links to government and non-government sources that pertain to employment and human resources for Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal Job Centre
This Employment e-tool lists jobs available for Aboriginal job seekers across Canada.

The Métis Nation of Ontario
This site has a wide selection of job search, training, and resource links.  There is also a Summer Career Placement Program with job opportunities for Métis youth – if interested, call 1-800-263-4889 or email training@metisnation.org

Resources & support from institutions

Algoma College – Anishinaabe Student Services
Anishinaabe students have access to all services of the university, as well as specialized support services.

Algonquin College Access Program (ACAP) for Aboriginals
ACAP supports these efforts by welcomes and embraces diverse populations into college programs for the benefit of the entire community.

Brock University – Aboriginal Student Services
Brock’s goal is to help all Aboriginal students, including Native, Inuit, and Métis, make the transition to the Brock University community.

Cambrian College Wabnode Centre for Aboriginal Services
Cambrian College helps Aboriginal students make the successful transition to college and provides them with ongoing support throughout their college years.

Canadore College Aboriginal Learning Unit
Student services include counselling, advocacy, elders’ programs, career planning, tutoring, referrals, social events and the promotion of personal growth and well-being.

Carleton University Centre for Aboriginal Culture and Education (CACE)
CACE aims to increase the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal students, faculty and staff at Carleton by ensuring Aboriginal cultures, traditions, and worldviews are respected and represented on campus.

Collège Boréal – The Louis-Riel Centre
The Louis-Riel Centre provides Métis and Aboriginal students a vast array of services in a culturally responsive environment conducive to their academic success.

Conestoga College Aboriginal Services
Conestoga College provides a direct link to resources, including cultural and academic support, to overcome issues and barriers faced by Aboriginal post-secondary students.

Confederation College Aboriginal Support Services
An Aboriginal Student Counselor is available to provide or make referrals for counseling, help with funding and sponsorship, career information and referrals to support agencies in the community.

Fleming College Aboriginal Education Services
Support is provided through culturally appropriate curriculum, links with Aboriginal communities through the Aboriginal Education Council and Aboriginal student support programs.

George Brown Aboriginal Student Services
George Brown offers a variety of support services including counseling, a student centre, Aboriginal studies courses, and other initiatives.

Lakehead University Aboriginal Cultural & Support Services (ACSS)
ACSS helps Aboriginal students to achieve success in their academic goals through a variety of support services.

Lambton College Aboriginal Services
Lambton College provides a culturally sensitive and academically stimulating environment for students with Aboriginal backgrounds.

Loyalist College Aboriginal Resource Centre
Many Aboriginal students find the adjustment to college a difficult process. This transition is made easier through the friendship, assistance and services provided by the Aboriginal Resource Centre.

McMaster First Nation Student Association (MFNSA)
The MFNSA provides resources, peer support, extra-curricular social activities, and alternative learning experiences for Native students at McMaster.

Mohawk College – Aboriginal Education and Student Services
Mohawk college fosters of a supportive learning environment which encourages self-empowerment.

Niagara College - First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Services
Niagara College offers a wide range of programs and services specific to Aboriginal students and communities.

Nipissing University Aboriginal Services
Services include academic support, budgeting/sponsorship assistance, employment and career opportunities, and much more.

Northern College Aboriginal Services
Northern College offers Aboriginal programs & services including customized education and training programs, academic upgrading, and Aboriginal apprenticeship programs.

Queen’s University Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre
Queen’s offers Aboriginal student resources, scholarships links, and more.

Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services
Ryerson provides a culturally supportive environment to promote academic excellence and serves as a place to balance academic learning with traditional teachings and culture.

Seneca College Aboriginal Student Services
Seneca provides many services and direct support to Aboriginal students.

St. Clair College – Aboriginal Student Centre and Services (ACSC)
St. Clair College offers Aboriginal students a centre and services that provide a culturally based support system to its First Nation, Métis and Inuit student population.

Trent University – Indigenous Student Services
An Aboriginal counsellor/academic advisor and a cultural advisor are available to all Indigenous students at the university and to any student taking Indigenous Studies.

University of Guelph – Aboriginal Resource Centre
The Aboriginal Resource Centre provides a warm and caring environment - a home away from home - for all Aboriginal students and the community.

University of Ottawa Aboriginal Resource Centre
A student portal dedicated to Aboriginal-related resources and events inside and outside of the University of Ottawa.  This includes scholarships and bursaries, community links, and resources.

UOIT Aboriginal Resource Centre
A welcoming gathering place for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, the Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) will provide support throughout your post-secondary journey.

University of Toronto – First Nations House
First Nations House provides a number of culturally supportive student services and programs to Aboriginal students and the general university community.

University of Waterloo Aboriginal Centre
If you are in need of tutoring services, resources, assistance with academic planning, study skills etc., the Aboriginal Centre can help.

University of Western Ontario Indigenous Services
Indigenous Services offer counseling services and programs to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in an encouraging and supportive environment.

University of Windsor Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre
This Centre provides the support needed for students to achieve their academic goals and successes.

Wilfred Laurier University Aboriginal Student Support Services
Laurier offers a wide range of services designed to support academic success and engage cultural connections.

York University Aboriginal Services
York provides support, academic advice, counselling, advocacy and referrals to the Aboriginal student population.