This is a screen grab of what users of the Aboriginal Education Resources Online site will see. To go to the site located within the TRU pages, click this graphic, or go to www.tru.ca/aero.
The following is submitted by Aboriginal Education
A new website www.tru.ca/aero has been launched to support Aboriginal Education at Thompson Rivers University. This site, tru.ca/areo, holds a collection of literature, documents, photos, videos and web links meant to support students throughout their educational experience and to support faculty in their teaching or research endeavours. It is also a place where members of the university and Secwepemc communities can learn more about each other, promoting mutually productive and meaningful partnerships.
Among the valuable links you’ll find at www.tru.ca/aero
Programs, Courses, University Prep
Important dates, deadlines, through the academic year
Bursaries, Scholarship, Funding
Library Resources
Elder in the House Program
TRU campuses lie within the territories of the Secwepmec Tk’emlups (Kamloops) First Nation, the T’exelcemc (William’s Lake) First Nation, and the Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nation. Given its location, the majority of Aboriginal students come to TRU from Secwepmec communities. However, many students come from other B.C. Nations, including the Carrier, Okanagan, Nuxalk, and Nlaka’pamux. Students of Métis and Inuit ancestry also attend the university. Together, TRU campuses have one of the largest Aboriginal student populations in B.C. post-secondary institutions with approximately 1500 students who represent 10% of the TRU student population.
For several years, government and educational leaders have recognized Aboriginal education as a priority. In 2008, the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education outlined their commitment to Aboriginal education in the Learn Canada 2020 document. This national, provincial and territorial commitment was reaffirmed in February, 2011. Similarly, one of seven distinct goals in the TRU Strategic Plan 2007-2012 represents a commitment to establish TRU as the University of Choice for Aboriginal Students.
Since 2002, educators and researchers have identified three areas as key factors that contribute to the success of Aboriginal learners. These areas include
- Access to holistic and relevant student support
- Support for appropriate and comprehensive teacher development
- The cultivation of close community relationships
This website offers a database of educational resources for teaching and learning and professional and community development all of which address these three key factors. The aim is to promote teaching and learning strategies, research processes and relationships, and a positive environment that support aboriginal learners and strengthens partnerships with Aboriginal communities. Although the resources focus on communities of the Secwepemc nations, resources also address the needs of other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
The launch of the website represents three years of development and the completion of Phase I. With continued development, feedback, and evaluation, we hope to strengthen the involvement of many Aboriginal communities, offer additional resources, and increase the interactive capacity of the website. We hope visitors to the website find the resources useful in promoting success for Aboriginal students.
Among the valuable links you’ll find at www.tru.ca/aero
Programs, Courses, University Prep
Important dates, deadlines, through the academic year
Bursaries, Scholarship, Funding
Library Resources
Elder in the House Program
More information:
Dr. Nathan Matthew, Director Aboriginal Education
1-250-828-5227
or
Vicki Holmes RN MScN, Lecturer, School of Nursing,
1-250-371-5537
