Aboriginal Students Health Sciences

About the Aboriginal Students Health Sciences Office

The Aboriginal Students Health Sciences is designed to address three broad areas of need.

Increased student preparedness, entry and completion of health sciences programs.
Ongoing identification and work to remove barriers to success within the university including increasing awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health issues among the faculty and student body.
Improved relationships between the university and local Aboriginal communities.

This mandate is fulfilled through a variety of activities including:

Providing student career counselling and assistance with the admissions and application processes;
Working closely with health sciences programs to strategize ways for overcoming barriers and improving preparedness and access for students;
Acting as an advocate and champion for First Nations, Inuit and Métis student priorities;
Linking with local Aboriginal communities and organizations for consultation, outreach and recruitment; and,
Creating an inclusionary environment for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students within the university which includes infusion of First Nations, Inuit and Métis specific content into all health sciences program curriculum.

To promote University enrolment and success of Aboriginal students in order to close the existing gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners in postsecondary education.
To support Aboriginal students in their academic achievements through mentoring and providing them with a culturally meaningful education.
To promote a culturally safe learning environment for Aboriginal students across campus.
To increase awareness of Aboriginal issues at the University level.
To serve and respond to the social, cultural, and economic needs of Aboriginal learners and Aboriginal communities.
To enhance Aboriginal governance within the University.
To recruit and assist Aboriginal students in University access and success.
To engage with Aboriginal secondary students to assist in the transition between high school and the university environment.
To increase and enhance Aboriginal students services on campus.
To expand and further support the Elder-in-residence program and Aboriginal Mentor Program.
To increase and promote Aboriginal faculty within the health sciences.
To work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities in the development of Aboriginal programs, curriculum, and services.
To increase awareness of Aboriginal cultures and issues among University faculty and staff in order to increase cultural competency and safety university wide.