Niagara College Canada

"Instead of forming a line,
we should form a circle.
The circle is stronger than the line.
We are alone in a line,
but we are together
when we form a circle."

Niagara College is firmly committed to developing new and better ways to meet the growing needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. We have a strong partnership with the Aboriginal community and understand First Nations culture and tradition. We respect Native teachings, learning, and ways of life.

As a result, Niagara College and the Aboriginal Communities have established the Aboriginal Education Management Circle (AEMC) which operates under the following mission:

The AEMC is committed to addressing the spectrum of components comprising Aboriginal Education, so that we may ensure that the seven generations hereafter, of our People, will have Aboriginal culturally appropriate and controlled education available to them in true partnership with Niagara College.

Further, the Circle is committed to ensuring that all of the educational needs of the Aboriginal people in this land are met, thereby ensuring our sovereignty as Aboriginal People.

Given this, the establishment of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Services Office was developed to include the resources outlined in this brochure for all Aboriginal students and anyone wishing to learn more about Native culture and heritage.

Niagara College - dedicated to enhancing Native student success!

The College offers a wide range of programs and services specific to Native students and communities. For detailed information on programs and other services, please refer to the Niagara College Career Guide, available from school guidance counsellors, libraries, or directly from the College.

Native students have a voice at Niagara College - our goal is empowerment.

We encourage everyone to make use of the resources available, and to assist us in on-going development with your comments and suggestions.

Services Available:
For First Nations, Inuit and Metis students.

• computer lab specifically for Aboriginal students' use, with Internet access
• Native designated bursaries available
• library of Native resource materials (including periodicals, manuals and videos)
• satellite campuses
• provision of guidance, advice and support to new and existing students and those interested in entering our college community
• study area / lounge area
• on-going development of new courses, programs, and services, for Native and non-Native students alike
• student advocacy (i.e. college structures, policies, procedures, faculty relationships)
• post-secondary programs with Native designations
• articulated programs with Native organizations in various locations
  (i.e., Six Nations Polytechnic, Wadesk and local area Friendship Centres)
• food bank available to students in need

Please feel welcome to call or come in and see us!

Aboriginal Reference Links:

• Aboriginal Canada Portal
  www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
  www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
• The Métis National Council
  www.metisnation.ca
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
  www.itk.ca
• The Assembly of First Nations
  www.afn.ca

For more information, please contact the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Services Office:

Welland Campus
300 Woodlawn Road - (Simcoe Building - Room S103)
Welland, Ontario L3C 7L3

Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus
135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake (West Wing - Room W103)
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0

Arlene Bannister, Office Administrator/Program Liason
Welland Campus
Phone: 905-735-2211 / 905-641-2252 / 905-374-7454 / 905-563-3254 (Ext. 7414)
Fax: 905-736-6013
Email: abannister@niagaracollege.ca

Karen Piccirillo, Student Advisor
Phone: 905-735-2211 / 905-641-2252 / 905-374-7454 / 905-563-3254 (Ext. 7774 & 4214)
Fax: 905-736-6013
Email: kpiccirillo@niagaracollege.ca

Michelle A. Davis, Counsellor
Phone: 905-735-2211 / 905-641-2252 / 905-374-7454 / 905-563-3254 (Ext. 7496 & 4214)
Fax: 905-736-6013
Email: mdavis@niagaracollege.ca