On Thursday November 28, Niagara College welcomed more than 150 Indigenous students from across the Niagara Region to the Welland campus to learn about post-secondary learning opportunities as part of the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program tour (APSIP).
The APSIP tour is a collective of recruitment representatives from colleges, universities and polytechnics in Ontario and Quebec that collaborate on and plan a 12-week post-secondary education tour for Indigenous learners.
Hoop Dancer, Ascension Harjo, performs at NC’s APSIP tour stop.
“Niagara College is proud to support Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Sandra Mandamin, Indigenous Education and Transition Coordinator. “The APSIP tour gives Indigenous learners the freedom to explore and connect with recruiters from various institutions to learn about program options and supports available to them.”
Students who attended Niagara College’s APSIP tour had the chance to connect with representatives from more than 30 colleges, universities, polytechnics and community organizations to learn about programs of study, student life, community supports and more.
“We were thrilled to welcome our Indigenous community partners to campus for the APSIP tour,” said Sheena Neuva-Maracle, Indigenous Education Student Mentor. “It’s important for students to know that supports for Indigenous students don’t start and stop on campus. Our community partners offer workshops, cultural teachings, learning opportunities, access to community and much more. Niagara College and the Niagara community is committed to supporting our Indigenous students beyond the classroom.”
Niagara College’s APSIP tour stop also incorporated celebrations of Indigenous culture including a traditional opening and closing offered by NC Indigenous Cultural Advisor Karl Dockstader and a performance by Ascension Harjo, a 19-year-old Hoop Dancer, who was named the Teen World Hoop Dance Champion in 2018.
“The goal of this recruitment event was for Indigenous students in Niagara to feel empowered to choose a post-secondary institution that is right for them,” said Mandamin. “Niagara College is committed to removing barriers for Indigenous students and will work with students to ensure they feel comfortable and supported during their time at NC.”
Students connected with representatives from more than 30 colleges, universities, polytechnics and community organizations at the APSIP tour.
Earlier this year, NC announced the creation of the Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship, a first-of-its-kind scholarship that will cover the costs of tuition and ancillary fees for eligible First Nations and Former Youth in Care students. The College also received a transformative grant of $500,000 from the Embark Student Foundation to support the educational experience for Indigenous Students at the College.
