CIBC kâspohtamâtotân
Aboriginal Mentorship Program
The CIBC kâspohtamâtotân Aboriginal Mentorship Program was
established to connect Aboriginal students attending the U
of R with Aboriginal students at the secondary school level.
The primary function is to:
- Support a successful transition to university life
while aiding with retention;
- Act as an important bridge on campus between students
of all traditions;
- Foster an inclusive learning environment; and
- Cultivate an understanding of Aboriginal cultures while
providing a positive student life experience.
|
The CIBC kâspohtamâtotân Mentorship Program
also aims to help increase Aboriginal student enrolment at
the U of R by creating relationships between elementary and
high school students and their University counterparts by:
- Promoting higher learning while increasing awareness
of opportunities and services available on campus;
- Improving retention at the elementary and high school
levels;
- Acting as a primary source of information on higher
education for many students who are the first generation
in their families to attend university; and
- Providing pre-admission counselling.
|
Recruitment for participation is on-going, and the commitment
is generally ten to fifteen hours spanning one semester for
mentors. If you are interested in this community involvement
initiative, then contact the Program Coordinator at 337-3203,
email AboriginalStudentCentre@uregina.ca, or use our "Contact
Us" Form.
Cultural And Traditional
Awareness Program
The Cultural and Traditional Awareness program is a key element
in providing a positive learning experience. The awareness
initiatives within this program area will enable students,
staff, and faculty an opportunity to learn more about First
Nations cultures, practices, and spirituality. The ASC Cultural/Traditional
Advisors are instrumental in the conceptualization and development
of the cultural and traditional awareness initiatives implemented
at the ASC.
Our Cultural and Traditional Advisors encourage anyone who
is interested in learning more about First Nations cultures
to stop by the ASC.
Rediscovering the Path
The ASC hosts a monthly seminar that invites
Traditional and Cultural Advisors to share their knowledge,
expertise, and perspectives for the purpose of education, lifelong
learning, and community engagement. Rediscovering the Path
(RTP) is an initiative that showcases the mixture of customs
and practices from neighbouring communities and First Nations
of Saskatchewan.
RTP is an exceptionally popular awareness seminar,
so if you are interested in listening to a story, or two, then
come by the ASC early to ensure that some soup, bannock, and
a seat is available for you.
Tipi Raising
Competition
In partnership with the First Nations University of Canada,
the ASC piloted what will be an annual Tipi Raising Competition
for cash prizes. The Tipi Raising Competition is held to provide
awareness of First Nations cultures, the significance of the
Tipi to First Nations people, knowledge of the Tipi symbolism
within the concepts of community and kinship, and bragging
rights for one lucky team!
In 2008, there were 30 that teams competed; who were comrepresented
by various elementary schools, high schools, government, and
business organizations. Based on the community support for
this competition, the ASC will continue with the planning of
the second annual event which is slated to take place in September,
2009. Stay tuned for more information on this initiative.
Cultural Crafts
The ASC is currently piloting a craft-making workshop. The
initiative, offered on a weekly basis, is open to anyone wanting
to learn some craft-making skills or offer experience in a
facilitating role. Participants of the workshop can have any
level of experience; however, those who are advanced are asked
to share their knowledge. The workshops offer a variety of
crafts to be made such as:
- Embroidery
- Beadwork
- Mini Tipi
- Dream-catchers
- Shields
|
As the facilitators become more diversified, so will the workshop
options. Anyone interested in facilitating a future workshop,
please contact the ASC Program Coordinator at 337-3203, email AboriginalStudentCentre@uregina.ca,
or or use our "Contact Us" Form.
Outreach Program
The Outreach Program has been shaped to enhance and complement
Aboriginal student recruitment and role-modeling strategies.
The ASC recognizes the importance of "planting the seed" for
higher education, and anticipates that much of its programming
will be expanded in the way of outreach.
National Aboriginal
Leadership Seminar
The ASC piloted a National Aboriginal Leadership Seminar on June 5, 2008, which
showcased the leadership styles of Aboriginal role models who
have been profiled at the local, provincial and national levels.
The motivation to create the event stemmed from an idea to
explore the role of Aboriginal leadership through the lens
of various levels of society. The discussion topics for the
seminar addressed two questions:
- What steps are being made to improve Aboriginal leadership?
- How has Aboriginal leadership evolved through history?
2008 line-up included:
- Keith Goulet
- Sharon LaFlamme
- Lisa Meeches
- Dr. Blair Stonechild
- Dr. Jaqueline Ottman
- Keith Martell
- Perry Bellgarde
|
Our second NALS will be held on April 27, 2010
click to view poster
.
Stepping Stones Career
Fair
The ASC is actively supportive of the annual career gathering
for Aboriginal youth. Stepping Stones is an innovative way
to expand networking, partnerships, and community engagement
opportunities while fostering an appreciation among Aboriginal
youth of career possibilities. The annual event has a ten-year
legacy and an established reputation for promoting higher education
for Aboriginal youth.
The next Career Fair will be held on May 12, 2010
click to view poster
Education Information Days
To better engage Aboriginal secondary students, the Aboriginal Student Centre staff and ambassadors have developed information days to provide information and support for prospective students.
The focus of Information Sessions is to provide, inform, and support our Aboriginal youth in making a successful transition to post-secondary. We use Information Sessions to provide a very realistic view of life is post-secondary education. Students who have recently attended Information Sessions have received valuable insight and direction from our student body who attend and present as well. We begin Information Sessions with the "how to Register and Enroll" presentation, then present an education path from the Faculty of Arts, and Aboriginal Student Services, then finish with Student Perspectives.
Student Success
Program
The ASC is familiar with the many pitfalls, hurdles and obstacles
of University life. The Student Success Program has been created
to enhance and support Aboriginal student achievement by communicating
the opportunities available within, and beyond, the University
for Aboriginal students.
Personal, Professional,
and Academic Development Seminars
In partnership with the Student Development Centre and Counselling
Services, bi-weekly seminars are offered at the ASC on various
topics that focus on academic, personal and professional development.
Seminar topics include:
- Preparing a Resume and Job Searching;
- Job Interview Skills;
- Career Exploration, Decision & Re-decision;
- Creating a Portfolio;
- Stress Management;
- Assertiveness;
- Note-taking and Reading;
- Final Exams;
- Procrastination;
- Memory Techniques;
- Time Management;
- Presentations; and
- Group Projects.
|
The ASC welcomes and encourages all students to attend the
seminars.
UR Voice Luncheon
On behalf of the U of R, the ASC hosts a monthly luncheon
session which allows the opportunity for students to learn
about the various types of programs, services, student clubs
and activities available within the Faculties and Federated
Colleges. This is your chance to:
- Meet Aboriginal students from across campus;
- Network with campus staff and faculty;
- Have a voice; and
- Give input to enhance your educational opportunities.
|
First Year Orientation - The "101"
The ASC offers a comprehensive two-day orientation for registered
first-year U of R Aboriginal students. With this initiative,
students are invited to spend a night in campus residence and
a day attending various seminars facilitated by experienced
Aboriginal students. Topics for The "101" include:
- Time Management 101
- Note Taking 101
- Classroom Expectations 101
- Personal Development 101
- Study Preparation 101
- Budgeting 101
- Student Support 101
- Student Awards 101
|
