Indigenous Students: Is college a good fit?

Boozhoo, shekoli, koola maalsi, tansi, wachay, taanishi, kwey, shekon, tungasugit, oki!

If you’re an Indigenous student about to graduate high school, you may not have had a chance to think about what comes next. Or maybe you graduated a while ago and now find yourself stuck in an unfulfilling career that doesn’t pay well. Dreams of a brighter future might be clouded by cultural barriers, financial constraints or systemic inequalities that so many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people face. College can be a powerful tool to overcome these obstacles, reach your goals and represent your community. Plus, there are some great resources for Indigenous students that you can use to help get you there.

Why go to college?

Image

Open Doors to Better Careers

If you’ve ever felt your career options are limited, college can help you change that with a wide variety of programs to help prepare you for a new career or grow your existing skillset. With a good career that’s the right fit, you can support yourself and give back to your community in a unique and fulfilling way.
Fanshawe has over 250 programs and many flexible learning options like online delivery or part-time learning so you can make your education work for you. Our programs will prepare you for the workforce with the experiential learning opportunities employers are seeking. In 2023, 89.7% of our graduates across Fanshawe were successful in finding employment within six months of graduation.

Expand Your Community

At college, you’ll extend your existing community, rather than replace it. You’ll be able to build relationships with other students, staff and faculty who come from all across Turtle Island. Whether they share similar backgrounds with you or if they’ve had different life experiences, the bonds you form in college can become lifelong friendships. You’ll not only gain the skills needed to support your family and community financially, but you’ll also get to know new people with varying knowledge and skillsets, learn about them and their culture and lean on your new friends for support, just as you’ve always done at home.

Image

Learn About Yourself

Even when you have deep connections to your community and a supportive family, the pressure of supporting and answering to so many people can be intense. Everyone might want to have their say in what you choose to do with your life, but your experience at college is about you. Whether you choose to study part-time, online or full-time with a term abroad, college gives you an opportunity to learn about yourself: what subjects do you like? Do you crave independence or prefer to be surrounded by friends and family? How do your opinions, thoughts and feelings differ from those around you? Get to know yourself on a personal level. You’ll also have opportunities to experience new places and cultures beyond Canada via international learning experiences, like a summer term abroad or international placements and co-ops. Exposure to diverse experiences like travelling and co-ops will provide you with even more chances to discover your passions. While it might seem strange, taking responsibility for your education and learning what works best for you is a great way to understand what you want from life, whether that means returning home with renewed determination to reach your goals or discovering new goals you want to work toward.

College is an option for Indigenous students

Despite all the benefits, getting a post-secondary education is expensive, and it can be intimidating to leave your home and family to pursue an education. But there are resources and options to help you get there and we’re here for you.

Financial support

While the cost of a post-secondary education can be intimidating, funding your education isn’t out of reach. You can get financial aid, scholarships and additional funding, from First Nations or Indigenous organization funding to scholarships and OSAP. Financial aid doesn’t just cover the cost of tuition–there is also funding available to help cover your cost of living and other expenses. Read our blog on accessing funding for Indigenous students and follow the steps there. Plus, we’re here to help!

Everything you need in one place

Image

From the moment you start considering your future to the day you cross the stage at graduation and beyond, the Institute of Indigenous Learning (IIL) is here for you. We work with our students to create a space that feels safe and comfortable for you. Here, our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students can ask any college questions that come to mind, get support accessing all of the college’s student services, make new friends and meet with old ones, eat a home-cooked meal and take a quiet break from the chaos of college life. We also organize events like the Indigenous Summer College Program, which helps you familiarize yourself with Fanshawe before you start classes in September, and weekly groups like our Beading Circle. With the benefit of both shared and diverse experiences, we strive to provide an understanding environment that feels like your home away from home.

Need help determining if college is right for you? Connect with our team at the Institute of Indigenous Learning!

Image