York University has received $57,850 in funding under the 2007-2008 Access to Opportunities Strategy – Aboriginal Initiatives.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities made available $3.75 million for one-time funding to Ontario colleges and universities to support initiatives in counselling and support services for Aboriginal students. The programs funded include academic support, access and bridging programs, and targeted programming in Aboriginal health, human resources & teacher education.
"The funds will greatly enhance the programs and resources for the Aboriginal student population on campus," said Randy Pitawanakwat (right), coordinator, Aboriginal Student Community, Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development. "This will also allow the opportunity to provide direct promotional and recruitment activities to First Nation communities and Aboriginal organizations."
The Office of Aboriginal Student Community and the York Aboriginal Council submitted a proposal in December and received approval in March for the funding, which involves the following projects:
- Visiting Elders and Indigenous Speaker Series Program – $10,500
- Office Equipment for Aboriginal Resource Centre – $10,350
- Promotion, Recruitment and Outreach – $37,000
These projects will be implemented through the Office of Aboriginal Student Community, a unit of the Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development.