Aboriginal student enrolment on the rise

Posted: October 15, 2014 2:05 p.m.

The one-year increase in Aboriginal student numbers since the Fall 2013 semester is just under 6 per cent, rising to 1,574 undergraduate and graduate Aboriginal students in total. Photo: U of R Photography

Registration statistics released this month show an increase of nearly 50 per cent in self-declared Aboriginal students over a five-year period. This brings total Aboriginal enrolment to more than 11 per cent of the total student body, a record high for the University.

The one-year increase in Aboriginal student numbers since the Fall 2013 semester is just under 6 per cent, rising to 1,574 undergraduate and graduate Aboriginal students in total.  

“The University of Regina has focused on implementing important initiatives to support the success of our Aboriginal students, faculty and staff on campus, and to ensure that First Nations and Métis cultures are reflected in our academic programming and services,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons.

In recent years, the University has expanded its Aboriginal Student Centre to provide a culturally appropriate studying and gathering place for students, and has implemented orientation and mentoring programs designed specifically to meet the needs of Aboriginal students. It has also established an Aboriginal Advisory Circle to regularly advise the President on measures that must be taken to ensure that the campus remains dedicated to and focused on meeting the needs of Aboriginal students, faculty, and staff.

As such, President Timmons also takes part in an annual Community Connections Tour which provides opportunities for University of Regina leaders to listen and learn about First Nations and Métis needs from school administrators, students, and community leaders. This fall President Timmons visited Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Pinehouse, Prince Albert, and Stanley Mission.