With a budget of 15 million, Laval University will shortly launch new training programs “adapted to Aboriginal realities”, with the objective of breaking down the obstacles to First Nations graduation. Speaking of a “good starting point”, two Innu students hope, however, that the rest of the university network will follow suit.
“Too often, when we choose our university studies, we have the impression that it is as if we are losing our culture, or at least, that we are moving away from it. Adapted programs can help us and motivate us to get there, ”says Yoan Jérôme, geography student from the Innu nation.
Student in graphic design, Kanessa Michel agrees. “It’s a start to educate mine, so that we can eventually have our own university, or at least make it look like a circular, non-hierarchical aboriginal structure.” The programs will educate our Aboriginals so that they can leave and do whatever they want. Too often, we have programs provided by the government or institutions imposed on us. We must be able to manage and start better in our own way, ”she argues.
The two students went through Kiuna, the first college study center devoted to the education of indigenous peoples since the closure of Manitou College. Université Laval does not hide the fact that it was inspired by the approach of this establishment, located on the Odanak reserve, in Center-du-Québec.
Kiuna made me solidify my identity and tell myself that I too am going to do something with my life, to have dreams and goals.
Kanessa Michel, graphic design student, on the college study center dedicated to the education of Indigenous peoples
Yoan Jérôme reminds us that more “traditional” baccalaureates are often inapplicable in an Aboriginal environment. “These are often colonial concepts that, unfortunately, cannot be applied there, in reserve. Having more specific programs will give our communities a real base. And it can also open the eyes of everyone in Quebec, [de] create links. It will not only be beneficial for the First Nations, ”he suggests.
Guardians of the territory
Thus, the “Guardians of the territory” program will soon be launched. It will offer “field training” to Aboriginals wishing to act for the protection and management of lands and resources within their communities. Almost $ 4 million will go to this program. Up to $ 800,000 will also be invested in the creation of an archeology microprogram for Aboriginal students. Others are also under development.
“We are going to add retreats in aboriginal communities, accompanied by elders and experts, to all of this. For us, this will be an opportunity to hear from young Aboriginals, to listen to them in order to best meet their needs, ”explains Université Laval rector Sophie D’Amours, in an interview with Press. She says she wants to “break down systemic barriers” by providing more support for language learning.
It will change the way aboriginal students will feel. For things to change, we must act. Studying, whether at an aboriginal university or an institution like ours, has to become a real possibility in people’s minds.
Sophie D’Amours, rector of Laval University
His group also plans to offer 10 postgraduate scholarships to Aboriginal doctoral students “interested in a career” as a university professor, as well as a support fund for the purchase of school materials. Partnerships are also on the table with the organization Entrepreneuriat Laval, to “promote the business culture” among Aboriginal students and “give them the chance to start a business while respecting their values,” says the rector.
It is the Mastercard Foundation which finances all of the 15 million paid to the higher education establishment. The company’s director of Canadian programs, Jennifer Brennan, says she wants to help young Aboriginals “reconnect with their land” through education.
Experience strewn with obstacles
Senator Michèle Audette, who was recently sworn in in the Innu language – a first for the Canadian Senate – also collaborated closely in the development of these new programs, as an advisor on reconciliation and Indigenous education for Laval University.
“I would sum it up in three words: gratitude, pride and emotion, because in my case my experience with post-secondary education has not been the easiest. It is mainly for reasons related to my generation, where there were many more obstacles, ditches, racism. I was not well all around, ”summarizes the experienced woman in an interview.
Speaking of a “shift” taking place, Mr.me Audette says the new study programs “will celebrate the courage of departing members. [les] communities or who continue their training virtually ”. “When I arrived at Laval University in 2019, yes, I had fears, fears, uncertainties, but I quickly saw humans who want to walk alongside us, who really want to do more and do better, ”she said.
“In my opinion, self-determination in education is one of the most powerful tools. Knowing that people like Kanessa and Yoan are going to be able to have what I didn’t have, that satisfies me. I think that we will support several nations, several communities, ”concludes the senator.