Summer Aboriginal Students Transition Program – NEW MHIF

This is a partnership pilot project for an on-campus summer orientation program to help Aboriginal students transition to postsecondary education. Biishkaa (Ojibway for “rise up”) will take place during the three weeks before the start of the university and college semester. First year Aboriginal students from Trent University and Fleming College will have the opportunity to create mutually supportive bonds. The program will support a full time staff member to coordinate the program and 20 upper year student mentors to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the school year. The program will be grounded in indigenous knowledge and experiential learning and focus on skills-building, individual success planning, campus orienteering and traditional teachings.