The Quesnel Tillicum Society and Native Friendship Centre gave a $14,000 donation to the College of New Caledonia to support Indigenous students and Indigenous education.
The donation will create 12 $500 bursaries for each for student who needs help to cover costs of things like textbooks and tuition. There will be a hardship fund designed for students who are facing unexpected short-term hardships and another $4,000 to support Indigenous cultural understanding and enrichment at the Quesnel campus. This includes Indigenous Culture Week, monthly Elder on campus events, and Indigenous commemorative and awareness days.
“We’re excited to be working with CNC to make a true difference in the lives of Indigenous students and strengthen their employability,” said Kathy Canuel, Tillicum Society Employment Coordinator in a news release. “We know that financial stress and basic needs insecurity can be huge factors in students dropping out of college early, or not considering post-secondary education at all. This contribution provides holistic support to Quesnel students to help fund their studies, overcome unexpected obstacles, and celebrate Indigenous identity with local Nations.“
The first preference for the bursaries and hardship funds will be given to Indigenous students attending the college's Quesnel campus.
“I’m very excited to see this generous donation being targeted for Indigenous student success. These funds will not only remove barriers but offer more opportunities for Indigenous students to flourish during their studies and eventually into their respective careers", said Jessie King (Hadiksm Gaax), CNC's vice-president for Indigenization. “This partnership with Quesnel Tillicum Society is a great example of prioritizing the success of Indigenous learners at CNC.”
The college also supports Indigenous students and Indigenous education through an on-campus Aboriginal advisor and an Indigenous education plan.
