Community and Inclusion: Key to Indigenous Students’ Success
Over the last ten years, the number of Indigenous students enrolling in and graduating from post-secondary institutions in Canada has increased. This is due to the efforts of schools, organizations, businesses, and the government to promote reconciliation.
However, a new issue has emerged: a report by the Assembly of First Nations indicates that most Indigenous students choose to study trades, resulting in under-representation in fields such as business and STEM. A non-profit organization based in Edmonton, AB, called New Buffalo Education Circle, was founded in 2021 to address this issue. The organization is establishing student-led chapters at post-secondary institutions to support Indigenous students in their chosen fields of study.
“The idea is to provide a sense of community with like-minded individuals . . . to bring them together and give them that feeling of community, that they’re doing this together,” explained Joshua Letendre, the organization’s first executive director.
Letendre, a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, recalled his own experience studying business at the post-secondary level.
“When I did my undergrad, they had a great Indigenous space for people to come together, but they didn’t have anything specific to business. I graduated not knowing of any other Indigenous business students,” he said.
In September, the new non-profit organization, New Buffalo, will begin operations at three post-secondary institutions in the Edmonton area, with chapters established for business and STEM students. The organization plans to expand its reach across Alberta and into other provinces in the future.
Enbridge provided the initial funding for New Buffalo’s mission through a Fueling Futures grant of $50,000 over two years. This grant supports the organization’s efforts to improve lives and communities through education.
Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) outlines the company’s commitment to reconciliation through six focus areas, developed in collaboration with Indigenous individuals and groups. New Buffalo’s work aligns with the IRAP focus area on employment and education, which aims to develop the skills of Indigenous people at all levels.
In the near future, graduates from New Buffalo chapters will complete the circle by launching their careers in the energy industry, strengthening the field and potentially choosing Enbridge as their employer. Enbridge looks forward to welcoming these graduates.
New Buffalo acknowledges that attracting students to underrepresented fields will take time. The organization plans to expand its programming into elementary and high schools to engage with young students and introduce them to business and STEM education before they decide on their field of study.
“How do we get more Indigenous people in the business community? By providing a pathway,” said Letendre. “We want to make sure we have a really good relationship with the communities, so students feel that they can come to us, ask us for support, and we can help them pursue post-secondary and higher education.”
Fostering a sense of community and inclusion among Indigenous students is crucial for their personal success.
“We want to move the needle for Indigenous people and Indigenous communities, and the response is education,” said Letendre.
To get in touch support or donate to the New Buffalo Education Circle, click [here]mail:donate%20here .
However, a new issue has emerged: a report by the Assembly of First Nations indicates that most Indigenous students choose to study trades, resulting in under-representation in fields such as business and STEM. A non-profit organization based in Edmonton, AB, called New Buffalo Education Circle, was founded in 2021 to address this issue. The organization is establishing student-led chapters at post-secondary institutions to support Indigenous students in their chosen fields of study.
“The idea is to provide a sense of community with like-minded individuals . . . to bring them together and give them that feeling of community, that they’re doing this together,” explained Joshua Letendre, the organization’s first executive director.
Letendre, a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, recalled his own experience studying business at the post-secondary level.
“When I did my undergrad, they had a great Indigenous space for people to come together, but they didn’t have anything specific to business. I graduated not knowing of any other Indigenous business students,” he said.
In September, the new non-profit organization, New Buffalo, will begin operations at three post-secondary institutions in the Edmonton area, with chapters established for business and STEM students. The organization plans to expand its reach across Alberta and into other provinces in the future.
Enbridge provided the initial funding for New Buffalo’s mission through a Fueling Futures grant of $50,000 over two years. This grant supports the organization’s efforts to improve lives and communities through education.
Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) outlines the company’s commitment to reconciliation through six focus areas, developed in collaboration with Indigenous individuals and groups. New Buffalo’s work aligns with the IRAP focus area on employment and education, which aims to develop the skills of Indigenous people at all levels.
In the near future, graduates from New Buffalo chapters will complete the circle by launching their careers in the energy industry, strengthening the field and potentially choosing Enbridge as their employer. Enbridge looks forward to welcoming these graduates.
New Buffalo acknowledges that attracting students to underrepresented fields will take time. The organization plans to expand its programming into elementary and high schools to engage with young students and introduce them to business and STEM education before they decide on their field of study.
“How do we get more Indigenous people in the business community? By providing a pathway,” said Letendre. “We want to make sure we have a really good relationship with the communities, so students feel that they can come to us, ask us for support, and we can help them pursue post-secondary and higher education.”
Fostering a sense of community and inclusion among Indigenous students is crucial for their personal success.
“We want to move the needle for Indigenous people and Indigenous communities, and the response is education,” said Letendre.
To get in touch support or donate to the New Buffalo Education Circle, click [here]mail:donate%20here .
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