Royal Roads University

Indigenous Distance Education Conference

Deb Linehan

1

What are the financial opportunities and barriers that exist in relation to

Indigenous students accessing education through a distance model?

Non Government Resources

RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program 148 (1.6 million)http://www.rbc.com/careers/aboriginal_student_awards.html  

RBC awards 10 scholarships annually in two categories: For students majoring in disciplines related to the financial services

industry For students majoring in disciplines unrelated to the financial services

industry

Non Government Resources

RBC Aboriginal Summer Internship Program (ASIP) Aboriginal Stay in School (ASIS) Pursue your Potential (employment programs) Donations to support education and training programs

in First Nations communities/associations

Ministry of Advanced Education

British Columbia Scholarship Society http://www.ikbbc.ca/web/aboriginal Aboriginal Emergency Assistance Fund Aboriginal Learning Links Government Student Loans

Other Financial Sources

The Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool is a searchable list of 767 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada.

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1351185180120/1351685455328

Tribal councils and family

Barriers and opportunities

Cost of Tuition distance delivery is often comparable to the traditional face-to-

face approach

Financial Literacy

Work and Life Balance

Employees

“I chose RRU.  Distance education allowed me to work and continue my studies.  The challenge was trying to do both well.  In the end I left my very demanding job to complete my studies.  Thankfully I found a less demanding job.”

“I like my shorter work arrangement. I am able to fish to sustain my whole family”

“I need the time to participate in my traditional practices, attend potlach and other family gatherings”