As part of its mission, the CÉGEP Heritage College Indigenous Education Council established in 2011 is committed to the life-long learning of Indigenous peoples. To this end, the Council assumes collaborative responsibility for the continued support of initiatives to meet the needs of the Indigenous community in the College, aims to ensure that respect and honour of Indigenous identities and cultures are reflected in its policies, programs and procedures, strives to secure the essential elements of a teaching and learning environment, and seeks to gain external resources for ongoing and longer term programs and services.
The Indigenous Education Council was created to best serve the educational needs of the Indigenous students at CÉGEP Heritage College. The Council is comprised of representatives from the student body, Academic Services, Continuing Education, and Student Services at CÉGEP Heritage College and representatives from the Indigenous communities.
The intention of this partnership between our institution and Indigenous communitiesis to assist Aboriginal students in realizing their full educational potential in a milieu that supports aboriginal culture and traditions. This is accomplished by identifying and articulating priorities and services intended to support the admission, retention and graduation of Indigenous students.
Indigenous Education Council membership comprises a minimum of three officially-appointed representatives (one per Indigenous community), an elected representative of the Indigenous students currently attending the College, and two non-voting members appointed by the Director General from the College personnel.
At CÉGEP Heritage College Indigenous includes all First Nations, Status and Non Status Indians, Métis and Inuit.
Scholarships and awards programs are available to Indigenous students. Please contact us for more information.
The Indigenous Gathering Centre, located in Room E-113, provides Indigenous students with a culturally sensitive and welcoming climate. Students also have use of a small fridge, a microwave, whiteboards, books, computers, a projector and a printer.
A Guidance Counsellor is available to provide confidential personal and crisis counselling, as well as career planning. Whether you need to discuss your schedule, your living arrangements, your studies, or a personal matter, the advisor for Aboriginal students is available to talk to you. Please contact us.
CÉGEP Heritage College celebrates our Indigenous students every year by hosting a week committed to raising awareness about Indigenous histories, cultures and traditions. Indigenous Culture Awareness Week honours the many Indigenous cultures, including the Métis, the Inuit and First Nations. Daily activities feature Indigenous talent of all kinds including traditional dance and music, food, art, and quizzes. Also during this time, presenters from various Indigenous institutions and organizations are invited into the classroom to discuss subjects concerning Indigenous histories, cultures and traditions. Opening and Closing ceremonies are held, with a traditional smudging and Anishinabe prayer.
